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2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid arrives at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show

It's been more than three years since the Bentley Bentayga Hybrid was announced. The British automaker's ultra-lux SUV was released with a 600 horsepower W12, though a diesel variant is available in Europe and a gasoline V8-powered model will soon go on sale. At the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, Bentley finally unveiled the new Bentayga plug-in hybrid with 31 miles of range and a full charge in just 2.5 hours. The Bentayga Hybrid uses a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 paired with an electric motor. Details on the battery capacity, power output and fuel economy haven't been announced, but expect huge improvements over the current model's abysmal 12 mpg city and 19 mpg highway EPA rating. Like other hybrids, the Bentayga's E Motor acts as both an electric motor and a generator. Bentley says the hybrid will get 50 kilometers or about 31 miles of range on the European cycle. View 12 Photos Power is still sent to all four wheels. Four on-road driving modes — Sport, Bentley, Comfort and Custom — will be joined by three new modes. Using what used to be the start/stop switch, drivers can change between EV Drive, Hybrid and Hold modes, the latter holding battery power for later use. The instrument cluster and infotainment screens have been revised, with an EV Drive meter joining the traditional tachometer. A battery charge meter replaces the coolant temperature gauge. In order to maximize fuel economy and electric range, Bentley uses the satellite navigation to calculate the best use of the powertrain. When a destination is set, the nav system will talk to the computer to determine the best times to use the electric motor, holding the battery's charge until it's most efficient. Ideally, Bentley says the system will deplete the battery's charge completely just as you arrive at your destination. A smartphone app allows owners to remotely check the charge status or search for charging stations along a route or in an area. Other features include remote heating and cooling that will have the car at a set temperature when you're ready to go. A full charge should take 7.5 hours on a standard outlet or 2.5 with a in-home charger. Bentley has you covered here and has partnered with designer Philippe Starck on a custom charger. While it doesn't charge any faster than other chargers, it is quite a stylish piece of equipment. Visually, the Bentayga Hybrid doesn't differ much from the standard gasoline model. The charging port mirrors the fuel filler door on the opposite side of the car.

2021 Bentley Flying Spur V8 returns with less weight, equipment than W12

Following up on the launch of the W12 version, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur is once again getting an "entry-level" variant with a V8. It's not as powerful as the W12, and a couple fancy features aren't included. But it's lighter, more fuel efficient, and we expect it will be cheaper. Like past V8 Spurs, this new model has a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. It's more powerful than its predecessors, though, making 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque. The previous-generation V8 S made 521 horsepower and 502 pound-feet of torque. The W12's 626 horsepower still towers over the V8, but the V8 boasts a weight savings of 220 pounds. Combined with cylinder deactivation, Bentley claims a 16% improvement in fuel economy, though doesn't give specific numbers. Applying that increase to the W12's combined fuel economy number, we'd expect around 17 mpg for the V8 versus 15 for the W12. There's one other key mechanical change to the Flying Spur V8, and that's the lack of standard electronic adjustable anti-roll bars and four-wheel steering. Both features are part of an option package now, whereas they're included on the W12. The adjustable anti-roll bars are automatically controlled to optimize ride quality while reducing body roll, and the steering allows the Flying Spur to more easily negotiate tight corners and spaces. Otherwise, the V8 Flying Spur is nearly identical to the W12 version, save for the standard 20-inch wheels and quad exhaust tips. It's available in either four- or five-seat configurations. First Edition and Blackline trims are available that include extra options and unique visual tweaks. And among some of the more opulent upgrades are the rear-seat refrigerator, illuminated Flying B hood ornament and rotating center stack display. Pricing for the Flying Spur V8 starts at $200,725 with destination, a healthy discount to the W12's nearly $215,000 price tag. It's also more affordable than the the Continental GT V8's price of around $204,000. The V8 Flying Spur will be available early next year. Related Video:

Bentley targeting Range Rover with 12-cylinder SUV

The eventual arrival of Bentley's upcoming SUV in 2016 will likely prove the most pivotal new product to come from Crewe since the debut of the Continental GT in 2003. And Bentley isn't messing around.
The British automaker is taking aim directly at the Range Rover, saying that it will be just as capable off-road. That's a mighty big claim for a company that has never made an off-roader before, but comes with good reason: Bentley estimates that nearly 30 percent of its customers have a Range Rover as well, and the company is keen to take a slice of that pie.
There are, however, several elements that will elevate the Bentley Falcon (as it's expected to be called) above Range Rover territory. For starters, according to Automotive News Europe, which spoke to Bentley marketing chief Kevin Rose at the Frankfurt show, the Falcon will be more expensive. The sticker price in Europe is expected to hover around 180,000 euros - double the flagship Range Rover's starting price. It'll also be available with four-, five- and seven-seat configurations. And it'll offer more power. A lot more power.