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2022 Bentley Bentayga gets the world's largest production carbon wheels

Carbon fiber wheels are becoming a hot commodity when it comes to sports cars, and for obvious reasons: They're light and strong. Now the technology is coming to SUVs, as the Bentley Bentayga will soon get the option of the woven and molded wheels. The wheels available will measure 22 inches in diameter, which Bentley says makes them the largest carbon fiber wheels in production. You can also rest assured that they'll be safe for a multi-ton SUV as they pass Germany's rigorous TUV testing and regulations. And they deliver on the lightweight promise, as each wheel weighs about 13 pounds less than an aluminum counterpart. Not only is that good for performance, but we'd bet they deliver a nicer ride, too. Bentley also highlights some other benefits of the carbon fiber wheels. Among them is greater rigidity. Bentley says that aluminum wheels can flex under load up to the equivalent of one degree of camber per G of force. And supposedly, the reduced flex will help reduce tire wear. We sincerely doubt any Bentayga driver will notice. Heck, we doubt many car enthusiasts would actually notice. But hey, luxury isn't entirely about what you'll really notice. Really, we suspect most people who pick up these wheels will do so because they like the look of the exposed carbon. And it should, as Bentley also mentions, match the available carbon exterior packages nicely. If you're looking to pick up a Bentayga with these wheels, they'll be available later this year. Pricing hasn't been announced. Related video: Byron plays rich in the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur V8 | Autoblog

Limited-production Odyssean Edition is the greenest Bentley Bentayga yet

Ultra-luxury cars with six-figure price tags haven’t historically been the most environmentally focused vehicles, but thatÂ’s changing. Rolls-Royce will release its first EV in 2023 and convert its entire lineup to electric by 2030. Bentley is on pace to do the same, and today the automaker announced what it says is its most sustainable Bentayga model. Bentley will build only 70 examples of the Bentayga Odyssean Edition and says that it focused on including sustainable, environmentally friendly materials such as tweed and responsibly sourced woods. Interior color groups with names like “Beluga,” “Porpoise,” and “Cricketball” give buyers a wide variety of three-color themes to choose from, and Bentley says the interior embroidery “sees thread colors blend calmly into one another across the width of each seat.” The Odyssean EditionÂ’s PHEV powertrain includes a 3.0-liter gas engine and a 100 kW electric motor. The two combine for 456 horsepower and can propel the stately SUV from 0-62 mph in 5.3 seconds. Bentley says acceleration is effortless because of the electric motor and notes a top speed of 158 mph. An 18-kWh battery provides an all-electric range of 28 miles (WLTP), and drivers can choose between three modes to use or conserve battery power. EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode can be engaged manually or selected automatically by the vehicle, but EV Mode is the default on start. The SUV can automatically adapt power output settings based on road conditions, driving directions, and driver behavior. It also pokes the driver to let them know when to save battery. In EV Mode, for example, Bentley uses the SUVÂ’s navigation system with visual and haptic feedback to alert the driver when there are opportunities to conserve or regain battery power. The gas pedal vibrates when approaching an intersection or lower speed limit zone, letting the driver know to lift off and let regenerative braking take over. The system also vibrates on the transition between electric and gas powertrain components. Related video:

Bentley Bentayga Hybrid First Drive Review | Mass without substance

The new Bentley Bentayga Plug-In Hybrid is the venerable British brand's cheapest vehicle. Certainly, with a base price of $158,000, it is not inexpensive by any stretch. In fact, it costs more than four times the average price of a new vehicle purchased in America this year. But after driving an advance version of the marque's first plug-in through the horror-scape that is Silicon Valley, we were reminded of the old saying: You get what you pay for. We will preface this review by stating something that should be obvious: The Bentley Bentayga is our least favorite Bentley. Its proportions are inelegant, its shape nondescript. Though we know it is hand-built in Crewe alongside the rest of the marque's wondrous new lineup, it lacks the specialness, a sense of occasion that should be endemic. This isn't just because it's a sport utility vehicle, and thus ostensibly utilitarian. The contemporary Range Rover, the Mercedes G-Class, and even the Rolls-Royce Cullinan all have the kind of gracious charisma that the Bentayga lacks, even if they deliver it in a manner that is louche and imperious. The Bentayga looks like a Bentley knockoff, a crossover tarted up with all of the relevant if superficial brand cues, but without the necessary substance. The plug-in hybrid only enhances this perception. Whereas other Bentaygas at least arrive with potent twin-turbocharged motors in V8 (542 horsepower ) and W12 (600 or 626 hp) configurations, the Bentayga Hybrid is granted only a 335-horsepower VW parts bin 3.0-liter, single-turbo V6, paired with 13 kWh of batteries in the trunk and a 126-hp electric motor. It accelerates to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, well off the pace of its non-hybrid siblings and in the realm of its lesser platform-mate, the $70,000 Audi Q8 V6. This is not special. Even less special is the way in which the Bentayga Hybrid comports itself when accomplishing its tasks. A Bentley, by definition, is meant to be extraordinary, and this extraordinariness is meant to be effortless. Being in a Bentley should make everyday events special, and special events grand or even grandiose. Driving the Bentayga Hybrid feels like engaging with functional transportation. This is not because we are hostile to electric vehicles. We love electric vehicles, and their intrinsic and luxurious benefits in terms of silent operation and instant-on torque.