Bentley unveils sustainable Odyssean Edition of Bentayga

MANILA: Bentley has unveiled the Bentayga Odyssean Edition, which carries on the tradition of outstanding sustainable design without compromising the famed Bentley craftsmanship. Only 70 units of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition will be produced.

The first Odyssean Edition was introduced to the Flying Spur family in 2021 and drew design cues from the EXP 100 GT concept car, which, as part of Bentley's Beyond100 strategy, set the company's vision for luxury mobility in 2035. The new Bentayga limited edition utilizes the advantages offered by a hybrid powertrain, much like the Flying Spur Odyssean.

The Bentayga Hybrid's V6 petrol engine, electric motor, and new 18kWh battery work together to produce an impressive range of performance, from the almost-silent zero emission EV mode to exhilarating full-throttle acceleration, with an increased electric-only range of at least 45km.

The 3.0-liter TFSI V6 petrol engine and the 100kW electric motor-generator have a combined output of 456bhp and can accelerate the Bentayga Hybrid from 0 to 100kph in just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 254kph.

Seven out of the 14 models in Bentley portfolio are now electrified, making up 50% of the whole model lineup.

Sustainability is highlighted with both the cabin materials and the powertrain. The center console's open pore Koa veneer preserves the wood's original surface texture and appearance while using 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers. Open-pore veneer is painted with just three extremely thin layers of lacquer, which together have a combined thickness of just 0.1mm. The veneer is chosen only from the best, most figured stock available.

The fascias and waistrails are finished in a stylish, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, and the entire interior has been given new depth by a dedicated three-color leather scheme. Sustainable natural leather is used extensively throughout the cabin with new materials because of its long-lasting quality.

The cabin also contains panels of masterfully crafted tweed made from 100% British wool, twisting a blend of tonal colors into a bespoke yarn to create a unique natural luxury textile exclusively for Bentley.

Customers can select from five specifications that combine light, contemporary Linen hide with soft, warm Autumn accents. These specifications can also include Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel, or Burnt Oak leather. As a result, the second-generation Bentayga now offers a unique three-color palette. When getting in or out of the vehicle, a special Odyssean Edition treadplate becomes apparent, and it matches the exterior D-pillar badging.

A unique embroidery technique results in thread colors blending harmoniously into one another over the width of each seat, similar to the ombre finishes seen in the Flying Spur Odyssean.

The Pale Brodgar accents on the 22-inch 10-spoke wheels and lower brightware (front and rear bumpers, headlight and taillight surrounds, and lower body side chrome) give the vehicle's exterior a distinctively serene character. Although the full Bentley palette of over 60 colors is available, a carefully curated exterior palette of six colors has been recommended to blend with the Pale Brodgar accents.

Similar to Bentley's Azure models, the Odyssean Edition prioritizes the well-being and comfort of its passengers and strives to make every journey, no matter how long, enjoyable. When traveling outside of the city, the 3.0-liter V6 petrol engine and electric motor continue to provide a smooth, quiet driving experience.

The Bentayga Odyssean Edition incorporates a combination of design, technology, and craftsmanship to improve the well-being of its occupants. The Front Seat Comfort Specification, which offers up to 22-way adjustment and a heating and ventilation function to maintain the body's ideal temperature for comfort and alertness, is one of its specifications.

The Touring Specification of driver assistance systems further improves the sense of safe, serene motion and relaxed control. When a vehicle in front slows down or stops altogether, adaptive cruise control maintains a predetermined distance behind it. Once the lane is clear, it resumes to the predetermined speed. Bentley's onboard radar and camera systems, which also include Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Bentley Safeguard, always monitor the surrounding traffic and roads.

The three E Modes — EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode — can be controlled by pressing a dedicated button. These will allow the driver to control battery usage while traveling, however the vehicle may also be able to do so automatically.

As soon as the vehicle is switched on, EV Drive mode is activated, maximizing the electric driving experience. This is perfect for driving in cities and on short distances. The Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Accelerator Pedal gives the driver feedback by signaling the transition from pure electric to hybrid power through a pressure point. Using data from the Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Navigation database, the pedal will vibrate when approaching a junction or a decrease in speed limit to inform the driver to lift off the throttle, saving energy and maximizing the opportunity for regeneration. Haptic feedback through the throttle pedal of the transition between the E Motor disengaging and the internal combustion engine starting encourages the driver to maximize efficiency by maintaining EV Drive for as long as possible. The E Motor continues to work at speeds of up to 135kph in pure electric driving.

Hybrid Mode maximizes vehicle efficiency and range using information from the intelligent navigation system. Designed for longer trips, this mode coasts the engine and uses predictive E-Mode while following the navigation system's directions. When a destination is entered, the vehicle will automatically switch to the best Drive Mode for each leg of the trip, constantly analyzing the most efficient use of battery charge and reserving electrical energy for the parts of the trip where it would be most beneficial, like when reaching the city. To maximize overall efficiency, the system will reduce the on-board charge to zero just as the vehicle arrives at its destination.

Hold Mode saves the high voltage battery charge for later use by balancing engine and electric power. This is the default setting for Sport, and it continuously boosts and recuperates.

Bentley Hybrid Efficiency Braking combines conventional hydraulic and E Motor braking seamlessly to deliver a conventional feel to the brake pedal for comfort and the driving experience while maximizing energy recovery.

The Bentayga Odyssean Edition offers the pinnacle of electrified luxury, cruising quietly and smoothly through cities while having the grand touring capability for long journeys outside urban areas.

The full Bentley lineup will be available with hybrid powertrains by 2025, coinciding with release of the first ever Bentley battery electric vehicle.

Sales of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition begin this month, with production beginning in Q1 2023.

Photos from Bentley

Also read: Two Flexjet bespoke luxury aircraft draw inspiration from Bentley Bacalar