New Bentayga Odyssean Edition Shows How Bentley’s Vision Of Sustainability Is Different From Others

• New Bentayga Odyssean is an ultra-exclusive PHEV limited to 70 units. 

• Gets design cues inspired by the EXP 100 GT and sustainably produced interior materials.  

• Powered by a 456PS V6 petrol hybrid powertrain with up to 45km EV-only range. 

• Gets advanced massaging, ventilated front seats and ADAS as standard.

Bentley has introduced a new variant of the Bentayga SUV that combines a plug-in hybrid powertrain with top-shelf features. Called the Bentayga Odyssean, the PHEV will be limited to only 70 units. It takes inspiration from the EXP 100 GT concept and showcases Bentley’s vision for sustainability and electrification, and it seems like the British marque diverges from mainstream EV makers in some ways. 

Bentayga Odyssean is the most sustainable Bentley 

On the outside, the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean can be distinguished from the standard SUV with its chrome mesh front grille, air dam and side vents alongside a dark full-width trim piece at the base of the bumper. 

The limited-edition SUV gets exclusive ten-spoke, 22-inch wheels that feature the same dark-coloured ‘Pale Brodgar’ accents as the front bumper. The doors and lower rear bumper feature Pale Brodgar trim as well. The tail end gets similar chrome-lined taillights and oval-shaped quad exhausts. 

On the inside, the Odyssean gets open-pore wood veneers and some of the panels are upholstered in tweed, a fabric made from wool, which is both sustainable and “100 per cent British”, in Bentley’s words. Blazer material aside, the Bentayga still uses real, ‘sustainable natural leather’ on the dashboard, seat upholstery and in other places throughout the cabin. 

The dashboard leather is offered in five different colours, Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel and Burnt Oak–each paired with a light-coloured hide. The dashboard gets real open-pore Koa wood veneers for a natural feel that use 90 percent less lacquer (just three thin coats) than shinier veneers. 

As standard, the Bentayga Odyssean gets heated, ventilated, massaging and 22-way powered front seats, part of the Front Seat Comfort Specification. Other features include illuminated Odyssean Edition door sill plates, smartphone connectivity with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, WiFi hotspot, connected car tech and a panoramic sunroof. 

The Bentley SUV also gets the Touring Specification as standard with ADAS features such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and even a night-vision camera. 

Bentayga Odyssean Hybrid Powertrain

Under the bonnet, the Bentayga Odyssean gets the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the standard Bentayga SUV gets overseas. It pairs a 3-litre, twin-turbo, V6 petrol engine with a powerful 134PS motor and 18kWh battery. The combined output is 456PS and 700Nm, good for a 0-97kmph in 5.1 seconds. 

Moreover, the Bentayga Odyssean can go up to 45km on electric power alone. It’s capable of reaching speeds up to 135kmph, as long as you keep a light foot on the gas pedal. The SUV goes into Hybrid mode while accelerating; and Hold mode uses ICE power alone, recharging the battery with regenerative braking. 

Bentley’s Electric Future 

Similar to other global carmakers, Bentley will have to switch to a fully electric lineup eventually, at least in select markets such as Europe and North America. Its first electric vehicle will debut in 2025, by which time Bentley’s full lineup will be offered with hybrid powertrains. 

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The order books for the Bentley Bentayga Odyssean are already open, and production will begin by April 2023.