Bentley has entered the PHEV SUV market with the ultra-luxury Bentayga Hybrid. However, the market is hard to catch, especially with the prices they are offering because people looking for a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain will find much cheaper options. Nonetheless, Bentley didn't make this classy vehicle for everyone after all. It wanted to target those who value an ultra-luxury cruiser for their families. On top of it, with its fuel efficiency and state-of-the-art features, the customers who value the brand will get a worthy vehicle. Despite this, Bentley has done a wonderful job with the performance, power, handling, and comfort that come with their PHEV SUV. So yeah, those who want that Bentley status and luxury that the German rivals just can't match, the Bentayga hybrid is for you.
10 Bentley Bentayga Offers Eco-Friendly, Powerful Performance
Not many luxury SUVs come close to the high performance hitherto eco-friendliness of the Bentley Bentayga PHEV. The automaker has done an excellent job blending in the best of both worlds: the raw power of a high-performance sports car and the efficiency of a plug-in hybrid EV. This is reflected in the vehicle's hybrid powertrain that combines an electric motor with a turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine. That sounds great on paper but does wonders on the road as well as it generates 443 horsepower taking the SUV from 0-60 mph in just 5.2 seconds. Now that's impressive for a luxury vehicle of its size. Oh, and how can I forget the 516 pound-feet torque, which ensures you reach a maximum speed of 158 mph, all while keeping greenhouse emissions at a minimum compared to traditional fully gas-powered engines.
9 The Bentayga PHEV Returns Decent Fuel Economy Figures
Most fuel-efficient luxury SUV on the market? Yes, you heard that right. The Bentley Bentayga offers a rating of 19 mpg within the city and 21 mpg on the highway. This is far better than the BMW X5, which also does not come close to the luxuriously powerful drive of the Bentayga. But how is this possible? Credit goes to the automaker, who has done an excellent job ensuring the Bentayga PHEV efficiently operates on an electric motor for short distances. This significantly helps bring down fuel costs. On top of it, the regenerative braking system not only stops the car but also transfers the energy to recharge the battery. This further improves fuel economy. However, the best part is that all of this comes at no compromise to the powerful driving experience synonymous with the Bentley brand. You can also drive for 28 miles in EV-only mode.
8 Experience The Class Of Bentley's Luxurious Interior
High quality, attention to detail, and comfort were the ingredients for Bentley's luxurious SUV. It has it all, whether hand-stitched leather, metal accents, or wood veneers. Thanks to the incredibly comfortable and spacious seats, you won't feel the slightest discomfort or lack of space. To further enhance comfort, Bentley also did a wonderful job with luxury features. For instance, the heated and ventilated seats testify to that, alongside the panoramic sunroof. The immersive sound experience takes cabin luxury to another level. As for the little details, you can find them throughout the cabin when you look at the finely crafted woodwork and intricate stitching. Oh, and I love the highly user-friendly 10.9-inch infotainment system. All of this affirms Bentley's commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail.
7 Technology Of The Future
Bentley didn't just stop with the user-friendly infotainment system. In fact, the automaker has made the Bentayga PHEV SUV a marvel of technology inside out. This includes state-of-the-art safety features such as lane departure warnings, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. Keep in mind braking is just as important as acceleration when it comes to high-performance SUVs. The Bentayga does not disappoint in this department with a set of high-performance brakes that are larger than those found in most SUVs. It features four-piston rear calipers and six-piston front calipers that all work in tandem to deliver exceptional braking power. All the technology that goes inside and outside the cabin works to make the Bentayga a truly unique luxury driving experience.
6 Exceptional Handling And Agility
One reason why the Bentayga PHEV stands out among average luxury SUVs is its sports car-like handling and agility. This comes with the automaker's decision to offer an all-wheel drive alongside a highly advanced suspension system. I can only imagine the level of handling and stability it offers on curves at high speeds. On top of it, the precise steering and low center of gravity make it exceptionally nimble. The SUV also features customizable driving modes to further transfer control to the driver. Here the automaker has proven its engineering excellence with outstanding off-road capabilities. You can utilize the advanced terrain response or hill descent modes to tackle the most challenging of terrains or the regular modes to easily navigate city streets. You obviously can't compare it to top-notch off-road beats such as the Ford Escape PHEV. However, I must credit Bentley for attempting to offer the best of both worlds while keeping luxury in the equation.
5 The Bentayga Can Tow Nearly 8,000 Pounds
The Bentayga PHEV is more than just a high-performance SUV. It also comes in handy for heavy towing with a robust capacity allowing it to tow up to 7,716 pounds. Now that's impressive for a luxury SUV for its class. Especially for people who tend to go on road trips taking along their boats, trailers, or other large cargo. The All-Wheel-Drive system has a big role to play in this as it offers the stability and traction required for towing such a heavyweight. On top of it, the advanced suspension system keeps bounce and sway at a minimum. Moreover, the automaker has also added tons of towing features that make the Bentayga stand out from other vehicles in its class. For instance, it features a rearview trailer assist camera and trailer sway control making it safer and more convenient.
4 Sleek Exterior Design
If I had to describe Bentayga's exterior in a few words, I would say clean and curvy. This reflects the aerodynamic curves and clean lines, which give the SUV a sense of motion and fluidity. Hence, when on the road, it only speaks sophistication and elegance. On top of it, the Bentayga features a wide stance complimented by a low roofline. This gives it an incredibly sporty look for an SUV. Also, Bentley has kept the signature front grille matrix for its PHEV SUV as well alongside the recognizable LED headlights. I mean, it's pretty easy to tell from afar that it's a Bentley coming your way in all its glory. You also get the refinement of body-colored bumpers and 22-inch alloy wheels, adding to the sleek exterior aesthetic. All in all, from front to bottom, you can witness the carefully crafted details of the Bentayga PHEV SUV.
3 Sustainability Inside The Cabin, Too
It is safe to say that Bentley produced the Bentaygay PHEV SUV with sustainability in mind. We see that in the hybrid powertrain that enhances fuel efficiency while reducing emissions. Hence, it is highly sustainable for those who tend to take to take routine short trips since the electric motor takes over and helps with low emissions. On top of it, the automaker has used sustainable materials throughout the vehicle. This includes leather and natural wool sourced from harmful-free chemicals. Also, they use recycled plastics to reduce the overall amount of plastic waste which is incredible for the environment. And you already know about the regenerative braking and Eco Modes, which further add to making this luxury plug-in hybrid a sustainable luxury SUV.
2 The New Additions To The Already Existing Luxury
The luxury automaker decided to add two new flavors to the basic Bentayga PHEV SUV. I know it's not basic by any means, but the new flavors make it seem so. Both the Bentyaga Azure Hybrid and Bentayga S Hybrid use the same twin-turbo 3.0-liter V-6 engine as the base model. However, the change comes with the electric motor that now produces 134 horsepower compared to the 126 horsepower for the previous motor. That might not sound like a significant increase, but you can feel the difference when you put the feet on the accelerator pedal. This takes the overall peak output to 445 hp instead of the 443 hp on the earlier model. However, the top speed and 0-60 mph metrics remain the same at 158 mph and 5.2 seconds.
1 The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Doesn't Come Cheap
The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid starts at around $160,000 in the United States. Compared to other PHEVs in its class, the price comes off as a bit too much at first. However, we must keep in mind what Bentley offers with its luxury, power, towing capacity, and incredible comfort inside the cabin. Also, the hybrid powertrain adds a big chunk to the overall cost alongside the high-end features. So, it's safe to say that Bentley is not just offering an SUV for $160,000 but an experience that only a few others come close to. On top of it, the fuel economy it offers does balance off that extra money you spend in the long run.