Strong demand for a hybrid SUV that starts at just over £150,000 has helped Bentley smash its sales record in the latest sign of a lucrative pandemic for the wealthy.

The Crewe-based car maker owned by Volkswagen said the Bentayga remained its most popular model in its fifth year on the market and accounted for 40pc of its sales. 

The company called the model the world’s most successful upmarket SUV ahead of rivals from the likes of Rolls-Royce and Porsche.

Bentley said sales rose by a third to 14,659 cars last year, a “significant achievement” driven by new models and hybrids.

 Its range includes the Continental GT coupe, also available as a convertible, and the Flying Spur saloon.

Sales in China and the Americas rose by about 40pc, with more modest growth of 14pc to 1,328 sales in the UK.

Adrian Hallmark, chief executive, said hybrids accounted for one in five sales of the Bentayga, paving the way for Bentley to go all-electric by 2030.

“The reaction to the market introduction of the Bentayga Hybrid and anticipation for Flying Spur Hybrid demonstrate the path the luxury sector is heading, and we are positioned firmly at the forefront,” he said.

“These numbers are validation that we not only lead the sector in sales and market share, but also investment in electric technologies and commitment to being the first fully electrified and zero carbon luxury car company in the world.”