A fresh face and a sharper style
The Bentley Flying Spur receives a subtle refresh, adopting the new visual identity seen on the Continental GT and reintroducing a particularly sharp S version. It’s a discreet but significant facelift for the British luxury saloon.
The front end of the Bentley Flying Spur evolves gently to align more closely with the aesthetics of the latest Continental GT. The most noticeable change is the move away from the historic four-round headlight configuration in favour of a more modern twin-headlight arrangement. This is a first for a Bentley saloon in over sixty years, giving the car a cleaner, more contemporary look. The side air intakes on the front wings also disappear, contributing to this impression of increased sobriety. At the rear, the lines are smoother, reinforcing the luxurious and sporting character of the British grand tourer.
These stylistic tweaks aren’t just for show. They aim to harmonise the Bentley range and project a consistent brand image, blending tradition with modernity. The Flying Spur, the marque’s flagship, needed to embody this new vision without betraying its luxurious and imposing DNA.
The Flying Spur S: the return of the unbridled hybrid V8
Beyond the aesthetic modifications, the real event is the reintroduction of the S variant. This version is distinguished by its plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor. Together, they produce an impressive combined output of 661bhp and a colossal 930Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and an electronic limited-slip differential, ensuring formidable efficiency on all surfaces.
Sports car performance in a luxury cocoon
Despite a kerb weight exceeding 2.5 tonnes, this Bentley Flying Spur S is far from lacking athleticism. It can sprint from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 191mph. These figures place it among the fastest saloons in the world. To perfect this sharp dynamic, the S version benefits from active anti-roll bars and adaptive dampers, technologies directly inherited from the Speed and Mulliner models, renowned for their exceptional road manners. The compromise between supreme comfort and surprising agility is thus pushed to its limits.
Reimagined luxury for an enhanced driving experience
These developments confirm Bentley’s commitment to keeping the Flying Spur at the forefront of technology and luxury. The facelift, while subtle, modernises its appearance, while the S version reaffirms its sporting credentials with a powerful hybrid powertrain. The Crewe-based manufacturer thus proves its ability to reconcile traditional craftsmanship, cutting-edge performance, and electrification – a complex but essential equation for the future of ultra-luxury vehicles.
- Design: New lighting signature and cleaner lines.
- S Powertrain: Return of the 661bhp hybrid V8 for enhanced performance.
- Chassis: Advanced technologies for dynamic road behaviour.
- Positioning: Direct confrontation with the market’s most potent luxury saloons.
- Usage: Absolute comfort for long journeys, with impressive power reserves.
