Bentley’s journey into an electric future continues. The introduction of hybrid technology is an important stage on that journey, with a range of hybrid vehicles now available. In the years ahead, Bentley will reveal its first fully electric vehicle, making the shift to an all-electric line-up by 2030. Below, you can read more about the hybrid models available now, as well as the innovative hardware and software that powers the Bentley hybrid experience.
Bentley’s hybrid technology is designed to give you smooth and silent progress through city streets, as well as the power and range you need for long, luxurious drives. According to research, the majority of Bentley customers’ journeys can be achieved using battery power only. In fact, almost all first-generation Bentayga Hybrid drivers use the vehicle’s EV mode, with around half regularly making journeys of less than 30 miles. So whether you mainly use your car for commuting, shopping or doing the school run, you can do so while keeping emissions to a minimum.
At one extreme, the Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain is capable of serene, silent progress in pure EV mode for up to 47 miles (76 km), ideal for Zero Emission Zones or city travel. When more spirited driving is desired, the combined 782 PS of Bentley V8 – 147PS up on the outgoing car - and e-motor delivers sensational performance, passing the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 3.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.5 secs) – half a second quicker than its predecessor the W12.
Journey to the electric future
Hybrid technology
Bentley’s journey into an electric future continues. The introduction of hybrid technology is an important stage on that journey, with a range of hybrid vehicles now available. In the years ahead, Bentley will reveal its first fully electric vehicle, making the shift to an all-electric line-up by 2030. Below, you can read more about the hybrid models available now, as well as the innovative hardware and software that powers the Bentley hybrid experience.
Built for the way you live
Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain
The hybrid range
Continental GT
With the phenomenal new Ultra Performance Hybrid Powertrain, the Bentley Continental GT Speed combines the V8 power you know with an unprecedented boost of torque from its electric motor, to deliver truly astonishing performance.
The new powertrain combines a new 4.0 litre V8 engine capable of producing 600 PS (584 bhp) with a 190 PS (187 bhp) electric motor. Peak system output is 782 PS (771 bhp) - enough for a 0-60 mph sprint time of just 3.1 seconds and a top speed of 208 mph (335 km/h).
System power has increased by 19 per cent, from 659 PS to 782 PS. This makes the new Continental GT Speed the most powerful Bentley ever, beyond the levels of the second-generation Supersports and the Batur. Equally impressive are the electric modes, allowing customers to enjoy silent and seamless motoring. In full electric mode, the electric motor alone can deliver 190 PS and 450 Nm, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations. Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent. The battery can be fully replenished in as little as 2¾ hours thanks to significant improvements in charger and battery capacity, with 11 kW peak charging power.
The system manages the energy flows dependent upon the mode chosen - with pure EV, electric boost, regenerative braking - and, most importantly for this new GT Speed - a charge mode, where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery at the same time.
With a stunning new design, a wealth of innovative technology and the new Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, nothing feels quite like driving the Continental GTC Speed – with the roof up or down.
The EV Drive mode is engaged the moment the car is switched on. Provided the battery is sufficiently charged, it should suffice for most everyday journeys.
Hybrid mode combines data from the intelligent navigation system and a feature called Predictive E-Mode and engine coasting to minimise emissions and fuel usage on longer journeys. With the navigation system activated, it enables the car to engage the correct mode for every stage of your journey automatically, constantly calculating the most efficient use of the available charge in the battery and storing it for the sections of the journey where it will be most useful, such as arriving in the city. By ensuring that the battery’s charge falls to zero just as you reach your destination, overall efficiency is maximised.
Hold mode focuses on maintaining battery charge for later use, while relying primarily on the petrol engine for power. The default mode when the car’s Drive Dynamics control is set to Sport, Hold Mode also allows the car to preserve electric energy when braking (see below).
Driving modes for every hybrid
Electric from the off
The EV Drive mode is engaged the moment the car is switched on. Provided the battery is sufficiently charged, it should suffice for most everyday journeys.
Power used responsibly
Persevering energy
The hybrid range
Flying Spur
With the phenomenal Ultra Performance Hybrid V8 powertrain and a suite of advanced chassis technology, the Flying Spur Speed combines unprecedented power with supreme sporting style.
A key element of the interface between the driver and the car is the haptic feedback provided via the brake and accelerator pedals.
Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Braking is a combination of two braking methods: traditional hydraulic braking to slow down the wheels and electric braking of the E Motor. The system cleverly blends the two, providing the driver with a conventional braking sensation through the brake pedal, while the vehicle harvests energy from the hydraulic brakes to recharge the battery.
In the Bentayga, the system provides further feedback to the driver, in the form of a pressure point experienced on depressing the accelerator pedal that indicates a change of power source, from electric-only to hybrid power.
If the car’s intelligent navigation system is active, the pedal will vibrate when you approach a junction or a change in the speed limit, instructing you to slow down. This conserves energy, while also providing a further opportunity for the system to recoup charge for the battery.
The My Bentley range of connected services is continually growing. As well as all the in-car and remote connected car services you would expect, from navigation with real-time traffic information and over-the-air map updates to a remote car finder and push notifications from the car’s alarm, there are numerous features designed specifically for Bentley hybrids. Many services can be accessed remotely via the My Bentley app, which is available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.
You can pre-programme your car to pre-heat or pre-cool the cabin to an optimum temperature of 22°C before you get in, at a time that suits you.
This service provides vehicle data such as the times of recent trips, the distance of the last journey made, average speed, average travel time and average consumption of both petrol and electric power.
With this feature, you can start charging your car remotely, provided it is connected to a suitable charger. If you enter your planned departure time, the system will automatically calculate the rate of charging required to ensure a full charge before you leave.
The app can show your nearest charging point, either at your current location or at a destination of your choice. You can filter the results by distance, bay availability and charging rate. You can even set your desired charging point as your destination for navigation assistance.
Hybrid-specific services
My Bentley
The My Bentley range of connected services is continually growing. As well as all the in-car and remote connected car services you would expect, from navigation with real-time traffic information and over-the-air map updates to a remote car finder and push notifications from the car’s alarm, there are numerous features designed specifically for Bentley hybrids. Many services can be accessed remotely via the My Bentley app, which is available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.
My cabin comfort
My car statistics
My battery charge
E-charging
A wealth of in-car information
Bentley hybrids can deliver a raft of information to the driver via the car’s infotainment system. The infotainment screen itself can display energy flow in each of the three driving modes, showing you whether the car is being powered by the battery or the petrol engine - or, if it is in Hold mode, if energy is flowing back to the battery to charge it.
The tachometer has been designed to augment the usual engine speed indication with additional information about the status of the battery and electric motor. At a glance, it can tell you what which mode you are in, whether the car is running on electric power or not and whether the petrol engine is running and if so, how fast. It will also tell you how much battery charge remains, how much fuel is in the tank and the vehicle’s remaining range at that moment.
The Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation system features free text, context-specific search entry, which can respond to an address or point of interest. Navigation is improved with a three-dimensional building display, satellite maps and content in the head-up display, which also projects traffic information, street names and the distance to your destination.
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