The 2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is the electrified version of the company's first SUV. It's also Bentley's first hybrid ever, as well as the world's first luxury SUV with an electric motor. The Bentayga Hybrid joins the original 2017 Bentayga with the W-12 engine that Bentley unveiled in 2015, as well as the V-8 and diesel variants that the British firm launched since 2017.

The Bentayga Hybrid is virtually identical to the regular SUV inside and out. The exterior features an additional "fuel" cap for the plug-in socket, while the interior includes new tech and a revised infotainment system for hybrid duty. Things are notably different under the skin though, where the familiar W-12 and V-8 engines were replaced with a V-6 and an electric motor. The layout is similar to that in the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid. Let's find out more about this electrified SUV in the review below.

2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

Specifications
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  • Model: 2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid
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Pros
Cons

Exterior

- Same as gas model - Copper badges - Extra "fuel" cap - Unique wheels - Mulliner options - Copper wheel centers

Not surprisingly, Bentley’s first hybrid shares all of its exterior features with the standard gasoline model. Setting it apart is the extra fuel cap on the left side rear fender, which hides the charger socket for the battery pack. All told, the SUV has the same design language based on the Continental GT, including the quad headlamps and the muscular rear haunches. The hybrid features the same aluminum body panels, which save more than 500 pounds compared to a traditional steel body construction.

Unfortunately, it doesn't have the unique design features I was hoping for. The diesel version, for instance, has a black Matrix grille with chrome surround and central bar, different badges on the lower front door edge, and a twin-quad exhaust tailpipe design. It also comes with a new, 20-inch ten-spoke alloy wheel design, while a new 21-inch Mulliner version in silver or grey is available at extra cost.

It does have a few extra badges though. There are copper-colored "Hybrid" logos on the lower front doors, another one on the tailgate, and copper wheel centers and "Bentley" badges. Miss those and you won't know that this SUV is a hybrid.

Interior

- Identical to standard SUV - EV mode dial - Battery dial - Energy flow display - Electric mode controls - Charging stadion finder app - Bespoke bags

The Hybrid's cabin is also identical to the standard Bentayga's as far as design and materials go. The Bentayga's cabin borrows a lot from the previous Continental GT, but Bentley spices things up with SUV-specific features, like a wider center console, raised armrests in the door panels and on the center stack, as well as enhanced room for rear-seat passengers.

You'll find the same handcrafted leather, wood, and metal trim on the dashboard, door panels, and seats, and an eight-inch touchscreen in the center stack. Granted, the latter is a bit small by modern standards, but it comes with all the connectivity features you need in a vehicle like this.

You can pick between two seating layouts. There's the standard five-seat configuration with a bench in the rear or the four-seat layout that enhanced comfort for rear-seat passengers. The front seats are adjustable 22 ways and feature heating, ventilation, and massage functions, while the four-seat SUV comes with 15-way adjustable rear seats.

On top riding comfortably, rear-seat passengers also benefit from an entertainment system that includes a 10.2-inch Android tablet. Bentley offers a choice of three audio systems too, including a range-topping Naim unit with 18 speakers and 1,950 watts. You can customize the Hybrid just like the gasoline and diesel models with 15 shades of leather, seven wood veneers, and 15 carpet colors from the options list. Of course, the Mulliner division adds even more possibilities.

You can even order the cool Event Seat. This sliding and folding seat is located in the trunk and extends just above the bumper to provide a grandstand view. You can use it for picnics, to take a break from driving, or simply to enjoy the view. The tailgate provides shade during the day, while the built-in lighting system provides illumination at night. Just like the seats inside the SUV, the Event Seat is trimmed in leather with diamond quilting.

But there are a few things that set the Hybrid apart, especially in the technology department. Because it has to provide new and different information from the hybrid drivetrain, the infotainment screen and instrument cluster were revised to include new data on performance, consumption, and battery.

The traditional speedometer in the instrument cluster was replaced with a dial showing when the car is operating in EV mode or engine speed if the V-6 unit is in use. A battery status dial replaced the coolant temperature gauge. The infotainment screen now displays energy flow in each of the three electric modes, showing whether the vehicle is using power from the battery or the gasoline engine, or whether energy is flowing back to the battery in order to charge it.

For improved efficiency, the Bentayga now uses satellite navigation information to calculate the best usage of electric motor and engine power. Once you pick a journey, the system will pick the appropriate mode for each part of the trip and it will calculate the most efficient use of battery charge for each section.

Other changes include a control for the three electric modes (EV Drive, Hybrid, and Hold) instead of the start-stop switch and the Charging Station Finder, an app that will help you find nearby or relevant charging stations.

Finally, the trunk includes two bespoke bags containing the necessary cables to connect the car to either a domestic power supply or a public charger point.

Drivetrain

- Drivetrain from Panamera - 3.0-liter V-6 - Electric motor - 456 horsepower - 516 pound-feet - 31 EV miles - Fast charging option - Permanent AWD

Unlike the rest of the Bentayga lineup, which comes with either W-12 or V-8 engines, the Bentayga Hybrid pairs together a 3.0-liter V-6 gasoline mill and an E Motor. That's fancy talk for an electric motor that also acts as a generator. This layout not only makes the Bentayga the company's first electrified model, but it's also the first modern Bentley to feature a V-6 engine. This drivetrain layout isn't unique to the Bentayga. The British firm actually borrowed it from the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid and it will soon find its way in other Bentleys as well, including the upcoming Flying Spur Hybrid.

Just like the Panamera E-Hybrid, the Bentayga Hybrid comes with 456 horsepower and 516 pound-feet on tap. This is far from impressive when compared to the W-12 and V-8 models, rated at 600 and 542 horsepower, respectively, but it generates an extra 27 horses compared to the diesel. On the flipside, it provides the least torque of all existing Bentaygas.

Despite this, the Hybrid is pretty quick, needing 5.2 seconds to hit 60 mph from a standing start. Granted, that's more than a half-second slower than other versions of the SUV, but it's a solid figure given the size and weight of the Bentayga. Its top speed is limited to 158 mph, 10 mph slower than the diesel model and 29 mph slower than the range-topping W-12 variant.

The Bentayga Hybrid can travel on electric power only for 31 miles. While Bentley described this range as "impressive," it actually on par with most hybrids on the market. With no other luxury SUVs of this size available, we can't make a proper comparison anyway. But it's a decent range that comes in handy in the city.

Charging the battery takes 7.5 hours if you use a domestic household socket. However, get an industrial connection installed at home and a fully battery charge will take only 2.5 hours.

With the Bentayga Hybrid sharing underpinnings with the Porsche Panamera I can't help but wonder whether Bentley will offer the Turbo S E-Hybrid's drivetrain in its SUV anytime soon. This setup brings together a turbocharged, 4.0-liter V-8 gas engine and an electric motor that produce a combined 671 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. That more than even the Bentayga Speed, which features a 6.0-liter W-12 rated at 626 horses. Whether Bentley plans to offer a Speed or SuperSports version of the Hybrid remains a mystery, but it would be a really cool SUV.

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid drivetrain specifications

Engine

3.0-liter V-6 gasoline mill and an E Motor

Horsepower

456 HP

Torque

516 LB-FT

0 to 60 mph

5.2 seconds

Top Speed

158 mph

Range (electric only)

31 miles


Power dock by Philippe Starck

The Bentayga Hybrid may lack notable unique features inside and out, but its power dock is arguably the fanciest every created for a production model. Designed in collaboration with Philippe Starck, who penned Steve Jobs' yacht among other things, the power dock has a simple yet elegant design with copper accents that integrate it nicely on a wall. It's also made from sustainable materials lie pressed eco-linen and bio-sourced thermosetting resit, while the main dome is made from aluminum. It's basically a functional piece of art that will enhance your wall.

Prices

Pricing for the Hybrid version of the Bentayga is not yet available, but it should fetch more than the base V-8 model, priced from around $170,000. The Hybrid could cost around $200,000 before options, which will make it a bit more affordable than the W-12 variant, which starts from around $230,000.

Competition

The Bentayga doesn't have many competitors at this point. If we rule out the Lamborghini Urus, which focuses on performance more than its does on high-end luxury, we're left with only the Rolls-Royce Cullinan. And its British rival doesn't have a hybrid version as of 2019. So at this point we can compare it only to significantly less expensive haulers with hybrid drivetrains.

Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid

Also made by the Volkswagen Group, the Cayenne was the first premium SUV to offer a hybrid drivetrain. Borrowed from the less expensive Volkswagen Touareg, the gasoline-electric combo was redesigned for the 2019 model year, when the third-generation Cayenne was launched. And yes, you guessed it, it's identical to the one in the Panamera and the Bentayga. The Cayenne E-Hybrid comes with the same 456 horsepower and 516 pound-feet on tap and it's just as quick as the Bentayga. Obviously, it doesn't have the fancy luxury features of the British SUV. But the Cayenne has a big advantage. You can also order it in Turbo S E-Hybrid trim, which features the V-8-electric combo that cranks out 671 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The E-Hybrid starts from $79,900, a fraction of the Bentayga's big sticker. Pricing for the Turbo S E-Hybrid model is not yet available, but it should cost less than the Bentayga Hybrid.

Read our full review of the 2019 Porsche Cayenne Hybrid

Audi Q7 e-tron

Yet another SUV based on the same platform, the Audi Q7 also comes with a hybrid drivetrain, but one that’s entirely different. Instead of a gasoline engine, the Q7 features a 3.0-liter V-6 diesel, which makes it more fuel efficient than the competition. On the other hand, it’s not as powerful, with the combo rated at only 373 horsepower. Torque is pretty solid though at 520 pound-feet. The sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes 6.2 seconds, which makes a full second slower than the Bentayga Hybrid. A more powerful Q7 hybrid isn’t likely right now, but as I mentioned before, it’s one of the very few options you have right now. Unfortunately, the Q7 e-tron isn’t available in the U.S.

Read our full story on the 2019 Audi Q7 e-tron

Conclusion

The Bentayga is already a big deal for Bentley. Not only its first-ever SUV, it's also the company's first-ever diesel, so it granted Bentley access to two niches, while also acting as the firm's most environmentally friendly vehicle yet. The Bentayga Hybrid takes things up a notch as the brand's first plug-in hybrid vehicle and backs Bentley's promise to build increasingly more fuel efficient and low-carbon cars. It's an important step for the brand, especially if it will be followed by hybrid versions of the Continental GT and Flying Spur. It also opens the door for other luxury brands to join the market with hybrid or even all-electric vehicles.

Further reading

Read our full review on the 2019 Bentley Bentayga Speed.

Read our full review on the 2017 Bentley Bentayga.