Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition majors on sustainability

In contrast to Rolls-Royce, which is jumping straight from petrol power to full electric, its erstwhile partner Bentley is hooked on the hybrid path. Half its models already rely on part electric power and all of them will do so by 2025, coincidentally the year the first pure electric Bentley is due.

So what we have here is the latest in Bentley’s electrification-by-stages plan wrapped up as a mildly improved special edition (70 to be made for all markets) loaded with smart tech and lovely Bentley craftsmanship.

Improvements – running changes really – comprise a slightly larger 18kWh battery and slightly longer electric-only range, now 28 miles (45km) on the WLTP cycle (it was around 24 miles). There’s the same 3.0-litre V6 under the bonnet but a slightly more powerful 100kW electric motor in the drivetrain so system power now peaks at 462PS (345kW) backed up by 700Nm (516lb ft) of torque. The 0-62mph time has come down from 5.5 to 5.3 seconds with a 158mph top speed.

The rest of the Odyssean Edition majors on standard equipment and special trim including – the sustainable bit – 100 per cent British wool tweed upholstery panels and open-pore Koa veneers. Open-pore veneer is good because it uses 90 per cent less lacquer than high-gloss veneers.

Craftsmanship is further enhanced in the Odyssean’s bespoke three-colour interior by embroidered panels of colours. Sounds soppy but will undoubtedly look good.

There’s no price specified, but whatever it is will include comfort-spec seats with 22-way adjustment and heating/ventilation, and a suite of driver assist features including adaptive cruise control. And outside? Special wheels of course, 22-inch 10-spokers, and a “more serene” finish to exterior brightware.

So there you have it: the “most sustainable” Bentley Bentayga. For now anyway…