Bentley to launch hybrid in Beijing

Bentley Motors will launch its Hybrid Concept at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition on Sunday, 20 April.

The hybrid will act as a technology showcase that previews Bentley’s first plug-in hybrid model, set to be a dedicated version of the all-new sports utility vehicle (SUV) available in 2017.

As the first luxury brand to present a plug-in hybrid, Bentley claims to lead the way in bringing new powertrain choice to the luxury automotive sector.

According to Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, “We will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range. By the end of the decade, 90 per cent of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector.”

The plug-in hybrid system will offer a 25 per cent power increase together with a 70 per cent reduction in CO₂ emissions. The company claims it will do this without any compromise to the “exquisite luxury, timeless design and industry-leading refinement” for which Bentley has become renowned.

Bentley hybrids will also be capable of driving at least 50km on electric power alone, allowing for emissions-free city driving with the option of enhanced performance on the open road.

The Bentley Hybrid Concept is based on the flagship model in the Bentley family, the Mulsanne, to show that hybrid technology enhances even the pinnacle of luxury and performance. Copper is used as an exterior and interior styling element to highlight the car’s electrical veins, including copper details to the headlamps, radiator shell bezel, brake calipers, feature line details and badges.

Copper accents continue in the cabin, with inserts to the hand-crafted veneers fascias, switch bezels and instruments. Copper cross‑stitching to the Mulliner Driving Specification diamond-quilted interior provides the finishing flourish.

The Bentley Hybrid Concept will be joined in Beijing on 20 April by three other members of the road-car family: the new Flying Spur V8; the new and enhanced 206 mph (331 km/h) Continental GT Speed – the fastest production Bentley ever; and the new Continental GT V8 S.                                              ∎