Bentley is sharing its vision of a “more powerful and even more efficient future” with the global debut of the Mulsanne-based Hybrid Concept at the Beijing Auto Show this week.
The study is the British brand’s first hybrid model and while there’s a small question mark on whether this powertrain will be utilized on this generation of the Mulsanne, Bentley confirmed that it will be offered as an option on their upcoming, but as-of-yet unnamed production SUV in 2017.
Bentley says the unspecified plug-in hybrid system increases power by up to 25 percent, while reducing emissions by 70 percent and providing a driving range of at least 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone.
To separate the Hybrid Concept from the other Mulsanne models, Bentley used copper as an exterior and interior styling element to “highlight the car’s electrical veins”.
Bentley supports that, by the end of the decade, at least 90 percent of its cars will be available as a plug-in hybrid.
“Adding performance and efficiency with no compromise to luxury –Plug-in hybrids are an important part of Bentley’s exciting future and we are proud to be pioneering these developments in the ultra-luxury sector,” stated Bentley CEO Wolfgang Schreiber.
By John Halas
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