Bentley will take its first step towards electrification in 2018 with a plug-in hybrid version of its Bentayga, and our spy photographers have snapped the electrified luxury off-roader undergoing assessment by engineers.
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Lining up alongside the 600bhp petrol powered 6.0-litre W12 model and the newer V8 diesel, it’ll add a third powertrain choice to the Bentayga’s line-up, and fire the starting pistol on Bentley’s electrification strategy. Eventually, it will donate its powertrain to the Mulsanne, Flying Spur and the next-generation Continental GT.
While on the surface the car spied here looks just like any other Bentayga, one small design detail marks it out as a hybrid model – the additional fuel cap on the left rear wing most likely hides a charging socket.
A DVLA search of the licence plate spells things out clearly though – it’s registered as a hybrid electric, using an engine 2,995cc in displacement.
As such, the Bentayga hybrid here is likely running the same six-cylinder powertrain found in the Porsche Cayenne S E-Hybrid. However, given a brand new version of Porsche’s flagship SUV is just around the corner, it’ll be a mildly revised hybrid system and petrol engine, while unique specification and power for Bentley’s Bentayga cannot be ruled out.
Should a brand like Bentley step towards hybridisation? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.