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A Closer Look at 2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid’s Upgraded 443-HP PHEV Powertrain

The British manufacturer has revealed an updated plug-in hybrid version of its luxury SUV delivering a quieter and more efficient driving experience. Bentley predicts it will soon become the best-selling member of the Bentayga range.
2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid 9 photos
Photo: Bentley Motors Limited
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Following the recent unveiling of the facelifted V8 and Speed, Bentley launched the third member of the Bentayga family, the Hybrid, which, like its siblings, comes with subtle exterior updates. That is a bit of a disappointment considering it's not the carmaker’s best-looking vehicle.

But looks should take a back seat to performance, and this is an area where the new Bentayga Hybrid does not disappoint.

The PHEV powertrain uses a 94 kW (126 hp) electric motor incorporated into the transmission, which can instantaneously produce up to 350 Nm (258 lb-ft) of torque and is able to drive the Bentayga on fully electric power for a range of 50 km (31 miles).

It is complemented by an upgraded 3.0-liter twin-turbocharged V6 that kicks in when additional torque is required or when cruising speeds exceed 135 kph (84 mph). Combined, the two power sources deliver a maximum power output of 443 hp (330 kW; 449 PS).

2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
Photo: Bentley Motors Limited
The electric motor gets its power from a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack that contains 168 individual cells. It can be fully charged in as little as two and a half hours using the 7.2 kWh charge point located on the left-hand side of the car.

The power electronics convert the energy stored in the battery pack and supply it to the electric motor or supplements the SUV’s conventional 12v electrical infrastructure.

Using a dedicated button, drivers can switch between three electrified drive modes: EV Drive, Hybrid, and Hold. The first automatically engages when the vehicle is started and only uses electric power to drive the Bentayga.

Bentley’s innovative Hybrid Efficiency Accelerator Pedal provides feedback through a pressure point when this drive mode is enabled to indicate the boundary between pure electric and hybrid power.

2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
Photo: Bentley Motors Limited
Using data from the Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation database, the pedal will vibrate when the vehicle approaches a junction or speed limit decrease, advising the driver to lift off the throttle and thus conserve energy.

When Hybrid mode is selected, the range and efficiency of the powertrain are maximized. This mode is suited for longer journeys and automatically manages both the internal combustion engine and the electric motor.

When the driver sets a destination into the navigation system with this mode enabled, the control unit will automatically switch drive modes to increase the efficiency of the powertrain further.

The Hold mode is designed to balance engine and electric power so that the battery pack retains most of its charge for later use. It maximizes energy recuperation from the regenerative braking system and can provide a significant boost to the V6 engine when maximum power is required.

2021 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Wall Box
Photo: Bentley Motors Limited
In addition to all the market-specific charging cables that come with the vehicle, Bentayga Hybrid owners can request a Bentley branded wall box, which is available with no additional costs.

The luxury SUV comes with all the high-tech features as its less-efficient siblings, including the new 10.9-inch display that uses Bentley’s latest infotainment system, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, new USB-C ports, or a standard wireless charging station.

The carmaker is yet to release pricing information for the new Hybrid, but it will probably remain the cheapest option of the Bentayga lineup. Deliveries are expected to start in the spring.
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About the author: Vlad Radu
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Vlad's first car was custom coach built: an exotic he made out of wood, cardboard and a borrowed steering wheel at the age of five. Combining his previous experience in writing and car dealership years, his articles focus in depth on special cars of past and present times.
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