Bentley is launching its first four-door supercar today, a new Flying Spur, now in its fourth generation after almost two decades of defining the ultimate luxury performance sedan.
Launched initially with the performance-focused Speed, the new Flying Spur is built around Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid, endowing it with an extraordinary breadth of capabilities. At one extreme, it’s capable of serene, silent progress in pure EV mode for up to 47 miles (76 km), ideal for Zero Emission Zones or city travel, and with CO2 emissions 90 percent lower than the outgoing Flying Spur Speed. When more spirited driving is desired, the combined 782 PS of Bentley V8 – 147 PS up on the outgoing car – and e-motor delivers sensational performance, passing the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 3.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.5 secs) – half a second quicker than its predecessor.
While the exterior design largely retains the familiar, muscular yet elegant design of the third generation Flying Spur launched in 2019, it’s beneath the skin of the car where the real changes take place – with the all-new powertrain matched with an also-new electrical architecture that brings the most modern suite of automotive technology fitted to any true luxury sedan. Interior updates improve on the already exquisite Flying Spur cabin with new stitch options, 3D diamond hide extended to doors and pillars, and further wellness features including intelligent air ionization and the option of automatic postural adjustment on all four seats means even more potential for limitless personalization. Meanwhile, the introduction of the My Bentley App Studio brings an array of useful applications straight to the driver’s fingertips.
The new 600 PS, 800 Nm (590 lb-ft) V8 engine – with no traditional vacuum system, and 350 bar fuel injection pressure (raised from 200 bar) – provides cleaner combustion and improved emissions. With the e-motor negating turbo lag, twin single-scroll turbochargers have been used – which reduces complexity and allows them to run hotter, minimizing emissions. Therefore, no cylinder deactivation hardware is required, as the engine can be switched off entirely when using the electric motor.
In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery offers up to 47 miles (76 km) of usable electric-only range (on the EU drive cycle). Together, the V8 and E-motor provide the new Flying Spur with a total range of 515 miles (829 km). Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 87 mph / 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 percent. The battery can be fully replenished in as little as 2¾ hours thanks to significant improvements in charger and battery capacity, with 11 kW peak charging power.
Inside the spacious cabin, occupants enjoy the latest expression of Bentley’s renowned design and handcraftsmanship, with all-new seat designs that feature 3D diamond quilting and a revised perforation pattern in the seat’s center section. Tactile Precision 3D diamond hide clothes the door inners and B Pillars. Complementing the exterior dark-tine brightware, the new (and optional) Dark Chrome Specification trim provides a contemporary aesthetic and gives an understated character to the cabin. This applies to door handles, switches, speaker grilles, and many other areas around the cabin. New driver instrumentation graphics complete the package of design enhancements, while the acclaimed Bentley Rotating Display with its choice of 12.3” high-definition display, three analog dials, or an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer continues to be offered as an option.
For the first time with Flying Spur, the optional Wellness Seating Specification is now available on all four seats. This includes Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust, which measures and maintains the perfect body temperature via zoned heating and ventilation, and soothingly and seamlessly varies the pressure on the occupants’ muscles throughout their journey to ensure fatigue is minimized. The environment display (shown in the driver’s instrument panel) supports and enables driving in semi-assisted mode, showing the driver how the car is responding to other vehicles. The vehicle’s understanding of the surrounding environment allows for Intelligent Park Assist – the latest generation self-parking system with speed control.
