Bentley Bentayga Hybrid S and Azure break cover

Bentley has bolstered its electrified vehicle portfolio with the addition of two new 2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid SUVs in the sporty S and luxurious Azure grades.

Confirmed for arrival in Australia during the third quarter of 2023, the big luxury SUV newcomers are fitted with a new 18kWh battery pack that extends the zero-emissions driving range of the Bentayga Hybrid models out to 43km.

Output from the plug-in hybrid system’s electric motor has also increased to 100kW and 400Nm, up six and 15 per cent respectively.

The electric motor combines with a carryover 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine that drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Total system output is 340kW – enough to launch the Bentayga S Hybrid from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.3 seconds and push on to a top speed of 254km/h.

Like the equivalent combustion-engined model, the Bentayga S Hybrid can be identified by its black exterior trim, dark-tint headlights and tail-lights, black grille, Speed-style front bumper and rear spoiler, black wing mirrors, red brake callipers, exclusive 22-inch alloy wheels and oval exhaust exits.

The sporty look is backed up by more focused chassis, suspension, ESC and sound enhancement tunes designed to make the S Hybrid more engaging to drive.

That’s complemented by a sportier cabin featuring Dinamica upholstery, a ‘performance design’ digital cockpit, S badging and illuminated tread plates and head restraints.

Despite sharing exactly the same powertrain – besides the bespoke exhaust – the Azure has the same mechanical package (sans exhaust) but, according to Bentley, is designed to “prioritise the wellbeing and comfort” of its occupants with more lavish materials, diamond-quilted upholstery, wood veneer trim, Bentley ‘B’ pedals, mood lighting, a duo-tone steering wheel and illuminated ‘Azure’ emblems throughout the cabin.

Exterior highlights include bright chrome lower bumper grilles, ‘Azure’ badging, 22-inch 10-spoke wheels and Bentley ‘jewel’ filler cap.

“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,” the company said in a 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.”

The only electrified Bentley currently offered Down Under is the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid.

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