Bentley introduces hybrid versions of Bentyaga S and Bentayga Azure

MANILA: Bentley has unveiled the newest additions to the Bentayga family, the Bentayga S Hybrid and Bentayga Azure Hybrid.

The two new models each have a different focus but the same amazing attention to detail. With their arrival, 50% of the entire Bentley model lineup – seven models out of 14 – are now available with a hybrid powertrain.

The new Bentayga S Hybrid, which follows the launch of the Flying Spur S Hybrid earlier this year, allows customers to now relish their passion for sporting performance and stunning design while still reaping the many benefits of electrified powertrain across two of Bentley’s four-door model lines.

The Bentayga S Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter TFSI V6 petrol engine and a 100kW electric motor-generator that produce a combined output of 456bhp. The Bentayga S Hybrid can accelerate from a standstill to 100kph in just 5.3 seconds with a top speed of 254kph. Due to the hybrid powertrain's capacity to produce its full torque output from zero revolutions per minute, the sensation of effortless power is, if anything, enhanced.

The Bentayga S Hybrid offers an even more compelling drive than its V8-powered stablemate, the Bentyga S, and has sound modifications in the engine bay that compliment the sound of the V6 TFSi and contribute to the vehicle’s sporty character. The S models’ unique Hybrid Sports Exhaust creates a stirring symphony of sound inside the cabin and can even be tweaked to produce different effect for front and rear seat passengers. A 15% increase in damping stiffens the chassis and provides a base for a more dynamic Sport mode ESC tune.

It is very obvious that the Bentayga S Hybrid is a performance-oriented vehicle. The striking Blackline specification replaces polished metal with black on all exterior brightware except for the Bentley “wings” logo. The dark-tinted headlamps, black radiator grille and surround, black side sills and door mirrors, and Speed-style front bumper add to the vehicle’s purposeful appearance. The vehicle’s 22-inch wheels, available in silver, black, and black and polished metal finishes contrast with Bentley’s red-painted brake calipers. The wheels are placed so that the “scythes” point in the same direction on both sides of the car. A Speed-style tailgate spoiler, dark-tinted rear lamps, and black split-oval tail pipes complete the exterior design.

The expertly crafted hide and the textured, nubbed surface are combined inside the spectacular, modern interior as a subtle nod to its use in motorsports. It is available in a variety of color splits that have been specifically chosen to give a sporty feel inside. The driver's digital instrumentation, which includes “performance” dials similar to those in the Bentayga Speed but with the inclusion of a PHEV power meter within the rev counter, is another unique feature. The “S” hybrid differs from its Azure counterpart as it comes with fluted seats, “S” logos on the grille, and illuminated tread plates and headrests.

The Bentayga Azure Hybrid, on the other hand, prioritizes the well-being and comfort of the passengers while being fully capable of delivering exhilarating performance, making every journey relaxing and convenient no matter the distance. The driver and the passengers can relax in the cabin’s serene acoustics.

Just like the Bentayga S Hybrid, the Bentayga Azure Hybrid is powered by a 3.0-liter petrol engine and an electric motor.

Ride comfort and NVH, or Noise, Vibration, and Harshness, are the two factors that have the most crucial impact on on-board relaxation. A four-year study that tracked thousands of people discovered that those who were exposed to traffic noise exceeding 70dB had a 65% higher risk of developing depression. Using the Bentayga EWB as an example, measurements revealed that it is between 4% and 26% quieter inside than its rivals, depending on frequency and position within the car. Another important factor that influences on-board well-being is secondary ride comfort. The smoother the ride, the more relaxing the trip. The Bentayga EWB boasts up to 27% less secondary ride vibration than its rivals at normal road speeds and in the crucial frequency range of 5Hz to 20Hz.

The Bentayga Azure Hybrid, like other Azure models, combines design, technology, and craftsmanship to improve the wellbeing of its passengers. The Front Seat Comfort Specification, which provides up to 22-way adjustment and a heating and ventilation function to maintain the body's ideal temperature for comfort and alertness, is one of its specifications.

The Azure development team worked with creative neuroscientist Katherine Templar-Lewis from Kinda Studios to analyze and develop Bentley's new concept of "well-being behind the wheel." Templar-Lewis' extensive research on the external factors that affect stress was essential in defining the new concept that the Azure feature suite represents. Her research combined with Bentley's own measurements to provide a science-based analysis of the pleasant experience of traveling in a Bentley, whether as a driver or a passenger, takes into account everything from light to the patterns we see around us, to the impact of in-car posture and thermal comfort.

The Touring Specification of driver assistance systems further improves the feeling of safe, serene movement and easy control. Adaptive Cruise Control maintains a predetermined distance from the car in front when the car slows down or fully stops. Once the lane is clear, it resumes the predetermined speed. The suite of onboard radar and camera systems in a Bentley continuously monitor the surrounding traffic and roads, working in conjunction with Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Bentley Safeguard.

Bentley's Color and Trim team thoroughly understands the value of color, texture, and tactility, that is why they specified "wellness quilting" for the Bentayga Azure Hybrid, which provides the aesthetic and tactile pleasure of meticulously made diamond quilted upholstery. Dark walnut, crown-cut walnut, and koa are three open-pore veneers that provide a calm, gentle satin sheen as an alternative to Bentley's full range of high gloss veneers. Azure buyers  can choose from 15 hide colors and color splits, with contrast stitching as standard and seat piping as a no-cost option. The fascia, illuminated tread plates, and seat embroidery all bear the Azure logo. Bentley “B” foot pedals, mood lighting, and a duo-tone steering wheel with a heating function round out the interior features.

On the outside, the Bentayga Azure Hybrid comes with 22-inch 10-spoke wheels, bright chrome lower bumper grilles, Azure badging, and finishing touches like the Bentley “jewel” filler cap.

The two new Bentayga Hybrid models represent the progress of Bentley's Beyond100 strategy. By 2025, the entire Bentley model range will be available with hybrid powertrains, coinciding with the release of the first ever Bentley battery electric vehicle (BEV).

Photos from Bentley

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