CREWE, England: The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine, and will be available to order in selected markets from the second half of 2018.
It offers an electric-only range of over 31 miles (50 km) in the NEDC cycle.
A full charge of the battery from a domestic household socket will take 7.5 hours.
However, customers with an industrial connection installed at home can reduce the charge time to just 2.5 hours.
To maximise fuel efficiency, the vehicle uses satellite navigation information to calculate the best usage of electric motor and engine for every journey.
Inputting a destination into the navigation system will command the car to automatically engage the correct E Mode for each part of the journey, constantly calculating the most efficient use of battery charge and storing electrical energy for sections of the journey where it is most useful – such as when arriving in the city.
The system will reduce on-board charge to zero just as the vehicle reaches its destination, maximising overall efficiency.
The Bentayga Hybrid offers sure-footed permanent four-wheel drive and four on-road modes – Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom.
The Automatic Start-Stop switch is replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode.
These will enable the driver to manage battery usage during a journey.
The traditional tachometer that displays engine speed 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.
A number of Hybrid-specific functions will also be introduced to the latest Connected Car ‘MyBentley3’ services, including Remote Battery Charging, Remote Heating & Cooling, and Vehicle Status Report, operated via a smartphone app.
Other unique features include Charging Station Finder, where the app will list nearby or relevant charging stations (based on your search criteria), and give you the option to set them as destinations on the car navigation system; and My Cabin Comfort which allows you to set the car to heat (or cool) itself so that the cabin is at the optimum temperature when the door is opened.
Timeless Bentley by Starck Power Dock
Bentley has collaborated with renowned designer, Philippe Starck, to create a concept for a recharging unit – the Power Dock.
The stylish surround is formed from pressed eco-linen with bio-sourced thermosetting resin, while the domed frontage is fashioned using a hot-pressure aluminium casting.
The Power Dock is designed to keep charging cables neat and safe at home.
Starck’s elegant creation will hopefully encourage Bentayga Hybrid customers to plug-in whenever they are at home, thus ensuring each journey begins with the maximum electric-only range.
HyperFocal: 0
Keyword: Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: 50km electric mode, 3.0-litre V6 turbo petrol