The future is electric, and every vehicle, from affordable compact sedans to pickup trucks to luxury cars, is undergoing shocking changes. We are a long way from the late 90’s Toyota Prius. Now it seems like every day an automaker is announcing a new electric or hybrid vehicle. Bentley’s latest plug-in hybrid, the Bentley Flying Spur, is looking to help electrify its lineup.

The evolution of hybrid vehicles

The Toyota Prius gets a lot of hate, but it was revolutionary in many ways. The hybrid arrived in the late 90s and opened up a world of possibilities. Unfortunately, it was ahead of its time and was the subject of ridicule as a result. The Prius was seen as impractical and lacking by many. Little did we know it would be the stepping stone that would lead to some of today’s most innovative vehicles.

Today plug-in hybrids are becoming popularized. Hybrids generate electricity from braking and internal combustion engines, while plug-in hybrids can be refueled similarly to gas-powered vehicles. Instead of a gas station, a plug-in hybrid pulls up to a charging station to refuel. Charging stations were also seen as impractical because of long charging times, but companies like Tesla have streamlined charging stations.

Now that the technology exists to make electric and hybrid vehicles more practical, plenty of automakers are joining the party and rolling out their new models. Companies like Ford have introduced electric versions of some of their most popular models. Plug-in hybrids appear to be one of the trendiest new options for lineups. Bentley has decided it’s time for a plug-in hybrid of its own.

Bentley’s shift to electric

Bentley has publically claimed that it would have a fully electric vehicle lineup by 2030. The Bentley Bentayga is a great start, but the automaker is still leaps and bounds away from its goal. Enter the Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid. The Bentley Flying Spur was released in 2006 as a four-door version of the Bentley Continental GT coupe.

The Bentley Flying spur has always been fast, stylish, and too expensive for the average consumer. It is a luxury car amongst luxury cars, experienced by only the elite and affluent. Electric vehicle and hybrid options have gradually become more affordable, but the Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid proves there are hybrid options for those with expensive tastes as well.

Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid

The Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid uses a twin-turbo V6 engine and an electric motor. According to Car and Driver, it makes 536 horsepower. It is estimated to travel 25 miles on just electricity. Bentley claims that the Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid can go from 0-60 miles per hour in just 4.1 seconds.

The Bentley Flying Spur Plug-in Hybrid could be the beginning of a huge decade for Bentley as they roll out more hybrid and electric vehicles. Bentley has started with two of their most popular models. Chances are the Flying Spur Plug-in hybrid will sell well thanks to its strong powertrain and quick acceleration. Bentley created a hybrid without the limitations of most EVs in terms of power. The electric-only range may not be anything to write home about yet, but the automaker has made a solid first and second attempt at transitioning to eco-friendly vehicles.