Bentley launched it’s first-ever electrified vehicle back in 2019 and for 2021 felt it was time for an update. The Bentayga PHEV (Plugin Hybrid) makes use of a V6 petrol engine and electric motor yielding a total system power output of 443bhp and 516 pound-feet (700 newton meters) of torque. And thanks to that PHEV drivetrain the Bentagya is able to cover 18 miles in pure electric drive at 126mph. The problem with the 2019 Bentayga PHEV was that the ‘normal’ V8 version was that much more efficient. Therefore the Bentayga PHEV is no game-changer and certainly no giant leap.

Bentley, as with every other ultra-luxury car brand is trying to squeeze as much electrification into their range as quickly as possible. Before the mandated 2030 extinction event kills off petrol and diesel engines for good. It’s quite clear that Bentley has much more work to do on calculating how best to improve the combined efficiencies of both the electric motor and petrol engine.

That said the 2021 Bentayga PHEV has an uprated battery, the 17.3kWh battery takes 2.5 hours to recharge with a dedicated power supply, and many years if you use a bog-standard wall socket. When all is fully charged up and refilled the Bentayga PHEV has a combined range of 536 miles. However, the main reason to buy a Bentley is for the luxurious, cosseting interior. Saving the planet can wait.

By 2025 an all-electric Bentley will arrive, by that point forward the company will only ever offer hybrids or pure electric cars. Personally, I would go for the V8 version or the pure electric Bentley. The PHEV drivetrain is the Dodo of electrified cars.