Bentley is preparing to introduce a redesigned Bentayga in 2028, opting for plug-in hybrid powertrains instead of the fully electric successor previously under consideration. The move signals a strategic recalibration as the British luxury automaker continues its gradual transition toward electrification.
Earlier plans called for the Bentayga to be replaced by an all-electric model built on Volkswagen Group’s Scalable Systems Platform (SSP). However, delays to that architecture have prompted Bentley to retain combustion-based technology, albeit in electrified form. The next-generation SUV will instead be underpinned by the Premium Platform Combustion (PPC), and is expected to be sold alongside the brand’s first fully electric vehicle.
The decision reflects the Bentayga’s critical role in Bentley’s global business. Since its debut in 2015, the SUV has become the brand’s best-selling model, accounting for nearly half of total sales. It shares its origins with several Volkswagen Group vehicles, including the Porsche Cayenne, Lamborghini Urus, Audi Q7 and Q8, and Volkswagen Touareg.
The current Bentayga is based on the MLB Evo platform, which was updated in 2020 to support electrified drivetrains. Despite these upgrades, the architecture has faced criticism for its front-heavy engine layout, which can affect handling and overall balance.
The shift to the newer PPC platform is expected to address those shortcomings. Derived from the Premium Platform Electric used in models such as the Audi Q6 e-tron and Porsche Macan Electric, PPC features a revised layout that positions the engine further back in the chassis. This change is designed to improve weight distribution and driving dynamics. The platform also introduces a more advanced electronic system, replacing a decentralized setup with five high-performance central computers.
While Audi is currently the only Volkswagen Group brand utilizing PPC, Porsche is expected to adopt it for a future combustion-powered Macan. Bentley will follow with the next Bentayga, which is likely to retain both V6 and V8 engine options.
A plug-in hybrid V6 variant is expected to remain a key part of the lineup. The existing Bentayga Hybrid produces 456 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, with an electric-only driving range of approximately 20 miles. Future iterations are likely to build on these figures with improved efficiency and performance.
V8-powered versions are also expected to continue, though with added electrification. The current Bentayga V8 generates 542 horsepower, while the performance-focused Bentayga Speed delivers up to 641 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged engine.
As Bentley works toward electrifying its entire portfolio, the 2028 Bentayga will serve as a transitional model. By combining traditional internal combustion engines with hybrid technology, the SUV is set to bridge the gap between the brand’s current lineup and its fully electric future.
