Elite Traveler Fall 2022

INSPIRE TOP CARS

For the fi rst time in 64 years, there’s a six-cylinder engine under the hood of a Bentley sedan. To be precise, a 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6. Once unimaginable for a brand that long-prized its W12 engines, the third-generation Flying Spur utilizes the same PHEV framework as the Porsche Panamera 4S E-Hybrid. Christened the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition, the 410 hp gas engine pairs jointly with a 134 hp electric motor for a maximum output of 536 hp. The 18-kWh lithium-ion battery delivers just over 25 miles of pure electric driving. Without question, there are lighter, leaner, more range-focused plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles. For Bentley, the purpose of this hybrid is to demonstrate intentional steps toward its core mission to become the most sustainable luxury mobility company globally. Bentley’s fl agship sedan is a notable cog in the wheel aiding the transition from fading system to modern technology. There are some hiccups; a rather persnickety, error- fi lled charging system can likely fl uster those attempting to navigate it (if a Level 2 fast charger isn’t within arm’s reach). At just north of 5,500 lbs, it takes a second (or two) for the familiar Bentley glide to engage. Culled from its EXP 100 GT concept car, the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition spotlights new, sustainable interior materials like tweed sourced from 100% British wool and open-pore Koa veneer fascias and waistrails (that use 90% less lacquer than traditional veneers). Along with the debut of the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition, Bentley added a new handful of features to the My Bentley app including car statistics like speed, travel time and consumption, along with remote initiation of both climate control and vehicle charging. Flying Spur Hybrid from $267,575, bentleymotors.com Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition

For the fi rst time in 6 4 years, there’s a six-cylinder engine under the hood of a Bentley sedan. To be precise, a 2 . 9 -liter twin-turbo V 6