Bedecked inside and out with subtle fillets of polished copper, this is no ordinary Bentley Mulsanne. Well, to be fair, no Mulsanne is exactly ordinary, but this one is less ordinary than the rest, if that makes sense.
It's carrying a concept version of Bentley's first ever hybrid engine package and will be displayed at the upcoming Beijing Motor Show. Bentley hasn't specifically said what the petrol engine component of this new hybrid setup is, but compared to a standard 6.75-litre Mulsanne, it claims a 25 per cent improvement in power with a 70 per cent reduction in emissions.
It's a plug-in hybrid too, and Bentley is stipulating that all of its future hybrid models will be able to travel for at least 50 kilometres without awakening the petrol engine. Doubtless, the Crewe-based firm is wary of upcoming city centre emissions rules that would prevent its exclusive clientele from driving up to the steps of their exclusive city pads unless their car is powered exclusively by electricity...
The hybrid concept is set apart from other Mulsannes by beautiful little slivers of copper (a nod to the car's electrical powertrain) dotted about the interior and exterior. It won't be the last Bentley to feature such touches - Bentley boss Wolfgang Schreiber wants 90 per cent of future Bentleys to have hybrid systems.
"There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley's values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance. Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range. By the end of the decade, at least 90% of our production will be available as a plug-in hybrid. We are proud to be pioneering these developments in the luxury sector."
Anything else?
Although Bentley is using the Mulsanne to show off its new hybrid tech, it won't actually be the debut car for the drivetrain. That honour will fall to Bentley's somewhat controversial SUV, which is due to make a public debut later this year.