Bentley Goes Green With its Hybrid Concept

To follow the market’s trend of offering a hybrid version of everything with four wheels and steering, Bentley will present a plug-in version of the luxurious Mulsanne at the Beijing Auto Show.

With a fuel consumption of 25L/100 km, the regular Mulsanne is far from being frugal. Bentley will therefore try to help its brand image (and at the same time, lower its corporate average fuel consumption) by unveiling a rechargeable Mulsanne, which can travel up to 50 km without burning a drop of fuel, while simultaneously offering the levels of luxury and performance expected in a Bentley.

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For the exterior, Bentley shows that because it’s a hybrid doesn't mean that it has to look like a plastic shoe. The concept is wonderfully adorned with copper, to show the world its electrical legacy. The headlights, brake calipers, badges and interior trims are all copper. Plus, a long trim piece runs down the exterior of the car, and even the recharge station matches the vehicle!

Another interesting element mentioned in the press release is that with the electric drivetrain, power could be augmented by up to 25%. A quick calculation gives astounding numbers: with the twin-turbo V8 engine, this Mulsanne would develop 631 HP, and up to 940 lb-ft of torque. That is 80 more than the 2015 Ford F-350 Super-Duty…

We will see the Hybrid Concept for the first time in Beijing, and Car Guide will be there to see it in the flesh!