2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid review (video)

If you’re after absolute exclusivity, Bentley is usually a good place to start. And the Bentayga Hybrid Odyssean Edition is about as exclusive as it gets in the world of elite SUVs. It’s a stunning blend of sustainable-inspired innovation and timeless luxury tailored for the discerning SUV enthusiast.

This exclusive model is a part of Bentley’s ambitious ‘Beyond100’ strategy, aiming to redefine luxury mobility with an eco-friendly approach. But with only 70 units produced worldwide, the Odyssean Edition stands out not just for its green-focused aspirations, but for its craftsmanship, rarity, and bespoke appointments inside.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Specifications

Engine: 3.0-litre turbo V6 petrol hybrid
Electrical: 18kWh battery, 100kW/400Nm e-motor
Output (combined): 340kW / 700Nm
Gearbox: Eight-speed auto
Drive type: All-wheel drive
Wheels: F & R: 21×10, 285/45
ANCAP: Five stars
Tare weight: 2618kg
Power-to-weight: 7.7:1 (kg:kW)
Official consumption: 11.7L/100km
Our consumption: 10.3L/100km
Fuel tank/Fuel type: 75L/98 RON

Power efficiency: 29.05kW:L/100km
0-60km/h: 2.73 seconds*
0-100km/h: 5.42 seconds*
0-200km/h: 19.69 seconds*
60-110km/h: 3.52 seconds*
1/4 mile: 13.65 seconds at 170.4km/h*
Max acceleration: 0.809g*
100-0km/h braking: 38.13m in 3.09 seconds*
Max deceleration: -1.198g*
Decibel at idle: 36*
Peak decibel at 60-100km/h: 76*
Starting price: $395,800 (base hybrid)

*Figures as tested by Driving Enthusiast on the day. Manufacturers’ claims may be different

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: How much does it cost?

It doesn’t really matter how much this is priced from because, to the likely buyer, price is just another number. The product, the lifestyle it supports, and the pampering qualities it harbours are all far more important. If it can successfully achieve and fulfil such desires, then the transaction is just a formality.

But for the rest of us, we want to scoff and complain about something here, so let’s have it? There’s a problem. We don’t actually know the price, because it isn’t officially listed where we get our info from (Redbook). All we can tell you is the regular Bentley Hybrid, which is what this is based on, is priced from $395,800 (excluding on-roads).

That base hybrid price is the same as the base V8 price, making it equally the most ‘affordable’ Bentayga in the current range. Given its limited availability and unique features, the Odyssean Edition is likely to command a price tag approaching $500,000.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Interior & packaging

The Odyssean Edition’s interior is a concoction of ‘environmentally-conscious’ luxury. Bentley has integrated organic and raw materials such as tweed upholstery and open pore Koa veneers to create not just a luxurious environment, but also one that, at least tries to be conscious of the environment. These veneers use 90 per cent less lacquer than traditional high-gloss finishes, allowing the natural beauty of the wood to shine through.

You might notice a three-colour interior scheme. This is unique to the Odyssean Edition, with a combination of eco leather and bespoke autumn hide accents. If you focus in on the embroidery on the seats you’ll see it blends colours beautifully, enhancing the cabin’s serene and regal atmosphere.

Various areas of the interior are also treated to exclusive Odyssean Edition watermarks, including the tread plates and D-pillar badging, ensuring that each entry and exit feels just as special as the build number and its extravagant presence.

In terms of comfort, the Bentayga Odyssean Edition doesn’t disappoint. The Front Seat Comfort Specification offers up to 22-way adjustability, and heating and ventilation, ensuring optimal comfort on any journey. Additionally, the Touring Specification includes adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and traffic assist, making long drives very relaxing and safe.

Cabin space is obviously not a problem. The Bentayga is based the largest passenger vehicle platform in VW Group’s fleet, called the MLB Evo. This is shared with elite models such as the Porsche Cayenne and Lamborghini Urus, as well as the more mainstream Audi Q7 and Q8, and Volkswagen Touareg.

The build quality and sheer craftsmanship inside is amazing. And that’s probably going to be the most important thing for many buyers. There is a lot of theatre and characteristics of imperial class from the moment you open the door, and shut it via the calming soft-close function.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Powertrain & handling

At first, you might look at this vehicle and straight away assume it’s motivated by some gigantic 12-piston powerhouse. And, in some ways, it does suit that sort of approach. Unfortunately, Bentley is no longer making its W12 engine and it isn’t coming back for the Bentayga. Not unless there is some miraculous breakthrough with bio-fuel development, in my opinion.

However, just because 12 cylinders are not pumping up and down under the bonnet doesn’t mean all the majesty is lost. After all, a luxury vehicle like this needs to offer smooth, peaceful motoring but still with empowering performance lurking in the shadows. Despite wearing a ‘hybrid’ badge, the V6 does retain such characteristics.

Inside the engine compartment is a 3.0-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine codenamed EA839 (similar to the one that powers the Audi SQ5 and Porsche Panamera), developing 250kW and 450Nm. This is basically a single-turbo version of the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 (shorter stroke) that’s featured in the Audi RS 4 and Porsche Macan GTS.

That output alone would provide reasonable acceleration and cruising performance, considering the 2618kg tare weight. But adequate is obviously not good enough for a Bentley. So, engineers installed an 18kWh battery pack and connected up 100kW/400Nm electric motor assist system. This combination delivers a combined heave of 340kW, which is much more in line with Bentley’s sporting pedigree.

Out on the road the hybrid system gives the Bentayga relentless yet smooth delivery and effortlessly torque at the throttle. It might be a big vehicle, measuring in at 5.125m long, but this powertrain really does make it feel much lighter and more nimble.

The benefit of an electric motor is instant response. So in this, getting off at the lights to get in front of all the peasants around you is very easy. And best yet, you never seem like you’re trying as it is calm while expressing its forceful nature.

Of course, highway cruising is no effort at all. And overtaking is just the same. When you feel like flicking it over into Sport mode, from the default ‘B’ for Bentley mode, the powertrain comes alive to some degree to provide more aggressive gear changes and more immediate throttle response.

On a private road we ran some acceleration tests with the Vbox and it produced some impressive results, considering this is essentially the base model (aside from the special edition treatment). The official 0-100km/h time is 5.3 seconds, and we recorded it in 3.42 seconds in warm weather. The quarter mile was achieved in 13.65 seconds at 170.4km/h.

Being a plug-in hybrid, this can be driven on electric power alone for a range 45km. It takes a Type 2 socket, and the driver can select between EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode. Self-explanatory, these modes divide up the possibilities and the drive characteristics – you can drive home on pure electric power if you want absolute peace and quiet, for example.

Bentley’s innovative ‘Hybrid Efficiency Accelerator Pedal’ further enhances the driving experience by providing feedback to encourage more efficient driving, while the ‘Hybrid Efficiency Braking’ system ensures smooth and seamless energy recuperation. This sophisticated powertrain setup not only delivers exhilarating performance but also promotes sustainable driving practices.

Bentley has applied its own air suspension setup and all steering and auxiliary components are bespoke to Bentley, compared with other VW products. The ride comfort is magical. It glides over bumps and imperfections like it’s floating, which it kind of is. But, surprisingly, it is impressively agile when you want to boogey in the corners.

It feels extremely solid and secure at all times, and the strong thrust from hybrid means you can hurtle between corners in a manner that is usually more akin to an angry hot hatch or performance sedan. Bentley has clearly worked plenty of its motorsport magic into this to ensure it is not just a cruising land yacht.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Key attractions/reasons to buy

• Exclusivity: With only 70 units available worldwide, the Odyssean Edition is a highly exclusive luxury SUV.
• Smooth, enjoyable, and versatile V6 hybrid: The combination of a 3.0-litre V6 engine and electric motor delivers impressive performance and good economy with an electric-only range.
• Eco-friendly materials: Sustainable materials like tweed upholstery and Open Pore Koa veneers create a unique but still pampering interior.
• Driving dynamics: Seriously, you would not expect this to handle the way it does. For its size and weight, it is a miracle. And of course the ride comfort is sublime.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Key considerations before you buy

• No more W12: It’s trying to be eco-friendly, but with comparatively low units on the roads, surely the lawmakers can make allowances for specialist stuff like this?
• Interior design: While undoubtedly comfortable and luxurious, it’s not the most modern arrangement.
• Driving range in EV mode: At only 45km, this doesn’t compare well to other plug-in hybrids on the market.

2024 Bentley Bentayga Hybrid: Video