Bentley’s first crossover SUV, the Bentayga, debuted in 2015 and has been integral to the luxury brand’s increasing sales success. Bentley had a banner sales year in 2022, delivering more than 15,000 vehicles worldwide for the first time in its history. That is in large part thanks to the United States—Bentley’s largest market—and the Bentayga, which comprised 42 percent of US sales. The Bentayga Hybrid was unveiled in 2018 and has been an important part of the lineup, especially as the British automaker shifts from gasoline to all-electric powertrains.

What’s New for the 2023 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid

The Bentayga received a significant update in 2021, so the 2023 iteration is largely a carryover. However, the hybrid powertrain has been retuned and paired with a larger power source. An 18.0-kWh battery pack replaces the previous 13.0-kWh version for improved efficiency and performance. The 2023 Bentayga Hybrid also expands to a broader lineup of offerings with the addition of Azure, S, and Odyssean Edition models.

Azure is a new-for-2023 trim level that is available on other Bentley models and was developed around the concept of well-being, where comfort and security take precedence. The Bentayga S Hybrid has a more performance-oriented nature. The S model receives aggressive styling, a stiffer suspension, and a throatier exhaust note. The Bentayga Odyssean Edition is ultra-exclusive, as only 70 will be built globally. Described as the “most sustainable” Bentayga ever built, the Odyssean incorporates environmentally friendly materials.

Design

The Bentayga Hybrid isn’t notably distinctive design-wise from its gasoline-only sibling. The plug-in hybrid (PHEV) features the same simple but strong character lines and sleek profile that are a Bentley hallmark. The Bentayga design in particular harkens to the familiar angles of the automaker’s Continental GT and Flying Spur cars.

Like the base Bentayga V8, the hybrid version rides on 21-inch wheels, while all other trims are equipped with a 22-inch set. But buying off the rack is not the Bentley way. Despite its already presentable styling, the Bentayga Hybrid is offered in more than 60 colors, and the palette selection is actually endless thanks to the availability of bespoke options as well. The Bentayga Hybrid is certainly designed for electrified efficiency, but it’s not boastful about it. Other than subtle “hybrid” badging, you wouldn’t be able to tell the gas and gas-electric iterations apart until you hit the start button.

Powertrain

The name “Bentayga Hybrid” is a slight misnomer, because the vehicle is not a standard hybrid as its name suggests. This Bentley hybrid is more accurately a plug-in hybrid. The difference? The former utilizes fuel, and only fuel, to propel itself; the latter can travel on battery-electric energy alone. Vehicle sound, range, tax breaks, etc. also vary. Nevertheless, the clarification will be moot in a few years, since Bentley plans to be an electric-only automaker by 2030.

Within the Bentayga family, the PHEV is equipped with a smaller 3.0-liter V6 than the gas-only models, which get a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. But with a new 18.0-kWh battery pack, the combined gas-electric powertrain produces 456 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. Respectively, this is a six- and 15-percent year-over-year increase.

With standard all-wheel-drive (AWD) and an eight-speed gearbox, the Bentayga Hybrid has a 5.1-second zero-to-60-mph time and a top speed of 158 mph. EPA fuel economy numbers are not yet available, but Bentley is targeting 27 miles of electric-only range with the new setup. The previous Bentayga Hybrid powertrain was good for only 18 miles of EV range.

Interior

Standard Bentayga Hybrid interior amenities are decidedly posh. And despite the numerous combinations of embroidery, hides, metals, and woods, every configuration will be one of comfort, luxury, and quiet. In the Odyssean Edition, open-pore Koa veneer that requires 90 percent less lacquer is used alongside environmentally friendly natural leather and British-born tweed.

The Bentayga Hybrid is offered in 2+2 and 2+3 seating configurations. The cabin provides plenty of legroom for front- and second-row occupants and treats the group to equal parts heated and ventilated seats. The Azure and Odyssean Edition also feature 22-way adjustable front seats to provide optimal seating positions for the majority of passengers. The optional third row receives minimal creature comforts, however. Not meant to be used with any regularity, these extra seats are best utilized for small children or for very, very short trips.

Technology

The 2023 Bentayga Hybrid is equipped with a standard 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen that features Bluetooth, gesture control, navigation, voice activation, a digital TV, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A rear entertainment system that features two 10.1-inch HD screens is also offered. But if your viewing preference is a smartphone or tablet, the Bentayga is equipped with up to six USB-C ports for your charging pleasure.

A premium 590-watt, 12-speaker sound system is standard, with a high-end Naim 1,780-watt, 20-speaker system available for a more immersive sound experience. Specific to the S Hybrid are enhanced sports exhaust and sports sound modes that feed the performance PHEV’s engine and exhaust note into the cabin. The systems can even be tuned separately for front and rear passengers.

Safety

Like its luxury offerings, safety features on the Bentagya Hybrid are expansive but not necessarily standard. Outside of the necessary airbags and crash-detection equipment, advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) like adaptive cruise control, night vision, lane-keep assist, and a head-up display are part of add-on packages.

Pricing

The 2023 Bentley Bentagya Hybrid lineup starts at an overall lower price point than its petrol-powered sibling. Although more fuel-efficient, the plug-in hybrids don’t offer the same amount of performance due to their smaller, V6-based hybrid powertrains. Nevertheless, the base 2023 Bentayga Hybrid price is the same as the V8 version, starting at $200,025 (including the $2,725 destination charge). The Bentayga PHEV price jumps up to $228,225 for the S Hybrid and $234,025 for the Azure Hybrid. Both are priced at $5,600 less than their V8 counterparts. The limited-run Bentayga Odyssean Edition starts at $242,025.