The third-generation Flying Spur has grown to become Bentley’s flagship luxury sedan indirectly replacing the discontinued Mulsanne. Since its reveal in 2019, the Crewe-based company keeps expanding its range to cover a greater spectrum of its customer base. Following the already available V8 and W12 powertrains, Bentley announced the new Flying Spur Hybrid which is the second plug-in hybrid after the Bentayga in its range and the most efficient yet.
Under the bonnet of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid lies a 2.9-liter V6 producing 410 hp and 550 Nm of torque. An additional electric motor produces 134 hp and 400 Nm of torque. Combined output of the hybrid system is 536 hp and 750 Nm of torque making it 95 hp more powerful than the Bentayga Hybrid. As a result, the electrified Flying Spur accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.3 seconds and can reach a top speed of 285 km/h.
Thanks to the aerodynamic silhouette of the sedan and the improved V6-based powertrain, the Flying Spur Hybrid is said to be the most efficient Bentley ever made, with a combined range of over 700 km. However, Bentley has not yet released any fuel economy numbers yet. The 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery allows for 40 km of electric range according to EU’s WLTP standards (expected), and can be fully charged in two and a half hours. In North America, expect that number to be under 20 miles due to the EPA’s stricter testing procedure. Bentley provides all the cables needed for charging the battery together with a free Bentley-branded wallbox for your garage.
Visually, the Flying Spur Hybrid can be distinguished by the discreet badges on the front fenders, the quad-oval tailpipes, and the charging port positioned on the left rear fender. A range of 60 available colors includes seven standard options “carefully selected to complement the character and style of the car”. You can also get the Blackline Specification which replaces the chrome with black-colored details, and the optional illuminated Flying B hood ornament. As standard, the Flying Spur Hybrid comes with 20-inch wheels but optionally you can spec it with 21-inch or even 22-inch wheels designed by Mulliner.
Inside we find the usual high-quality materials, numerous personalization options, comfort, and luxurious feel associated with Bentley. The new button for the E Modes replaces the start-stop switch giving access to the fully electric EV Drive, the more balanced Hybrid Mode, and the Hold Mode which secures and conserves the battery juice for maximum electric range.
The infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster get new graphics to showcase the flow of energy and additional statistics for the hybrid powertrain like the battery level and available range. Furthermore, the owner has access to more connected services from his smartphone, for remotely checking the charging, car statistics, and comfort features. Bentley is committed to the Beyond100 strategy towards the goal of becoming an end-to-end carbon-neutral organization. Like all of its models, the Flying Spur Hybrid will be produced in Crewe, Bentley’s home factory which is carbon neutral. Customers will be able to place their orders this summer while first deliveries are expected before the end of 2021. U.S. pricing will be announced at a later date.
