Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition Is An Eco-Friendly SUV For The Elite

Nov. 01, 2022 4:00 PM ET by Jarryd Neves Luxury / 1 Comment

Just 70 examples of the Odyssean Edition will be made.

Bentley, first and foremost, is an ultra-luxury marque that keeps one eye on tradition and heritage. But it's also an industry leader when it comes to sustainability, and hopes to become an all-electric, carbon-neutral brand by 2030. Crewe's latest creation, the Bentayga Hybrid Odyssean Edition, reflects this fine blend of craftsmanship and eco-friendly practices.

Following in the footsteps of the Flying Spur Odyssean Edition, the hybrid SUV has been built with very little environmental impact. Inside, the interior is every bit as sumptuous as you'd expect. The open pore Koa veneer found on the center console, for example, uses 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers. Not only does it look more contemporary, but it also allows the natural surface to shine through.

The dashboard and door cards feature the sublime Piano Linen veneer, which provides the cabin with a calming, sophisticated effect. Interestingly, the automaker has still chosen to use leather upholstery, although the hide is said to be natural and sustainable. What's more, it should prove durable.

Tesla and BMW are just two of the many automakers that, in recent years, have offered buyers vegan or synthetic leather. Other companies, like Land Rover, offer high-end cloth options for those who prefer not to sit on leather.

Bentley has used 100% British wool for some interior elements, with crafted tweed appointments found on cabin panels. This natural luxury textile was created by "twisting a blend of tonal colors into a bespoke yarn," says the automaker.

Customers can select from five leather specifications, that pair a variety of hide colors with the light and airy Linen upholstery seen below. This is paired with the warm Autumn hue and makes for an exquisite three-color palette which is a first for the facelifted Bentayga. Opening the door unveils another special touch. Exclusive to this model are the Odyssean Edition treadplates.

The special edition badging can also be seen on the D-pillar. The creamy white paintwork seen here suits the serene persona of the Odyssean Edition to a tee. While Bentley has curated six colors that pair well with the wheels, the company's full palette of more than sixty colors is available to choose from.

Speaking of the wheels, the 22-inch ten-spoke items have been painted with Pale Brodgar accents. This treatment has been extended to the lower brightwork of the vehicle, which includes the light surrounds, bumpers, and lower body side chrome.

Of course, being the hybrid variant, the Bentayga Odyssean Edition gains motivation from Bentley's most frugal powerplant. Coupled with an electric motor, the 3.0-liter V6 produces a useful 443 horsepower and can even travel 31 miles on electric power only. The engine should waft passengers from the country estate to a German Schloss without breaking a sweat or the bank - it's capable of returning 46 MPGe combined.

More importantly, the cabin has been filled with all the luxuries you'd expect. Included in the specification is the Front Seat Comfort package, which provides 22-way adjustability - along with heating and ventilation functions - for those in the front. The Touring specification introduces a host of driver assists, including Lane Assist, Traffic Assist, and Adaptive Cruise Control.

Just 70 examples will be made so if you're interested, you'll have to act fast. Sales commence this month, with production commencing in the first quarter of 2023.