With all solemnity, the Bentley revealed new Flying Spur, the most powerful four-door Bentley ever built, as the all-new 782 PS and 1000 Nm of torque "Ultra Performance Hybrid" powertrain creates a true four-door supercar.
In particular, Bentley has unveiled its first four-door supercar - the new Flying Spur, which enters its fourth generation in almost two decades, continuing to set the standard as the ultimate high-performance luxury sedan.
The new Flying Spur, originally launched with the performance-focused Speed, is built around Bentley's new Ultra Performance Hybrid system, giving it an exceptional range of capabilities. On the one hand, it's capable of carefree, silent driving in all-electric (EV) mode for up to 76 km (47 miles), ideal for Zero Emission Zones (ZEZs) or urban commutes and with CO2 emissions 90% lower than the outgoing Flying Spur Speed. When more dynamic driving is desired, the combined power of Bentley's 782bhp V8 engine - 147bhp more than the outgoing model - and electric motor delivers stunning performance, topping the 0-60 mph benchmark in just 3.3 seconds (0-100 km/h in 3.5 seconds) - half a second faster than its predecessor. Few vehicles on the planet can boast such a range of capabilities. None do so with the refinement, quietness or luxury of the new Flying Spur, fully justifying Bentley's claim that this is its first four-door supercar.
While the exterior design largely retains the familiar, muscular yet sleek design line of the third-generation Flying Spur launched in 2019, the real changes are found beneath the 'surface' of the car - with an all-new powertrain mated to an equally new electric architecture, offering the most modern automotive technology ever fitted to any truly luxury sedan."
Interior interventions enhance the already exquisite Flying Spur cabin with new stitching options, 3D diamond-patterned leather that extends to doors and pillars, and additional wellness features such as intelligent air ionisation and an automatic posture control option for all four seats, signalling even more possibilities for unlimited personalisation. In addition, the introduction of the My Bentley App Studio brings a range of useful apps directly to the driver's fingertips.
Higher performance, lower emissions
Flying Spur Speed's Ultra Performance all-wheel drive hybrid powertrain combines an advanced 4.0-litre 600 PS twin-turbo V8 engine with a 190 PS electric motor that mates seamlessly with the eight-speed dual-clutch transmission. In Sport mode, this powertrain delivers 782 PS and 1,000 Nm, with the instant torque of the electric motor complementing the charismatic sound of the transversely mounted V8. Compared to the previous Speed model, the new Flying Spur Speed offers higher torque from lower engine speeds, higher peak torque and higher power output across the rev range.
Torque is increased further by 11% compared to the outgoing W12-powered Flying Spur Speed, from 900 Nm to 1000 Nm (738 lb ft). Power output has also been increased by 19%, from 659 PS to 782 PS. This makes the new Flying Spur the most powerful Bentley saloon ever created.
The new 600 PS, 800 Nm (590 lb ft) V8 engine - without the traditional vacuum system and 350 bar (increased from 200 bar) fuel injection pressure - provides cleaner combustion and improved emissions. The electric motor eliminates turbo lag, while at the same time dual single-scroll turbochargers have been used - an implementation that reduces complexity and allows them to operate at a higher temperature, minimising emissions. Therefore, no cylinder deactivation equipment is required, as the engine can be switched off completely when the electric motor is used.
In all-electric EV mode, the electric motor delivers 190 PS and 450 Nm of torque, more than enough to cope with driving conditions in most situations, while the 25.9 kWh battery provides up to 76 km of usable all-electric range (in the EU driving cycle). Combined, the V8 and electric motor give the new Flying Spur a total range of 829 km (515 miles). All-electric operation can be developed at speeds of up to 140 km/h / 87 mph /, with a throttle pressure of up to 75%. The battery can be fully charged in just 2¾ hours thanks to significant improvements in charger power and battery capacity, with a maximum charging power of 11 kW.
The powertrain manages the energy flows according to the selected mode - as EV-only, electric boost, energy recovery during braking - and, most importantly for this new Flying Spur - a charging mode, where the engine drives the wheels and charges the battery at the same time.
Bentley Performance Active Chassis is available as standard on the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the new advanced layout include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC control software allows a choice of a range of different driving styles providing reliable traction in all conditions. With the new car's weight distribution - with an emphasis on the rear - of 48.3:51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically optimised platform on which they are called upon to deliver the best possible result. The system uses active front-to-rear torque distribution via a central differential, and precise torque distribution to each axle using the brakes.
New and advanced dual-valve dampers allow separate control of expansion and compression damping, creating a clear delineation of dynamic possibilities between Comfort, Bentley and Sport modes. The body control of the previous generation's Sport mode is retained, while driving comfort in Comfort mode has been significantly improved.
Expressive and distinctive design
The performance-oriented character of the new Flying Spur Speed is underlined by the latest design interventions. The glossy chrome surfaces are finished in a dark hue giving the exterior a sporty, techno feel, while the new grille specifically for the Speed, front bumper and rear diffuser create a fresh, inspired look. The Styling Specification aero styling package is now body coloured, although owners can alternatively opt for a carbon fibre finish.
The new LED Welcome Lamps located on the doors project an animated version of the Bentley Wings logo onto the ground whenever the front doors are opened. This new demonstration of Bentley's 'sculptural lighting' technology follows in the footsteps of its first application, on Mulliner's Batur coupe.
A new 22″ Ten Swept Spoke rim is available in two finishes (Grey Painted and Bright Machined, and Black Painted), along with two other 22″ designs available in a range of Black Painted, Dark Tint and Pale Brodgar Satin paint finishes.
Inside the spacious cabin, passengers enjoy the latest expression of Bentley's renowned design and fine craftsmanship, with all-new seat designs featuring the three-dimensional diamond pattern and a new perforation pattern in the centre section of the seat. Leather with a three-dimensional Tactile Precision diamond pattern dresses the inside of the door and B-pillars. Complementing the dark outer shade of the chrome surfaces, the new (and optional) Dark Chrome Specification trim offers a contemporary aesthetic and gives the cabin a subtle personality. This applies to the door handles, switches, speaker grilles and many other areas in the cabin. New driver instrumentation graphics complete the package of design enhancements, while the famous Bentley rotating display with the choice of a 12.3-inch high-definition screen, three analogue dials or a one-piece hand-finished veneer side continues to be offered as an option.
Customers still have tens of billions of configuration options to choose from - before the truly infinite possibilities provided by Bentley's ordering and bodybuilding division, Mulliner. The customer's ability to specify a completely unique Flying Spur to match their tastes and personality underscores the car's ability to do the impossible.
A 101 colour paint range can be extended to any colour from Bentley's past and bespoke paint customisation is also available. For the interior, 22 primary leather colours, 11 secondary shades and four colour contrasts mean that on the leather alone there are more than 700 colour combinations before contrast stitching, air vent trim or bespoke features are added. The leathers are combined with eight wood veneer options and a further three technical finishes - which can be used as a single or double finish and can also be combined with any interior leather or exterior colour.
The new Flying Spur offers a choice of three sound systems. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650 watts, while a 1,500 W, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at customers who want to stand out for their lifestyle. A 2,200 W, 19-speaker Naim system with active bass sensors integrated into the front seats and eight audio modes offers high-fidelity sound. Laminated acoustic glass is retained for the windshield and side windows, resulting in a nine-decibel reduction in exterior noise compared to non-acoustic glass.
Convenience, well-being and safety
The fourth-generation Flying Spur Speed benefits from the latest version of the electric architecture, enabling a significant advance in infotainment technology and driver assistance systems. The result is a seamless experience in terms of wellness, driver assistance, infotainment systems and connected car services.
For the first time with the Flying Spur, the optional "Wellness Seating Specification" is now available on all four seats. This includes the "Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjustment System", which measures and maintains perfect body temperature through zoned heating and ventilation, and gently and seamlessly varies the pressure on passengers' muscles throughout their journey to ensure that any fatigue is
the smallest possible.
The ambient display (displayed on the driver's instrument panel) supports and enables driving in semi-assisted mode, showing the driver how the car responds to other vehicles. Understanding the environment around the vehicle enables Intelligent Parking Assist - the latest generation of automatic parking system with speed control. The well-being and comfort of the driver and passengers is further enhanced by an air conditioning system that now includes air ionizers, a new particulate filter and displays showing the air quality outside and inside the vehicle. The system also synchronises with the car's satellite navigation, knowing when it may be necessary to improve cabin air quality (for example, by recycling cabin air when in a tunnel).
Improvements have been made with key features such as Apple CarPlay wireless, Android Auto wireless and over-the-air map updates. Beyond these features, customers who choose to connect their mobile phone to the car will enjoy connected services such as:
- Remote charging mode, allowing monitoring and control of the vehicle's charging when connected to a charging point.
- Remote Park Assist - enabling a customer to park or call their vehicle remotely from their phone.
- Remote cabin pre-conditioning - ensuring that the climate in the car is set before driving starts, including seat heating.
Each year further new features will become available, such as green traffic light anticipation - which is increasingly being activated in major US and European cities and allows for a "magic carpet" driving experience in city centres.
The new My Bentley App Studio is the latest addition to Bentley's digital ecosystem for customers. The latter can access a wide range of both in-vehicle and third-party apps that can be downloaded directly to the infotainment system, regardless of the presence of a smartphone. The apps include music, video, games, navigation, parking and charging. The apps integrate seamlessly into the infotainment system and can be used safely and reliably even while driving. The range of apps is tailored specifically for each country-market.
Track of The Moment
To celebrate the launch of the new Flying Spur, Bentley has teamed up with iconic personalities from the world of motorsport - new and old. 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill is joined by rising star and Williams F1 Academy driver Lia Block in a dynamic demonstration of the car's on-track prowess, with a surprise appearance at the end of the video* from fellow F1 alumni and now motorsport TV commentary legend Martin Brundle - who is shown driving the Bentley EXP Speed 8 he drove for Bentley at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2001.
