Based on the Mulsanne, Bentley will showcase a plug-in hybid concept car during the Beijing Auto Show on April 20.

The concept serves as a precursor to the plug-in hbyrid system that will eventually be offered on 90 percent of Bentley’s product portfolio. But rather than introducing the Volkswagen Group plug-in hybrid powertrain to any of its existing models, it will enter the market in 2017 with the yet-unnamed SUV.

“There is no doubt that plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance,” Bentley charman Wolfgang Schreiber said. “Combining our renowned engines with electric power reinforces and enhances both principles, and so we will gradually introduce this powertrain across our model range.”

For now, the powertrain is being previewed in a version of the flagship Mulsanne. Reinforcing Schreiber’s claim that the powertrain won’t fall below Bentely’s current performance standards, the company said it will offer 626 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. Bentley also promises its plug-in powertrain will offer a 25 percent boost in output with a 70 percent reduction in C02 emissions.

The powertrain can propel vehicles on electric power alone, but only up to 31 mph. Technically that means the plug-in hybrids will be able to travel “emmissions free.” After that speed, the Mulsanne’ 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 kicks in.

Has a 50 km electric range

Bentley is providing a preview of its greener lineup with the Hybrid Concept currently being showcased at the 2014 Beijing Motor Show.

The concept is based on the Mulsanne and the newly developed plug-in hybrid system promises to increase output by 25 percent while at the same time shaving off CO2 emissions by 70 percent. In addition, the concept can run on electric power for a minimum of 50 km (31 miles) without emitting any CO2.

It can be visually distinguished by its several copper touches on the profile lines, headlamps, radiator shell bezel, badges and brake calipers, while on the inside the theme has been carried over onto the switch bezels, instruments and veneer fascias. Rounding off the list of changes is the copper cross-stitching which applied on the Mulliner Driving Specification upholstery.

Bentley has announced the plug-in hybrid system will be seen for the first time on the company's SUV programmed to come out in 2016 with conventional power while a year later the hybridized version will be introduced. Bentley's plans are to offer a plug-in hybrid setup to more than 90 percent of their cars by 2020.

Bentley is sharing its vision of a "more powerful and even more efficient future" with the global debut of the Mulsanne-based Hybrid Concept at the Beijing Auto Show this week.

The study is the British brand's first hybrid model and while there's a small question mark on whether this powertrain will be utilized on this generation of the Mulsanne, Bentley confirmed that it will be offered as an option on their upcoming, but as-of-yet unnamed production SUV in 2017.

Bentley says the unspecified plug-in hybrid system increases power by up to 25 percent, while reducing emissions by 70 percent and providing a driving range of at least 50 km (31 miles) on electric power alone.

To separate the Hybrid Concept from the other Mulsanne models, Bentley used copper as an exterior and interior styling element to "highlight the car’s electrical veins".

Bentley supports that, by the end of the decade, at least 90 percent of its cars will be available as a plug-in hybrid.

“Adding performance and efficiency with no compromise to luxury –Plug-in hybrids are an important part of Bentley’s exciting future and we are proud to be pioneering these developments in the ultra-luxury sector,” stated Bentley CEO Wolfgang Schreiber.

To celebrate its 95th birthday, Bentley will craft 15 unique Mulsanne 95 special edition models featuring British-inspired materials and design, available exclusively to customers in the UK.

Built by Bentley’s Mulliner division in Crewe, the 15 units will feature three British-inspired exterior colors created specifically for this limited run of cars: Britannia Blue, Empire Red and Oxford white. The red, white and blue color palette is complemented by exterior design touches including a dark tint finish for the iconic Flying B bonnet mascot and striking 21-inch five-spoke wheels.

The Mulsanne 95’s cabin features illuminated treadplates with a bespoke ‘Ninety Five’ script and union flag detail, distinctive “95” emblem embroidered onto the front and rear seats and sculpted on the passenger fascia panel, as well as unique wood veneer.

The Mulsanne 95 features a rare wood veneer selected by Bentley from a huge walnut tree, estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old, which came down in 2007 at Fulbeck Hall in Lincolnshire during a heavy storm.

According to Bentley's press blurb, "the Fulbeck Walnut veneer features in the signature ‘ring of wood’ that encompasses the entire interior, and its complex pattern displays a rare rippled effect which sweeps through the cabin. This unique veneer is complemented by a blue and white two-tone leather split with red contrast stitching".

The special edition Mulsanne is available for order now.