2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid gains power boost, larger battery

The 2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid has gained new variants, a power boost and a larger battery.

Bentley says the updated version is now available to order “in most markets”, but Australian timing remains unclear.

Previously available in a single grade, the Bentayga Hybrid range has expanded with the sporty S and luxurious Azure models.

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Earlier this year, a spokesperson for Bentley told Wheels it hopes to launch the Bentayga Hybrid in Australia next year. We’ve contacted the brand for local comment on the S and Azure.

Headlining the changes is the addition of an 18kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is 0.7kWh larger than the pre-update model. This has allowed for a three-kilometre boost to its driving range, with a WLTP-rated 43-kilometre claim in electric-only mode.

Under the bonnet, the 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine remains, matched with a more-powerful 100kW/400Nm electric motor – up 6kW and 50Nm – and an eight-speed automatic transmission.

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It has a 340kW total system output, which is 10kW more than before. A torque figure hasn’t been announced, but the pre-update version achieved 700Nm.

This allows for improved performance, with the 0-100km/h sprint taking 5.3 seconds – 0.2s faster than before – and a top speed of 254km/h.

In identical fashion to the regular Bentayga S, the hybrid version is differentiated by its exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels, red brake calipers, black exterior trim, tinted headlights and tail-lights, an oval-shaped sports exhaust, and a “Speed-style” front bumper and rear spoiler.

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This is augmented by a unique chassis, suspension, ESC and sound enhancement tunes to improve the driving experience.

Inside, the digital instrument cluster adopts “performance design dials” inspired by the Bentayga Speed, but with a hybrid power meter within the rev counter.

Meanwhile, the Bentayga Hybrid Azure focuses on luxury, with improved ride comfort and reduced noise, vibration and harshness.

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It loses the sports exhaust from the Bentayga S, but gains a chrome lower bumper, ‘Azure’ badging, 22-inch ten-spoke alloy wheels, and a Bentley ‘jewel’ fuel cap.

The cabin of the Bentayga Hybrid Azure features more premium materials, with diamond-quilted Nappa leather upholstery available in 15 finishes, with standard contrast stitching or optional seat piping.

In addition, it sports 22-way power adjustable seats with heating and ventilation, illuminated tread plates, ambient lighting and a two-tone steering wheel with heating.

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“Customers can now choose which aspect of the Bentayga’s personality they wish to accentuate with the arrival of the new Bentayga S Hybrid and Bentayga Azure Hybrid models,” said Bentley in a media statement.

“The two new additions mean that 50 per cent of the complete Bentley model range – seven models out of 14 – are now available with a hybrid powertrain.”

In Australia, only the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is currently available.