Under a picturesque sky set ablaze by the breathtaking South African sunrise, we embarked on a journey in the majestic Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition, tracing our path from Cape Town towards the Du Toitskloof mountains, and to our final destination, the quaint and tranquil town of McGregor, where the road ends and our story begins.
Our route, fraught with unexpected turns, led us through the historic Bainskloof Pass and onto Route 62 beyond Worcester, offering a glimpse of adventure and serenity.
CONQUERING THE ROADS LESS TRAVELLED
Travelling along the N1 past Paarl, as luck would have it, the Huguenot Tunnel was closed due to a fire raging across the mountain. With no other choice, we reluctantly headed towards Wellington and the Bainskloof Pass as our only means to cross the daunting mountains. Many gems have been discovered on the road less travelled, and the newly restored Bainskloof Pass, initially opened in 1854, is one such jewel, mainly when traversed in a Flying Spur Odyssean. Navigating through the Bainskloof Pass, initially built for horse and cart, not modern wonders of vehicular engineering, the Flying Spur Odyssean proved itself a true marvel of modern engineering. With its potent hybrid powertrain effortlessly surmounting the pass’s steep inclines, and its elegant design gracefully manoeuvring through tight hairpin bends, the Flying Spur honoured its heritage while mastering innovation.
EFFICIENCY MEETS PERFORMANCE
Following the lengthy detour, and finally arriving on Route 62 beyond Worcester, the Flying Spur was in its element, dispatching with consummate ease the long, straight, and flat stretches of road that mark the Little Karoo.
Bentley redefines luxury with the environmentally focused Flying Spur Odyssean, showcasing an innovative powertrain that combines superb efficiency with exhilarating performance. At the heart of this masterpiece lies a meticulously crafted 2.9-litre V6 engine, seamlessly integrated with an advanced electronic motor. Together, they boast 400 kW and 750 Nm of torque.
Complementing the V6 engine, an advanced electronic motor provides up to 100 kW and 400 Nm of torque. Positioned between the transmission and the engine, this motor delivers instantaneous torque for silent acceleration, eliminating any perceived turbocharger lag.
This sophisticated powertrain propels the Flying Spur Odyssean from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, making it the epitome of efficiency and performance. Yet, amidst this exhilarating performance, the Flying Spur remains committed to efficiency, embodying Bentley’s vision of sustainable luxury.
Inside, the Flying Spur Odyssean offers a flawless integration of technology and luxury, with a dedicated button allowing control over three distinct E Modes. From EV Drive for city cruising to Hybrid Mode for long journeys and Hold Mode to conserve battery charge, this futuristic marvel of a car adapts effortlessly to every driving scenario.
A SUSTAINABLE ESCAPE
Arriving at Lucky Crane Villas in McGregor, we were greeted by an oasis of tranquillity nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes with a view over the Krans Nature Reserve and the Langeberg mountains in the distance, promising an escape from city life like no other.
The Lucky Crane Villas offer six villas of varying sizes. The three-bedroom Olive Woodpecker villa, our home for our stay, exudes an aura of modern elegance, with a perfect fusion of sophistication, comfort, and sustainability.
“Sustainability is our core focus at Lucky Crane Villas, driven by my deep connection with nature”, says owner and developer extraordinaire, Monika Schmalzl. “Each Villa has solar panels that cover 60 to 70% of daily energy consumption. We use water-wise indigenous plants in our gardens and rely solely on our borehole for watering. Our toiletries are sourced from local artisans who are also committed to sustainability. Additionally, we provide recycling facilities for guests.”
SUSTAINABLE LUXURY DEFINED
These same values are reflected in the Flying Spur Odyssean, which marks the brand’s first stride towards integrating sustainable materials as part of its Beyond100 strategy.
Inside the cabin, the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition offers a harmonious blend of luxury and technology. From its tweed panels crafted from 100% British wool to its open pore Koa veneer facias, every detail exudes sophistication and sustainability. The minimalist Piano Linen veneer centre console and bespoke three-colour leather scheme further elevate the interior, creating an ambience of refined elegance.
Equipped with Bentley’s Touring Specification and a suite of luxurious amenities, including Bentley’s iconic rotating display, the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition sets a new standard in grand touring.
The exterior boasts a serene palette of six curated colours, complemented by Pale Brodgar accents on the wheels and lower brightware.
EMBRACING ROUTE 62
Exploring the heart of Route 62, we discovered a plethora of picturesque landscapes and vibrant communities. From wineries to farm stalls, each stop along the way offers a glimpse into the richly woven tapestry of South African culture and heritage.
The vast and sustainable development that has transformed all the towns along Route 62 over the last 30 years is a heartening success story, which today stands as a beautiful testament to the late Gert Lubbe, who invented the Route 62 concept out of necessity when he purchased the Montagu Country Hotel in 1996, in what was then a barren and forlorn little town, like all the other towns along the R62 from Oudtshoorn to Worcester. Today, Montagu and all the towns along Route 62 are thriving and growing, thanks to the gentleman who had previously founded the Oude Werf Hotel in Stellenbosch.
LAST WORD
As our journey came to an end, we couldn’t help but marvel at the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition’s perfect blend of luxury and sustainability. With its advanced connected car services and eco-conscious design, this edition embodies Bentley’s commitment to shaping a greener, more luxurious tomorrow – where elegance meets eco-consciousness.
Report by WILHELM LOOTS | Images © BENTLEY SOUTH AFRICA / Deidre Loots
