The EPA released mpg ratings for the 2020 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid recently and it seems that the plug-in hybrid is not as efficient as one might think. Although most hybrids return better mpg than regular gasoline models, the electrified Bentayga is actually rated below its V-8 counterpart when it comes to highway mpg. Specifically, the hybrid falls behind the non-hybrid V-8 by two mpg.

Crunching the Numbers

According to the EPA, the Bentayga Hybrid covers 19 miles per gallon combined when working in hybrid mode, with both the gas engine and the electric motor activated. That's two mpg above the V-8-fitted Bentayga. The hybrid is also the better choice in the city, where it's rated at 17 mpg, three more than the V-8 model. However, the Bentayga Hybrid delivers only 21 mpg on the highway, which is actually two mpg below the V-8. And that's not something you want to hear about a hybrid SUV.

The V-8 also delivers the better EPA-rated highway range. On a full battery charge and a full tank, the Hybrid model will travel for 430 miles. The V-8, on the other hand, is estimated to return up to 518 miles on a full tank.

Should you sacrifice power for fuel economy?

Needless to day, the hybrid model remains the most efficient Bentayga you can buy. It's also a better choice if you spend more time in the city than on the highway. But is the hybrid model worth it given that the V-8 version comes with more oomph and better performance?

Specifically, the Hybrid marries a turbocharged, 3.0-liter V-6 gas engine and a 94-kW electric motor that also works as a generator. Total system output is rated at 443 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. The V-8 model, on the other hand, features a twin-turbo, 4.0-liter V-8 that cranks out 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of twist. That's an extra 99 horses and 52 pound-feet.

Naturally, the V-8 model performs better. While the Bentayga Hybrid is no slouch from 0 to 60 mph, getting there in 5.2 seconds, the V-8 model is almost a second quicker at 4.4 clicks.

When it comes to top speed, the V-8 is by far the fastest choice. The beefed-up SUV hits 180 mph, one of the highest ratings on the SUV market, while the hybrid model tops out at 158 mph. That's an extra 22 mph for the V-8.

Finally, the V-8 isn't that much more expensive than the hybrid. The latter comes in at $160,000, while the V-8 fetches $171,025 before options.

Is Bentley going fully electric?

While the Bentayga Hybrid isn't as efficient as other electrified models on the market, Bentley wants to go greener with a fully electric model. Rumors once claimed that an all-electric Bentayga was underway, but those plans were shelved in 2019. Instead, Bentley wants to develop a dedicated EV, but it won't arrive before 2025, so that's at least five years from now. A little late to the party maybe?