What's the difference?
The Toyota LandCruiser has joined the ranks of the new wave of hybrid vehicles with a powertrain that combines a 3.5-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine and an electric motor.
The 'i-Force Max' hybrid set-up, borrowed from the USA’s big ol’ Tundra, is aimed at improving the LandCruiser’s performance on- and off-road, rather than achieving greater fuel efficiency.
And with substantial increases in power (up 114kW to 341kW combined peak output) and torque (up 90Nm to 790Nm combined peak output) off-road enthusiasts are justifiably interested in how this unit’s on-paper impressiveness transfers into real-world efficacy.
The Cruiser has always been renowned for its prowess in the dirty stuff so will this hybrid powertrain make the classic off-road tourer a whole lot better?
Read on.
Yes, you can drive your Bentley and keep your family. It's called compromise, or the Bentayga, Bentley's SUV.
The Bentayga my family has been living with is the Azure grade which promises to be even more comfortable and pleasant than the rest of the range.
Comfort is important and we'll cover the Bentayga's lavish details in time, but our mission first and foremost is to find out if the Bentayga makes a good family SUV.
The i-Force Max hybrid set-up is aimed at improving performance rather than fuel efficiency, but its effectiveness in that respect is hard to fathom.
Increases in power and torque are welcome, of course, but the 3.3-litre twin-turbo V6 diesel Cruiser is just as good as the hybrid off-road and with a bigger fuel tank and greater driving range.
The hybrid LandCruiser will certainly appeal to some buyers, but the lion’s share of those interested in the 300 Series are looking to tow big loads and go long distances in comfort, which is why the diesel Cruiser at this stage is the better pick of the two powertrains.
The Bentley Bentayga Azure may look a bit awkward and it surely isn't great value for money, but it is a true Bentley and a very good family SUV that not only provides terrific practicality but superb performance and comfort.