Although alcohol and automobiles make unusual bedfellows (please enjoy them responsibly, and separately!), The Macallan is gearing towards a more sustainable future by taking a page out of Bentley’s playbook, and vice versa.
Yes, sustainability has always been the constant guiding principle for the renowned 197-year-old single malt whisky brand, which has contributed back to local communities, nurtured The Macallan Estate and partnered with sustainable suppliers.
The partnership was revealed last night at The Macallan Estate in Speyside, Scotland when Bentley also revealed the launch of its new hybrid Bentley – Flying Spur Hybrid. The whisky brand’s commitment to a sustainable future echo with Bentley Motors, which is undergoing the biggest transformation in its 102-year history with the introduction of its ambitious Bentley 100 sustainability strategy. Meanwhile, Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark, is also keen to highlight the tradition-bound carmaker journey into sustainability as well.
“Transforming Bentley into the world’s most sustainable luxury car company is an exciting journey, and I’m delighted to be working with The Macallan with one common goal – to both lead our fields as we work towards a more sustainable future.”
Following on from the Bentayga Hybrid luxe SUV, the latest addition to Bentley’s big limo range once again combines six-cylinder power with a battery and an electric motor but, instead of employing the Bentayga Hybrid’s 335bhp 3.0-litre turbo, the Flying Spur bags a more powerful 410bhp turbocharged 2.9-litre V6.
The car’s small electric motor is packaged between the engine and transmission and fed by a 14.1kWh battery. Although no CO2 or fuel economy figures have been revealed, Bentley says that the Flying Spur Hybrid has the most “environmentally focused” powertrain in the brand’s line-up. The firm claims that running on pure-electric power alone, around 40 km of the emission-free range is possible, pending final certification.
The century-old automaker is best known for high-performance – and fuel-thirsty – vehicles. But by 2026, however, all of its products will be plug-based, whether, in hybrid or battery-electric form, CEO Adrian Hallmark revealed last week. Four years later, all Bentleys will be entirely electric.
“By 2030, no more combustion engines,” Hallmark said. “The future of Bentley will be fully electric,” Hallmark said. “We are not only working on one electric car but a full family of electric cars.” Later, Igor Boyadjian, managing director for The Macallan, had this to say about the collaboration: “The Macallan and Bentley Motors each have a rich heritage and shared values of mastery, craftsmanship, creativity and innovation.
“Our collaboration presents a remarkable opportunity to compare our time-earned knowledge and learn from each other. We will generate fresh and contemporary thinking around our consumer engagement, our exceptional experiences and ultimately our products.
“A key focus of the partnership will be our commitment to a more sustainable future. The breath-taking natural landscape at The Macallan Estate provides the perfect platform for us to embark together on this exciting and extraordinary journey.”
With this announcement, The Macallan aims to be carbon neutral on its estate by 2030, and it is committed to having a fully electric passenger fleet of vehicles at the site by 2025. And yes, as a result of the partnership, The Macallan will receive two hybrid Bentleys this year! Wonder how much fine malt Bentley is getting in return, eh?
