Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition
Photography exclusively for UnnamedProject.com by David Lewis Taylor.
Earlier this spring in East Hampton, we had the privilege of spending time with a limited edition Flying Spur Hybrid, showcasing the diverse ways you can elevate your Bentley experience. The Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition marked the initial phase of Bentley’s journey to integrate sustainable materials into its future strategy.
This Bentley boasts an advanced hybrid powertrain, delivering a combined power of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb. ft) of torque. What sets it apart is the extensive use of sustainable materials throughout the cabin, reflecting the design ethos expected in today’s Bentleys.
Inside, meticulously crafted panels of tweed, fashioned from 100% British wool, adorn the cabin. This bespoke yarn, blending tonal colors, creates a luxurious textile unique to Bentley. Meanwhile, the exterior is adorned with Pale Brodgar accents, enhancing the serene character with 21″ ten twin-spoke wheels, lower brightware on front and rear bumpers, headlight and taillight surrounds, and chrome detailing along the lower body side.
With sustainability at the forefront, the open-pore Koa veneer fascias and waist rails utilize 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers, preserving the natural surface texture and aesthetic. Carefully selected from the finest, most figured stock available, the open-pore veneer receives just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, totaling a mere 0.1 mm in thickness.
The center console boasts a sleek, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, complementing the interior’s overall aesthetic. A dedicated three-color leather scheme adds depth and sophistication throughout. Sustainable leather is extensively employed across the cabin for its enduring durability. Notably, Bentley drew inspiration from its own 1955 S1 Flying Spur during the design process, as the car’s original leather interior, now 66 years old, remains in impeccable condition, highlighting the material’s longevity.
expert craftsmanship
Interior accents feature a soft, inviting hide called Autumn, offering customers a choice of five specifications that incorporate Beluga, Porpoise, Cricketball, Brunel, or Burnt Oak leather, paired with light and contemporary Linen hide. A distinctive Odyssean Edition treadplate greets passengers upon entry and exit, complemented by exterior D-pillar badging.
As we navigated the winding roads of Montauk en route to The Gurney, our Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition proved its versatility. It exemplifies how hybridization seamlessly integrates luxury and performance. With a seamless transition between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, refined serenity pervades regardless of driving mode or style.
This powertrain combines a 2.9-liter V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor. With ample power reserves, impressive torque, and rapid throttle response, the latest hybrid model rivals the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, reaching 60 mph from a standstill in just 4.1 seconds.
On an ending note, Bentley told us that over 90 percent of their owners use their first-generation Bentayga Hybrid daily or several times a week and 100 percent of customers use EV mode, with half of them consistently undertaking journeys of less than 30 miles.
