Bentley has confirmed that its new SUV will be the first model from the company to be offered with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain.
Unfortunately, we'll have to wait until 2017 before the SUV hits the roads; however, Bentley is previewing the new powertrain in this, its Hybrid Concept, which is due to be revealed at the Beijing Motor Show later this month.
Based on the Mulsanne, the Hybrid Concept is said to offer a power increase of 25 per cent and a 70 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to the standard Mulsanne and its 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8.
If Bentley's figures are correct, this will give the Hybrid Concept an output of 631bhp, with CO2 emissions of just 118g/km. The company also claims the car will be capable of travelling at least 50km (31.25 miles) on electric power alone, which means that drivers can benefit from emissions-free urban motoring and full-bore petrol performance on the open road.
There's no word yet on performance figures, but thanks to the extra power we expect the Hybrid to beat the standard Mulsanne's 5.3 second 0-62mph time, despite the added weight of the hybrid gubbins.
Of course, there will be those who argue that a hybrid powertrain has no business under the bonnet of a Bentley; however, company boss Wolfgang Schreiber disagrees, saying: "There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance. Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range.
"By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid."
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