Luxury Sports Car: Bentley Flying Spur Review
Bentley Flying Spur: The „first four-door super sports car“ from the British manufacturer
The Bentley Flying Spur enters its fourth model generation, with the British manufacturer touting it as their „first four-door super sports car.“ The Ultra Performance Hybrid all-wheel drive of the Flying Spur Speed combines a 600 PS strong and four-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor.
First glimpses of the new Flying Spur had been teased by Bentley in recent weeks, and today, the curtains were lifted to reveal the finished car. The exterior design closely resembles the third generation of the Flying Spur that debuted in 2019. However, the new drivetrain with a revamped electric architecture is completely fresh.
In Sport mode, the drivetrain unleashes 575 kW (782 PS) and 1000 Newton-meters of maximum torque, with the electric motor’s torque, integrated into the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, immediately available. The system torque has increased by over 11% compared to the previous Flying Spur Speed with a W12 engine. The system power has also risen by 19%, from 659 PS to 782 PS, making the new Flying Spur the most powerful Bentley sedan ever. The Flying Spur Speed accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.5 seconds, half a second faster than its predecessor.
The V8 engine is fed by two single-scroll turbochargers
The new V8 engine operates at an injection pressure of 350 bar (previously 200 bar). With the elimination of turbo lag due to the electric motor’s assistance, Bentley employs two single-scroll turbochargers, which are less complex and offer emission benefits. As a result, Bentley states that there is no need for cylinder deactivation hardware, as the engine can be fully shut off when the electric motor is in use.
In purely electric mode, the electric motor delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 450 Nm of torque. The 25.9 kWh battery provides an electric range of up to 76 km according to WLTP standards. Electric driving is possible up to a speed of 140 km/h. However, the battery can only be charged via the AC charger with an 11 kW output, not through fast DC charging stations, unlike other models within the Volkswagen Group. This means the Flying Spur takes 2.75 hours for a full charge.
The Bentley Performance Active Chassis is standard equipment. The new suspension system includes Bentley Dynamic Ride, all-wheel steering, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The weight distribution is biased towards the rear in a ratio of 48.3:51.7. The system utilizes active torque distribution from front to rear via a center differential and precise torque distribution through the brakes on each axle. New twin-valve dampers enable separate control of rebound and compression damping and offer distinct modes of operation: Comfort, Bentley, and Sport.
A palette of 101 colors and three audio systems are available
The interior of the Flying Spur features new seat designs with 3D diamond stitching. The door panels and B-pillars are covered in 3D diamond leather. An optional Dark Chrome trim complements the dark exterior color, applying to door handles, switches, speaker grilles, and many other areas in the cabin. The Bentley Rotating Display, offering a selection of 12.3-inch high-definition screens, three analog dials, or a continuous panel of handcrafted veneer, remains an option.
The color palette consists of 101 shades, expandable to any color from Bentley’s past. Inside, 22 primary colors, 11 secondary colors, and four color blends for the leather alone offer over 700 color combinations. Additionally, there are eight wood veneer options and three other technical finishes.
Three audio systems are available for the new Flying Spur. Standard is a 10-speaker, 650-watt setup, while the optional Bang & Olufsen system boasts 1500 watts and 16 speakers. The Naim system targets audiophiles with 19 speakers, 2200 watts of power, active bass transducers built into the front seats, and eight sound modes.
For the first time, the optional Wellness seat package is available for all four seats in the Flying Spur. It includes automatic seat climate control and posture adjustment, maintaining the perfect body temperature through zoned heating and ventilation and varying muscle pressure during the ride to minimize fatigue.
Improvements have been made to key features like wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, and over-the-air map updates. Bentley has yet to disclose pricing details.
In conclusion, the Bentley Flying Spur’s fourth generation represents a remarkable fusion of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. With its powerful hybrid drivetrain, sophisticated chassis, and bespoke customization options, the Flying Spur cements its status as the pinnacle of luxury sports sedans. Whether cruising in electric silence or unleashing its full performance potential, the Flying Spur promises an unrivaled driving experience for discerning enthusiasts. Bentley continues to push the boundaries of automotive excellence, setting a new standard for luxury motoring.
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