Unfortunately for Bentley traditionalists, but less so for planet Earth, the end is nigh for it's
wonderful but relatively ancient 6 ¾ ltr V8 power-plant. Ever tightening emission measures
dictate that all manufacturers continually seek to maximise engine efficiency. In doing so,
sufficient further tweaking is either not possible or not financially viable. Fundamentally, new
power-plants must be developed. One of the more obvious options is the adoption of electric.
Several manufacturers have proven that electric is a viable option, even if there's still a long
ay to go before the infrastructure is fully available to make 'fully-electric' widely practical.
However, the adoption of electric in unison with smaller combustion engines is a big step.
The major benefit being that the significant torque offered by electric, making up for the loss
by using a smaller combustion engine, provides lower fuel usage and component weight.
In 2015, Bentley introduced the Mulsanne Hybrid. It was fundamentally, a test vehicle for
technology that seems likely destined for the Bentayga. Given the Bentayga's position as the
most luxurious and fastest SUV, the development of the electric drive-train will enable the
use of a power-plant significantly smaller than the recently developed W12, without any loss
in it's mighty performance levels. Although initially to be adopted in the Bentayga, this
technology will no-doubt find it's way into other models across the range.
Bentley Speed