Throughout my first drive of the V8-powered Bentayga EWB, I discovered myself questioning what’s subsequent for the plug-in hybrid variant of Bentley’s luxurious SUV. I needn’t surprise extra after this morning’s announcement of recent Bentayga S Hybrid and Azure Hybrid fashions becoming a member of the lineup.
Bentayga S Hybrid
A brand new 18-kilowatt-hour battery (barely bigger than the 17.3-kWh unit in the usual Bentayga Hybrid) sits on the heart of the S Hybrid’s efficiency beneficial properties. With a bigger reserve to attract from, the electrical motor has been boosted to 100 kilowatts (up from 94 kW) or about 134 horsepower. Mixed with the three.0-liter turbocharged V6, the Bentayga S Hybrid outputs a complete of 456 hp — 13 ponies greater than the bottom Hybrid.
The S Hybrid will dash from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 5.3 seconds, practically similar to the non-S spec, which kind of is sensible given the modest hp bump and certain heavier battery. Hybrid prime pace can be unchanged at 158 mph and — although Bentley’s launch would not specify — it is most likely a secure wager that the EV mode’s prime pace of 84 mph additionally persists.
With a lighter proper foot, the larger battery ought to yield improved EV vary. Bentley is concentrating on 27 miles of silent working on a full cost earlier than the combustion engine steps in to increase the S Hybrid’s vary. Acceleration must also really feel extra responsive in EV mode because of the electrical motor making about 15% extra torque (295 pound-feet).
Just like the Bentayga S V8, the S Hybrid receives a complement of dealing with upgrades, together with a 15% enhance in damper stiffness in Sport mode and a retune of its stability management to permit a bit extra dynamic enjoyable earlier than the digital nannies step in. There’s even a sports activities exhaust that provides a little bit of auditory engagement at pace and will be adjusted to create completely different results for entrance and rear seat passengers.
Visually, the S Hybrid distinguishes itself with Blackline exterior trim, distinctive 22-inch wheels, a rear spoiler and entrance bumper impressed by the Bentayga Velocity and red-painted brake calipers. Inside, efficiency dials grace the digital instrument cluster and “S” emblems will be discovered all through the cabin.
Bentayga Azure Hybrid
On the reverse finish of the comfort-performance spectrum is the Bentayga Azure Hybrid. This extra luxurious, wellness-focused spec matches most of the new creature comforts that debuted on the Bentayga EWB Azure with the plug-in hybrid powertrain. The Azure Hybrid additionally options the brand new, bigger 18-kWh battery and will boast the identical 27-mile EV vary.
The usual Bentayga Hybrid is already quiet, particularly in EV mode, however the Azure steps up with enhancements to lively and passive sound cancellation that reduces cabin noise by as much as 26% relying on the frequency and seating place. The Azure mannequin additionally encompasses a smoother, extra supple experience with suspension {hardware} tuning that is mentioned to cross 27% much less vibration and harshness to passengers than its opponents.
Grade-specific consolation entrance seats function 22-way adjustment and heating and air flow. Bentley has additionally dug deep into the science of what it calls “wellbeing behind the wheel,” utilizing the findings of neuroscience research when designing the Azure Hybrid’s cabin. To make an extended story brief, passengers are handled to a lot nicer supplies, patterns and colours than the already luxurious commonplace Bentayga and it makes them really feel good. From the diamond quilted leather-based upholstery with 15 conceal colours to select from to the myriad wooden veneer choices together with three new open pore selections, distinction stitching and temper lighting, the Azure Hybrid guarantees to be a feast for the senses.
In line with Bentley’s scientists, luxurious cabins make individuals really feel much less stress. Who’d have thought?!
Bentley Motors
Additional enhancing wellness by security is the Touring Specification, which incorporates driver help options akin to adaptive cruise management, lane maintaining help and low-speed (beneath 37 mph) enhanced site visitors jam steering help.
Accessible to order
The Bentayga S Hybrid or the Azure Hybrid can be found to order now in most markets. Pricing hasn’t been introduced for both spec, however each are certain to be dearer than the usual Bentayga Hybrid’s six-figure base worth. With bespoke luxurious autos akin to these, worth can range wildly relying on paint, upholstery, bells and whistles. The producer instructed retail worth is really only a suggestion at this stage.
With the arrival of the Bentayga S Hybrid and Azure Hybrid, Bentley strikes nearer in the direction of its aim of providing hybrid powertrains for each mannequin in its lineup by 2025. 2025 can be after we can anticipate the primary battery-electric Bentley mannequin to reach, kicking off the British automaker’s transition to a completely electrical lineup by 2030.
