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Yes, they got a Chiropractor to work its bolstering, and designed complex algorithms for its fully automatic climate sensing system.
When it comes to cosseting occupants in absolute luxury, while propelling them to warp speeds with twin-turbocharged V8/W12 engines, Bentley is a master craftsman. We thought it’ll be challenging to advance the rear seats in a Bentley, but they just asked us to hold their beer while they designed the complex airline seat configuration for the Bentayga EWB.
It must also be noted that Bentley is not the only one with ridiculously over-engineered rear passenger seats. All premium vehicle manufacturers offer ridiculously engineered passenger seats, especially for the rear seat occupants, to set them apart in the segment. Mercedes-Benz S-Class has hot-stone massage, Audi A8 extends massaging comfort to your feet, BMW 7-Series will now offer 42.5 degrees of torso angle between the seat surface and backrest to maximize comfort, and Volvo went as far as deleting the front passenger seat to offer one super comfortable lounge seat at the rear, Maybach is just a yacht with wheels and Rolls-Royce can be safely termed as a secluded cabin completely separating you from the road.
Bentley has now upgraded the comfort quotient to fine-tune 'wellbeing' of its occupants. The term ‘wellbeing’ Bentley uses is not just a marketing gimmick. It literally has a setting to cool a fever. The system can make tiny changes to seat contact areas to enhance blood flow thus relieving muscle fatigue while driving long distances.
Related: How The Bentley Bentayga EWB Compares To The Mercedes-Maybach GLS
Once the passenger settles into the 22-way adjustable airline spec seat, a battery of sensors constantly measures the contact surface temperature and the ambient humidity level to adjust for optimal comfort. The system is very accurate and can measure up to a temperature difference of 0.1 degree Celsius / 32.1 degree Fahrenheit every 25 milliseconds. The system will work quickly to optimize the temperature as soon as you sit, and then fine-tune it constantly to maintain that optimum comfort. Users are able to select from seven settings for individual pleasantness. Although this may sound simple, the system is very complex and adjusts for even the tiniest alterations in humidity and temperature.
Okay, the automatic climate control system in the seats has a neutral ‘0’ set point, along with + or – ‘3’ set points for individual comfort. We all know that a majority of its customers will just stick to the neutral setting. Further, fine-tuned set points will help accommodate passengers with varied preferences, who are being driven through extreme weather conditions or provide comfort to passengers with illnesses. Yes, Bentley already has powerful seat ventilation motors, but this one has been boosted to shift about 80 percent more air than previous versions. Try not being ‘Megamind’ by fiddling with the system manually for grandma; the automatic system is 40 percent more efficient than your massive mind.
Related: Mulliner Is Recreating Some Unbelievable Bentley Speed Six Continuation Cars
Alright, minute temperature controls are new but what can bolstering bring new to the table. Haven’t all manufacturers perfected bolstering by now? This is correct; most premium vehicles have brilliant bolstering and cushioning to alleviate muscle fatigue. However, Bentley engineers have moved the goal post further by fitting the Postural Adjustment system to counter fatigue. Forget pneumatic adjustments in 2-dimensions, this system is able to work its magic through 3-dimensional parameters to relieve your pressure points. They had to bring a Chiropractor in to help them design the Postural Adjustment system.
Utilizing a very complicated algorithm the system is able to monitor seat contact zones and subtly relieve them by shifting pressure to other zones (177 individual pressure changes across six independent pressure zones). When this minuscule change happens, the relieved area is able to recover naturally through blood flow recovery. Sort of like when you feel tired while driving for an extended period of time, and you have to do a chair dance ritual to feel relieved. It even has its own ‘wellbeing ECU’ to control the three pneumatic valve controls. Bentley airline seats will make these subtle changes for you to reduce your fatigue.
Since this is a top-of-the-line Bentley, obviously there are numerous customized adjustments, because it has 12 silent electric motors in a seat, available to suit individual requirements. The system even works with the chassis of the car to minimize road undulations reaching the seat of your pants. Bentley has summoned the support of Comfort Motion Global (CMG) experts (yes they work with Mercedes-Benz as well) for the development of such a complex algorithm.
Additionally, the Bentley will also carry its silhouette of hand-crafted greatness making it one of the most desirable premium SUVs on the market. You can drive through lengthy trips with the assurance that you and your loved ones will arrive fresh at the destination because of a complex algorithm veneered under a thick layer of handcrafted leather. It’s great to see luxury manufacturers shift towards offering features with human well being than just being glamorous gimmicks in the name of luxury. That’s why 50 percent of the Bentayga EWB uptake is 50 percent for the Airline Seat specification.
Sarcastic, cynical and sometimes just comical, Abhijeet writes to titillate the reader's curiosity. He wants to make sure any vehicle you own swings between everyday practicality and dogmatic individualism. We're certain his pragmatism and humour will keep you engaged and informed about the past, present and future of the magnificent words of automobiles.