By Otsile Kadiege

Bentley’s ultra-luxurious four-door sedan – the Flying Spur – is now entering its fourth-generation which introduces design tweaks, uprated power and torque from a V8 engine, an efficient plug-in hybrid system with a claimed electric driving range of more than 70km, improved standard specification and new wellness features to name a few.

Expressive exterior design

The performance-oriented character of the new Flying Spur Speed is underscored by the latest design enhancements. Bright-ware finished in dark tint gives the exterior a sporty, technical feel, while the new Speed-specific grille, front bumper and rear diffuser create a fresh, purposeful look. The Styling Specification aero package is now finished in body colour, though owners can alternatively opt for a carbon fibre finish. Speaking of colours, the Flying Spur’s paint range of 101 colours can be expanded to any colour from Bentley’s past, and bespoke paint-matching is also available.

New LED Welcome Lamps housed in the doors project an animated version of the Bentley Wings logo onto the ground whenever the front doors are opened. This new deployment of Bentley’s “light sculpture” technology follows on from its first application in the coachbuilt Batur coupe by Mulliner. A new 22-inch Ten Swept Spoke wheel is available in two finishes (Grey Painted and Bright Machined, and Black Painted), along with two other 22-inch designs available in an array of painted, Black Painted, Dark Tint and Pale Brodgar Satin finishes.

Distinctive interior design

Inside the cabin, occupants are treated with the latest expression of Bentley’s renowned design and hand-craftsmanship, with all-new seat designs that feature 3D diamond quilting and a revised perforation pattern in the seat’s centre section. Tactile Precision 3D diamond hide clothes the door inners and B Pillars. Complementing the exterior dark-tine bright-ware, 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-inch high-definition display, three analogue dials, or an unbroken side of handcrafted veneer continues to be offered as an option.

Customers continue to have tens of billions of configuration possibilities to select from – before the infinite realm of possibility provided by Bentley’s bespoke and coach-building division, Mulliner. The ability for a customer to specify a totally unique Flying Spur, matched to their tastes and personality, highlights the car’s ability to deliver the power of the possible.

A choice of three audio systems are offered in the new Flying Spur. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650 Watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500 W, 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers. A Naim 2,200 W, 19-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats and eight sound modes is offered for the true audiophile. Laminated acoustic glass is retained for the windscreen and side windows, resulting in a nine-decibel reduction in exterior noise versus non-acoustic glazing.

The wellness and comfort of driver and passengers is further enhanced by an air conditioning system that now includes air ionisers, a new particulate matter filter and displays showing air quality outside and inside the vehicle.

V8 plug-in hybrid performance

Bentley discontinued the much-loved W12 engine for a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine with assistance from Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid system. Compared to the outgoing W12-powered Flying Spur Speed, power and torque have been uprated to 575 kW and 1000 Nm which represents an increase of 19 and 11 percent respectively. The V8 powerplant is paired with an 8-speed dual clutch automatic transmission with an electric motor nestled within the gearbox to negate turbo lag. Bentley claims the Flying Spur Speed will fly from zero to 100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

In pure EV mode, the E-motor provides 140 kW and 450 Nm of torque while the 25.9 kWh battery offers a claimed 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 claimed total range of 829 km. Full electric mode can be deployed at speeds of up to 140 km/h, with throttle applications of up to 75 per cent. 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.

The Bentley Performance Active Chassis comes as standard with the Flying Spur Speed. Features of the sophisticated new setup include Bentley Dynamic Ride and All-Wheel Steering, along with an electronically-controlled Limited Slip Differential, while a new generation of ESC control software permits a range of driving styles to be accessed and provides reliable traction in all conditions. With the new car’s rear-biased weight distribution of 48.3 : 51.7, the chassis systems and ESC have a mechanically-optimised platform in which to provide the final refinement. The system uses active torque vectoring front to rear through a centre differential, and precision vectoring across each axle using the brakes.

Availability

Bentley South Africa is yet to announce local availability.