Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition takes greener path

The 2023 Bentley Bentayga Odyssean Edition is the most sustainable car ever to emerge from the British sports-luxury marque, catering for wealthy buyers who want a greener tinge to their high-performance mega-SUV.

Just 70 will be produced and there’s no word yet on an Australian allocation or pricing ahead of first deliveries in Europe in the first quarter of next year.

Bentley says the greenest car it’s ever produced will be offered only with its plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain that, thanks to an 18kWh battery, provides a pure-electric range of up to 45km.

Out of town the PHEV still offers plenty of performance thanks to the 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine being paired with a 100kW electric motor that, combined, generates an impressive 340kW.

Against the clock, the limited-edition Bentley Bentayga Hybrid can hit 100km/h in just 5.3 seconds, with a top speed of 254km/h.

It’s within the cabin you’ll find a kinder mix of more sustainable materials, such as open-pore Koa wood veneer employing 90 per cent less lacquer than usual wood finishes.

Other fresh planet-friendly materials include a Piano Linen veneer that’s used for the fascia and top of the door cards, while a new three-colour leather trim is said to be made of sustainable natural leather sourced from the meat industry.

Tweed also makes an appearance that is made from British wool and is said to add a dash of tonal colour to the cabin.

Despite the limited production run, buyers will have the choice of one of five leather colours – Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel or Burnt Oak, each blended with a light linen trim.

The limited Bentley also gets Odyssean Edition treadplates and D-pillar badging.

Outside, there’s large 22-inch 10-spoke alloy wheels and chrome accents on the lower front and rear bumpers, headlight and tail-light surrounds and lower body sides.

Designers have also created six special exterior paints to match the cabin, although the entire Bentayga palette spanning 60 colours is available.

Standard kit included on the special-edition include 22-way heated and ventilated front seats and adaptive cruise control that includes lane keep assist.

The Odyssean Edition is only available on the standard-wheelbase Bentayga and not the stretched EWB version, so you do miss out on the more luxurious rear seat package.

Earlier this year, Bentley revised its plan to introduce a full-electric model by mid-decade, pushing it back until 2026, but is still aiming to drop internal combustion engines across its range by 2030.

Join the conversation at 

our Facebook page

Or email us at 

editor@carsales.com.au