A Bentley hybrid SUV? Don’t look so shocked; it’s coming in 2017

By Peter Braun January 9, 2014

bentley hybrid suv dont look shocked coming 2017 concept — Image used with permission by copyright holder

A Bentley plug-in hybrid? I know it sounds weird, but apparently it’s going to happen. Though the hybrid won’t be out for its 2015 debut, Bentley has confirmed that its new 4×4 will feature a plug-in hybrid drivetrain by 2017.

This marks the beginning of an effort by Bentley to eventually produce hybrid versions of all of its cars. For the time being though, as Bentley Chairman Wolfgang Schreiber explained to Auto Express: ” The SUV will be the first Bentley hybrid because it’s based on a new platform with new technology. You need space for batteries and the technology, so we probably won’t do that for existing models. We will see hybrid versions of all of our cars, though.”

While Schreiber, wily executive that he is, would not confirm that the new SUV would be getting a plug-in system, though he strongly hinted that it would. I would be shocked if that weren’t the case, given that by 2017 I expect most hybrids sold to have a plug-in capacity.

Schreiber also took the time to dispel earlier rumors that he SUV would be built in Slovakia, stating that it would be built in Crewe, England.

It is good to see Bentley pushing the design in such a forward thinking direction. Especially after the first concept they debuted was widely panned for its styling.

As Schreiber said “We learnt a lot from that car. The exterior was not liked by everybody so we reacted and modified the design completely. It’s now a true Bentley.”

And with all of the resources of the massive VW group at its disposal; not to mention more than 200 preorders for a car that doesn’t exist yet, I suppose Bentley has some freedom to take risks.

While it remains to be seen just what it will produce, Bentley has all of the pieces to make quite simply the best luxury SUV on the market. Given that luxury buyers are increasingly turning to SUVs over the more traditional sedan, that is very good news for Bentley.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Peter is a freelance contributor to Digital Trends and almost a lawyer. He has loved thinking, writing and talking about cars…

Cars

Ford gears up to build rugged, capable hybrid trucks and SUVs

2020 Ford Explorer hybrid

Ford is planning to launch a hybrid version of its bestselling F-150 pickup truck, as well as a slew of hybrid SUVs. The Detroit automaker wants to increase fuel economy without sacrificing the things truck and SUV buyers value, like towing capacity and off-road capability. So Ford is preparing a tougher lineup of hybrid powertrains based around a modified automatic transmission, as this Automotive News overview explains.

The system, dubbed "modular hybrid technology" by Ford, was designed for vehicles based on rear-wheel drive platforms that use the 10-speed automatic transmission co-developed by Ford and General Motors. It allows an electric motor to be wedged between the transmission and internal-combustion engine. That saves money by reducing the complexity of the setup (Ford claims roughly 90% of parts are shared with the conventional 10-speed automatic). There is nothing particularly novel about the setup, but it's important nonetheless because of the high-volume vehicles Ford plans to put it in.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.

Cars

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan gets new face, bigger battery

2025 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan front-quarter view.

The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan arrived during the 2022 model year as the flagship of Mercedes' EV fleet. But now that it's been on sale for a few years, it's time for this flagship to get a refit so that it can stay competitive with other six-figure electric sedans like the BMW i7, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S. The updated EQS sedan is scheduled to reach dealerships later this year as a 2025 model.

One of the most controversial features of the EQS has been its unorthodox streamlined shape, which makes the EQS one of the most aerodynamic sedans around, but also means it doesn't look much like a traditional Mercedes. For 2025, the EQS takes a step closer to that traditional look with a new grille featuring chrome bars like on the Mercedes S-Class. It also sports the brand's trademark hood ornament.