New Bentley Bentayga spied with a possible V6 plug-in hybrid

In early 2015, Bentley confirmed plans to power their luxury SUV, the Bentayga with a plug-in hybrid drive train by 2017. It seems the British manufacturer will keep its word as the recent spy shots hint at the electric SUV being tested.

The test mule was spotted without any camouflage which tells us that the new electric SUV looks identical to the current model. However, what gives it away is the charging point covered with a flap on the left rear quarter of the new Bentayga.

Powering the current Bentley Bentayga is a 6.0-litre W12 producing about 600bhp. However, the plug-in hybrid is expected to house an electric motor mated to a V6 or a V8 engine. The plug-in hybrid is speculated to have an electric range of just over 50 kilometres. The new Bentayga will continue to be based on the same MLB platform and will house the longitudinal mounted engine, mated to an all-wheel drive system.

The hybrid SUV is expected to make an international debut by the end of 2017 and it could be the British manufacturer’s attempt to give the SUV a fresh breath of air. The plug-in hybrid, Bentley Bentayga, is not expected to hit the Indian shore any time soon.

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