Bentley Bentayga PHEV

The Bentley Bentayga PHEV (Bentley Bentayga Hybrid) is the ultra-luxury marque's first plug-in hybrid SUV. Previously sold in the domestic market as a fully imported (CBU) unit, the latest iteration was launched on 1 January 2024. Serving as a key milestone in Bentley’s "Beyond100" strategy, the launch of the Bentayga PHEV marked the official entry of the century-old British marque into the era of electrification. By 2026, following domestic emissions regulations and product strategy adjustments, the official distributor of Bentley China ceased importing plug-in hybrid variants, leaving only V8 petrol models available in the local market.

Design Language

Visually, the Bentayga PHEV retains the overall silhouette of the petrol-powered model while highlighting its electrified identity through subtle styling tweaks. The front fascia features a larger, more upright radiator grille that integrates seamlessly with the bonnet and chrome surrounds. The LED matrix headlamps are spaced further apart and positioned 30 mm higher, with the signature circular headlamps featuring cut-crystal glassware that, combined with the matrix grille and Bentley badge, delivers immense road presence. At the rear, the previous quadrilateral tail lamps give way to an elliptical design echoing the all-new Continental GT, while the number plate recess moves down to the bumper to give greater prominence to the "Bentley" lettering above. Along the sides, the profile mirrors the petrol variant, distinguished solely by the charging flap on the left rear quarter panel. In terms of dimensions, the SUV measures 5,125 mm long, 1,998 mm wide (up to 2,222 mm including wing mirrors), and 1,710 mm tall, riding on a 2,995 mm wheelbase. Inside, the cabin retains Bentley's trademark blend of heritage and opulence, lavishly appointed with handcrafted leather hide and premium wood veneers, tied together with bespoke contrast stitching. The dashboard houses a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster alongside a 10.9-inch central touchscreen infotainment display.

Powertrain and Performance

Under the skin, the Bentayga PHEV is powered by a plug-in hybrid powertrain pairing a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine with an "E Motor" electric motor. The V6 engine produces 250 kW (340 PS) and 450 Nm of peak torque, while the electric motor contributes 100 kW (136 PS) and 400 Nm. Total system output is rated at an impressive 340 kW (462 PS) and 700 Nm. Drive is channelled to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100 km/h sprint is dispatched in 5.3 seconds, en route to a top speed of 254 km/h. Energy is stored in an 18.0 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. Based on the NEDC test cycle, it offers a pure electric range of approximately 50 km, yielding a total combined cruising range of 863 km. A full AC charge takes around 7.5 hours.

Chassis and Handling

Built upon Bentley's modular SUV platform, the Bentayga PHEV adopts a front-engine, permanent all-wheel-drive layout. Suspension duties are handled by an independent setup comprising front double-wishbones and a rear multi-link configuration. A three-chamber active air suspension system comes standard across the range, automatically adjusting ride height and damping rates according to the selected drive mode and surface conditions to balance ride comfort and dynamics. The SUV is also equipped with a 48V active anti-roll control system, which effectively suppresses body lean during high-speed cornering. Braking is handled by ventilated discs at both axles, paired with an electronic parking brake. The drive mode selector offers three dedicated E Modes: EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to effortlessly manage battery deployment on the move via a dedicated console button.

Cabin and Equipment

Within the cabin, the 10.9-inch central touchscreen is driven by an updated infotainment system boasting ultra-high-resolution graphics processing. Wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity is fitted as standard. Rear passengers are treated to a removable Touch Screen Remote tablet to independently operate various entertainment, seating, and comfort settings. Owners can also access PHEV-specific telemetry via the My Bentley connected car services. Seating is available in either a four-seat or five-seat configuration, with craftsmanship and materials upholding Bentley's pinnacle standards. Audiophiles can specify an optional Naim for Bentley high-end audio system. Creature comforts include four-zone automatic climate control, heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats, as well as an independent rear climate control system.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The Bentayga PHEV comes generously equipped with an extensive suite of active and passive safety features. Active safety tech fitted as standard includes autonomous emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a 360-degree surround-view camera. A night vision assist system is available as an option. Passive protection is provided by front airbags for the driver and passenger, as well as side airbags for both front and second-row occupants. Advanced driver assistance features include adaptive cruise control, auto brake hold, hill start assist, and other semi-autonomous capabilities. In addition, a tyre pressure monitoring system is fitted as standard.

Market Performance and Reception

Since its global debut in 2015, the Bentayga has quickly established itself as the Bentley brand's best-selling model line. By 2025, Bentayga sales accounted for 44% of Bentley's total worldwide vehicle deliveries. The first-generation Bentayga PHEV represented approximately 20% of total Bentayga sales; following the arrival of the second-generation model, nearly half (45%) of Chinese buyers opted for the hybrid variant, underlining the strong appetite for plug-in hybrids in China's ultra-luxury segment. When launched at the 2021 Auto Shanghai, the Bentayga PHEV carried a price tag of RM2,385,000; the 2024 model retailed between RM2,630,000 and RM2,906,000; and the 2025 model commanded a manufacturer's suggested retail price of RM2,686,000. However, by 2026, amid stricter emissions standards and a realignment of Bentley's electrification roadmap, imports of the Bentayga PHEV to the Chinese market were officially discontinued. As a trailblazer in the ultra-luxury electrified SUV space, the Bentayga PHEV played a vital transitional role in Bentley’s shift from traditional internal combustion power toward full electrification.