Bentley is known to be a bastion of expensive, high-class motoring – and soon green could be added to that list.

The car manufacturer plans to bring out “luxury” hybrid models within three years.

Its first display of hybrid power will come in 2017 in the Bentley SUV, due to be shown off at the Beijing Automotive Showcase on 20 April.

The change under the bonnet is hinted at in the design, with touches of copper details to the headlamps, radiator shell and badges.

Dr Wolfgang Schreiber, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors said: “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.”

The technology will be rolled out across most of its cars, he added: “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.”

The hybrids will be capable of driving at least 50 km on electric power alone. Bentley’s plug-in hybrid system will offer a power increase of up to 25% teamed with a 70% reduction in CO2 emissions.