2019 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid Review

The market competition for luxury hybrid SUVs is becoming increasingly diverse. Consumers want to maintain the driving and riding quality of luxury cars while also hoping for more flexibility in energy consumption. The Bentley Bentayga Hybrid is a product tailored to this specific market demand. As the brand's first hybrid model, it retains the luxurious genes of the Bentayga family while achieving a balance between power and energy consumption through its hybrid system. Our test drive this time focuses on verifying whether it can meet user expectations for hybrid practicality without compromising the luxury experience.

From the exterior, the 2019 Bentayga Hybrid continues the classic design of the fuel version, with its overall style remaining grand and composed. The iconic matrix grille at the front is paired with sharp LED headlights on both sides, giving it a high level of recognition. The body lines stretch smoothly and powerfully from the hood to the rear, while the 21-inch multi-spoke wheels further enhance the presence of this luxury SUV. At the rear, the LED taillights use the brand’s signature design language, echoing the front. The only detail distinguishing it as a hybrid is the "Hybrid" badge on the front fender, subtle yet recognizable.

Inside the car, luxury remains the central advantage of the Bentayga Hybrid. The interior features extensive leather wrapping, combined with wooden trims and metallic buttons, giving a high-quality feel to every touch. The center console is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, with a simple and easy-to-use interface. Although its size is not particularly large by today’s standards, its responsiveness and feature completeness align with the positioning of a luxury car. As for the seats, the front row supports height adjustment, while the rear seats are also adjustable. Together with the automatic constant temperature air conditioner and independent rear air outlets, the car provides a comfortable environment for passengers in both the front and rear rows. Regarding space, with dimensions of 5140mm in length, 1998mm in width, 1742mm in height, and a wheelbase of 2995mm, the front row provides ample head and legroom, and passengers up to 180cm tall can sit in the rear with more than two fists of legroom to spare. The trunk has a capacity of 484 liters, which is sufficient for daily storage of suitcases or strollers, meeting the needs of a family.

In terms of the power system, the Bentayga Hybrid is equipped with a 4.0L turbocharged V8 engine combined with an electric motor to form the hybrid system. The system delivers a combined maximum output of 550PS and a peak torque that is fully unleashed at 4500rpm. In actual driving, the electric motor intervenes quickly during the start-up phase, providing brisk power response with almost no turbo lag. When switched to sport mode, the engine and motor work in tandem, achieving a 0-100km/h acceleration in just 4.5 seconds. During overtaking, pressing the accelerator deeply provides ample power reserves, easily completing the maneuver. In terms of handling performance, the front double-wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension is tuned for comfort. It effectively absorbs vibrations on uneven roads, making it so that passengers inside hardly feel any bumps. When cornering, body roll is well-controlled, and the steering is precise. Despite the vehicle weighing 2395kg, the stability in turns remains impressive.

Energy consumption is a key concern for hybrid models. The official combined fuel consumption is 11.4L/100km, and during the test drive, fuel consumption was around 13L/100km in urban congestion and could drop to about 9.5L/100km on highways. Overall, the performance meets expectations. Regarding driving comfort, the cabin insulation is well-done, with both wind and tire noise kept to a low level even at a speed of 120km/h. The seats offer good support and wrapping, ensuring comfort even during long periods of sitting. However, the presence of the hybrid system’s regenerative braking is quite weak, and it almost does not affect the smoothness of daily driving.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2019 Bentayga Hybrid lies in its "balance of luxury and practicality" — it retains the luxurious experience of the Bentayga family while reducing energy consumption through its hybrid system. Compared to the Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid of the same class, the Bentayga Hybrid has an edge in brand luxury and interior materials; compared to the Range Rover hybrid version, it outperforms in power performance and acceleration. This car is suitable for family users or business professionals who value a luxurious experience and have certain energy-saving needs. For daily commuting, the hybrid system provides smooth operation and low energy consumption, while sufficient power reserves ensure driving pleasure on long trips.

In summary, the Bentayga Hybrid has not compromised its luxury attributes because of the hybrid system. Instead, it broadens its applicability through its balance between power and energy consumption. It is both a luxurious SUV suitable for business receptions and a practical vehicle for daily family use, making it a worthwhile choice in the luxury hybrid SUV market.