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Your next Bentley could be a hybrid

Bentley announces plug-in hybrid powertrain intentions and with it a future of eco-friendly luxury cruising.

Your typical throaty petrol engine may soon be complimented by the whir of an electric motor when it comes to future Bentleys. The luxury car manufacturer has announced plans to bring a plug-in hybrid vehicle to production.

The new hybrid powertrain is being shown off as part of the Bentley Hybrid Concept, which is based on the existing Mulsanne saloon. The new technology will, however, debut in Bentley’s forthcoming SUV in 2017.

Exact output figures for the hybrid powertrain have yet to be released. Bentley did say to expect a 70 per cent reduction in C02 emissions, power increase up to 25 per cent and a 50km (31 miles) electric-only range. In short, a Bentley with this powertrain will be much cleaner and less thirsty.

If we assume the Mulsanne’s 505hp 6.75-litre V8 as a base, power and CO2 emissions would be 631hp and 118g/km, respectively. Emissions on par with a small city car in a car that weighs nearly as much as your house ─ mental, if you ask us.

“There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance,” Bentley chairman and chief executive Dr Wolfgang Schreiber said.

“Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range. By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector,” he added.

Bentley recently teased the EXP 9 F SUV concept, which will go on sale in 2016 in its more traditional petrol and possibly diesel forms. 2,000 pre-orders have already been put in, which is impressive given the complete lack of details available.

The Bentley Hybrid Concept will be on display at the Beijing motor show on April 20th, 2014.

Bentley Hybrid Concept pictures

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