Accelerating Hybridization

Volkswagen Group's Push Towards ElectrificationWithin this group, Bentley, responsible for luxury brands, will also introduce an electric vehicle. Announced at the Beijing Motor Show is the "Hybrid Concept," Bentley's first plug-in hybrid model.

This concept model is based on the flagship model,Mulsanneand expresses its electric identity through copper accents in various exterior details. The interior also features copper detailing on the wood paneling, switch bezels, and instrument clusters. The diamond quilting, a hallmark of the "Mulliner Driving Specification" for perfect bespoke customization, is enhanced with copper cross-stitching, creating a beautiful harmony with the white leather.



While details of the hybrid system paired with the Mulsanne's 6.75-liter twin-turbo engine remain undisclosed, Bentley explains that adopting a plug-in hybrid system will increase maximum output by up to 25 percent while reducing CO2 emissions by 70 percent. Furthermore, with an EV-only range of 50 km, it offers the advantages of hybrid technology, proposing a flexible approach: an EV mode for emission-free driving in stop-and-go city traffic, and the use of the engine for extended highway cruising where fuel efficiency is paramount.

According to Bentley, the first production vehicle to feature a plug-in hybrid will bethe new SUV scheduled for release in 2017, with plans to equip 90 percent of the brand's model lineup with plug-in hybrid technology within the following decade.