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2018 Geneva Motor Show: Bentley Bentayga adds plug-in power

Bentley’s first hybrid model also introduces the smallest engine to the luxury car – and SUV – maker’s line-up

06 Mar 2018 9:02 AM

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BENTLEY has unveiled its first-ever hybrid vehicle, choosing its first-ever SUV – the Bentayga – to carry the battery-powered honours.

It’s also a significant step down for a company that once prided itself on the six-and-three-quarter litre displacement. Instead, the Bentayga Hybrid will use a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 – the smallest engine to ever grace the Flying B – paired with an electric motor.

Two bespoke bags that live in the boot space carry the cables needed to plug the hybrid Bentayga into a wall socket or rapid charger.

Bentley’s fuel-saving engine stop-start switch is replaced with a control for three driving modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. On the dash, the tachometer is replaced with a dial showing when the car is operating in pure EV Drive, or engine speed if the combustion engine is operating. A battery status dial replaces the coolant temperature gauge.