Bentley Azure Range, Embraces Comfort and Luxury Even More

BENTLEY AZURE RANGE

EMBRACES COMFORT AND LUXURY EVEN MORE

| BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE

Bentley cars are always known for their performance, luxury, and comfort but now the Crewe-based luxury brand has taken things to a new level with their Azure range. The focus is now on the well-being and comfort of the vehicle’s occupants and this range is available with the Bentayga, Bentayga EWB, Flying Spur, Continental GT, and Continental GTC. Bentley says that it is not some new variant or a specific new trim level as the entire spectrum of comfort, luxury, and craftsmanship is looked at along with the addition of driver assistance technologies. The performance bit is left with the ‘Speed’ range as now Bentley wants its owners to relax.

The first vital component is the seat and all Bentley Azures feature the front seat comfort specification with up to 22-way adjustable seats and a nifty heating and ventilation function where the body’s optimum temperature for comfort and alertness is maintained. Azure features a massage function with six programmable settings which constantly make constant micro-adjustments in muscle and posture that prevent fatigue. The adjustable side bolsters, electric seatbelt adjustment and comfort headrests also feature here. The Bentley Dynamic Ride has a 48V active anti-roll control system that improves ride comfort plus an array of driver assistance systems to reduce driver fatigue. Further additions to the equipment list include a Head-up Display and Night Vision, which uses infra-red cameras. Color, texture, tactility, and even scent is being monitored with the Azure range and even the sound levels are kept in check including managing acoustics. Like any Bentley, there is a vast choice of wood veneers and amongst them, Dark Walnut, CrownCut Walnut, and Koa are closer to the softer, comfort-oriented vibes. Azure customers also have a full range of 15 hide colors and color splits to choose from, with contrast stitching as standard and seat piping as a no-cost option. Exterior additions include Azure illuminated treadplates, Bentley ‘B’ foot pedals, mood lighting, and a duo-tone steering wheel with heating function plus 22” ten-spoke wheels.

The Azure moniker was previously used for the convertible version of the Arnage saloon while now it returns as a more relevant form of luxury within the canvas of the demands of the modern-day Bentley buyer.

DELOREAN ALPHA 5 EV

Back to the Future with the wedge-shaped DMC DeLorean

| BY SOMNATH CHATTERJEE

The wedge-shaped DMC DeLorean has been one of those iconic movie cars that have refused to fade away and its popularity was enough to instigate a fresh revival of sorts. However, the new DeLorean is a whole different kettle of fish when compared to the predecessor as now it has morphed into a curvaceous EV. The re-born DeLorean Alpha5 is an electric coupe and takes a different design approach from the boxy lines penned by Giorgetto Giugiaro. The new car has been designed by Italdesign and it has a swoopy look to it with contoured body panels. The flowing roof and the bold lines are in a sharp contrast with the original but a few of the iconic visual signatures have been kept intact including gullwing doors and the rear window lovres.

The rest of the car stays away from the retro pastiche that could have taken away some of the visual drama of the new car. The massive gullwing doors continue to hold your attention and reveal a surprisingly spacious cabin. The interior is expectedly a far cry from the original model and features a clutter free dashboard along with a massive portrait touchscreen. However, the interior or the specs are par for the course in this EVdominated world, and it is the design plus the name that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

The powertrain is different and augurs well with what the modern-day equivalent of the DeLorean ought to have. Its electric powertrain is estimated to be in the region of a 100+kWh battery pack and a 300-mile range estimate. An electronically limited top speed of 155 mph isn’t exactly hyper car fast but makes up for a thrilling GT which the Alpha5 hopes to be. We will know more details closer to the showcase of the car at the Pebble Beach Concours d’ Elegance in August. At a time when the EV segment is already bursting with capable contenders in form of the Lucid Air and others, the DeLorean will have to bank on its looks and its brand value to make a mark.