Bentley is paving the way for its first-ever plug-in hybrid model with a new concept car for the Beijing motor show.

The Bentley Hybrid concept is based on the Mulsanne. The drivetrain, specifics of which have not been fully disclosed, is set to be offered first as an option on the firm’s upcoming SUV in 2017.

Bentley says the Hybrid concept delivers a 25 percent increase in power and a 70 percent reduction in CO2 emissions when compared to a standard Mulsanne and its 505bhp 6752cc twin-turbocharged V8 engine

Power is therefore expected to be around 631bhp, a 126bhp increase courtesy of an electric motor and battery pack, the exact make-up of which has not been confirmed by Bentley ahead of the concept’s Beijing debut.

The firm has confirmed that the concept, as with all future Bentley plug-in hybrids, can travel more than 50km solely on electric power.

Revealing the concept, Bentley chief Wolfgang Schreiber said that its drivetrain would be offered in 90 percent of its range by the end of the decade. He believes that the technology is ideally suited to Bentley’s traditional powertrain traits.

“There is no doubt plug-in hybrid technology is true to Bentley’s values of outstanding luxury and effortless performance,” he 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.”

The Hybrid concept is visually very similar to the Mulsanne on which it is based, but a few flourishes have been added inside and out. Copper accents are used in the headlights, front grille, brake calipers, feature lines and badges to “highlight the car’s electric veins”. The same colour detailing is used inside on the fascia, instruments and leather stitching.