Bentley has introduced two new variants of the Bentayga plug-in hybrid (PHEV) as part of an update, and given it more power, torque, and electric range.
According to the British luxury carmaker, ordering for the updated Bentayga Hybrid is now open in “most markets”.
UPDATE, 03/10/2022 – A Bentley Australia spokesperson has confirmed that Australian customers can now enquire about the updated Bentayga Hybrid at their preferred dealer now, with the first customer cars arriving in the third quarter of 2023.
The core of this update is the new 18.0kWh lithium-ion battery pack that’s 0.7kWh larger than the pre-update model. Claimed all-electric range is 43km according to WLTP testing; 3km more than the pre-update model.
The updated Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is still powered by a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, but is mated to a more-powerful 100kW/400Nm electric motor generator.
Total system output is 340kW, which is 10kW more than the pre-update model. A torque figure hasn’t been detailed as of yet, but the pre-update model produced 700Nm.
Bentley claims the updated Bentayga Hybrid can do the 0-100km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than before, and has a top speed of 254km/h.
The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid was originally only available in a single trim level, but has now been expanded to include S and Azure trims in keeping with the petrol V8 range.
Bentayga S Hybrid 
The Bentayga S Hybrid features a new system said to complement the sound of the V6 petrol engine when in sport mode.
Outside, the Bentayga S Hybrid retains the 22-inch wheels, black side sills and door mirrors, black radiator grille, tinted headlights and tail lights, black split-oval exhaust tips, and “Speed-style” front bumper and tailgate spoiler from the V8 S.
Inside, there are “performance” dials in the digital instrument cluster inspired by the Bentayga Speed, but have a PHEV power meter within the rev counter.
The Bentayga Azure Hybrid on the other hand is said to distinguish itself as a quieter and more refined offering.
Bentayga Azure Hybrid 
It features the so-called Front Seat Comfort Specification, which offers up to 22 ways of adjustability, as well as heating and ventilation.
The interior of the Azure comes with diamond-quilted upholstery that’s available in 15 different hide colours and colour splits, with contrast stitching as standard and seat piping as a no-cost option.
There are also three open-pore veneers — Dark Walnut, Crown-Cut Walnut and Koa — available as an alternative to the high-gloss veneers.
Other notable interior features include illuminated tread plates, Azure seat embroidery, Bentley ‘B’ foot pedals, ambient lighting, and a duo-tone steering with heating.
On the outside the Bentayga Azure Hybrid has chrome lower bumper grilles, 22-inch ten-spoke wheels, and a Bentley ‘jewel’ fuel-filler cap.
With the addition of these two new Bentayga PHEV models, half of Bentley’s line-up is now available with a hybrid powertrain.
As previously reported, Bentley plans to offer only PHEV and electric vehicles by 2026, as it gears up to go all-electric by 2030.
The British automaker has also previously pledged to reveal its first electric vehicle (EV) in 2025 and bring it to market in 2026.
Overseas reports indicate the first EV will be an SUV, potentially a version of the next Bentayga or perhaps an all-new nameplate.
It could even be built on the PPE platform which is planned to underpin the Porsche Macan EV, Audi Q6 e-tron, and the Audi A6 e-tron.
