While you might think Bentleys are all about massive engines and luxurious interiors, these days, the British luxury marque is increasingly focussing on smaller powertrains along with electrified options. Ahead of its pledge of going full electric, the car-maker had introduced a hybrid powertrain but the Bentayga Odyssean Edition that you see here also combines that with a generous dose of sustainability.
Limited to just 70 examples, the Bentayga Odyssean Edition uses an evolved version of the hybrid V6 while having eco-friendly materials sprinkled across its sumptuous cabin.
RELATED: We Joined Bentley on an Extraordinary Journey Through New Zealand.
It may not be immediately familiar, but the Odyssean moniker is nothing new, being used on the Flying Spur sedan back in 2001. However, here with the Bentyaga Odyssean Edition, the hybrid V6 is combined with a new 18.0 kWh battery with an improved electric-only range of 45 km on the WLTP cycle. There are three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode – which enable the driver to manually control the battery usage if needed. At the start, EV Drive mode is engaged instantly to maximise the battery usage and you can drive in pure electric mode up to 84 km/h.
Despite the smaller capacity six-cylinder powertrain this is still a fast Bentley, completing the 0-100 km/h sprint in 5.3 seconds before going onto a top speed of 254km/h.
Sustainability goes beyond just adding a hybrid powertrain as crucially, the interior design ethos is now viewed through an eco-friendly prism. For example, the open pore Koa veneer of the centre console uses 90 per cent less lacquer than high-gloss veneers and is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness.
You will also find sustainable natural leather being wide across the cabin and it also features tweed made from 100 per cent British wool, using a blend of tonal colours into a bespoke yarn.
There is more customisation on offer too with five specifications namely, Beluga, Porpoise, Cricket ball, Brunel or Burnt Oak leather being combined with a Linen hide. Of course, an Odyssean Edition treadplate is there on the inside and matches the exterior D-pillar badging.
On the outside, this special edition Bentley is also decked up with 22-inch ten-spoke wheels (with painted Pale Brodgar accents) and there is more chrome being slashed across this stately SUV. In terms of the exterior colours, you can choose from 60 options while six such colours have been curated to go along with the Pale Brodgar accents.
Just like on the Azure trim, here you get the ‘Comfort Specification’ which brings in 22-way adjustable seats plus a heating and ventilation function to maintain the body’s optimum temperature for comfort. Driver assistance features have also been bundled in with the ‘Touring Specification,’ which adds features like adaptive cruise control and lane assist.
By 2025, Bentley will equip its entire line-up with hybrids with an eventual introduction of a pure battery-operated vehicle and this new Odyssean edition enables the Bentayga to compete strongly with other electrified luxury SUVs in the market.
You’ll also like:
