The magnificent 429bhp 4.0-litre V8 diesel engine that made a brief appearance in the Bentayga SUV would have been splendid under the long nose of the Flying Spur, but the British firm got uneasy about offering a diesel powerplant when the fuel’s reputation got hauled though the mud. In its place at the most eco-friendly end of the market is a plug-in hybrid, and that is offered in both the Bentayga and the Flying Spur. With a combined 536bhp from the 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine with 126bhp electric motor, there’s effortless performance off the line. The switch between combustion and electric power is imperceptible and aside from an extra filler cap so that you can plug the Flying Spur in for recharging, and discreet Hybrid badges on the front wings, you would never know what powerplant is under the skin.

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