► Refreshed Bentley Flying Spur has arrived
► Now features ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ powertrain
► 771bhp on tap, and 47 miles of electric range
Bentley has pulled the covers off its new Flying Spur, which now features plug-in hybrid power.
The new-generation Flying Spur has underwent very similar changes to the new Continental GT, namely the introduction of a load of new technology and the fact it launches with the brand’s ‘Ultra Performance Hybrid’ engineering for its flagship Speed model.
Visually, it doesn’t look much different, with almost all of the changes happening under the bodywork. Like the Conti, gone is the W12 engine sitting atop the model range. Instead, the PHEV powertrain features a 548bhp 4.0-litre V8 with new twin single-scroll turbochargers and a single 188bhp electric motor housed within the transmission, with total system output reaching a heady 771bhp. Bentley says the new PHEV powertrain ‘outperforms the W12 Speed on every metric: torque, speed, power, acceleration and emissions.’
So much so that this mighty (and rather heavy) four-door, five-seat express can sprint to 62mph in 3.5 seconds. Bentley says the Flying Spur Speed can remain in electric mode at up to 87mph, is capable of up to 47 miles of e-range and can be charged to full in 2h 45m at an 11kW charge point.
Like the Conti GT Speed, the Flying Spur Speed features Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis. That bundles together an electronic limited-slip differential, Bentley’s 48-volt active anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering together. New twin-valve damping allows for separate control of compression and rebound when driving over bumps, allowing for more detailed control of the ride quality.
Tech has also been heavily refreshed, with functions controllable by an app and Bentley’s wellness technologies being applied here. The infotainment has taken a big step forward with new connectivity functions, and it can still be hidden by the rotating display.
More variants of the new-generation Flying Spur will launch in the months to come.