Bentley Motors announced details of the company’s latest luxury model on its journey to electrification. The introduction of the new Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid builds on the success of the third generation Flying Spur, using a highly innovative third powertrain delivering the most environmentally friendly Bentley to date. The introduction of the Flying Spur Hybrid establishes a family of Bentley hybrids for the first time, emphasising Bentley’s commitment to its Beyond100 strategy to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation and the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company. To provide further feedback to the driver, the driver instruments include additional information showing when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst deaccelerating or using the combustion engine. The new Flying Spur incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. For the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, connected car services will now also include My Battery Charge, My Car Statistics, and My Cabin Comfort. Inside the cabin, the automatic Start-Stop switch has been replaced with a control for the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode, enabling the driver to manage the battery usage during a journey. EV Drive mode is engaged as soon as the car is switched on, and maximises the electric driving experience.
The Flying Spur Hybrid has seven Bentley paint colours to choose from as standard, which have been carefully selected to complement the character and style of the car. Customers can also specify their vehicle from the additional extended paint range of over 60 colours, including Mulliner and personal commission. The Blackline Specification offers a contemporary alternative to exterior brightware including a black version of the optional illuminated electrically deployed Flying B radiator mascot, and for a more contemporary exterior aesthetic. The interior of the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern cabin of unrivalled luxury and innovation. Stylish and unique, the interior features supremely comfortable seats in five hide colours, with Bentley’s ‘Wing’ theme across the lower console and fascia. For additional choice, the Colour Specification option adds 10 further hide colours and two duo-tone interior configurations. All Flying Spurs are manufactured at Bentley’s home in Crewe – the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car production. Customer orders can be taken from summer 2021 onwards, and first customer deliveries are due before the end of 2021.
The new 2.9-litre V6 engine achieves 410 bhp (416 PS) and 550 NM (406 lb.ft) of torque up to 5650 rpm, sharing similar design methodology as the 4.0-litre V8. The twin-scroll turbochargers and primary catalytic convertors are positioned within the V of the engine. Fuel injectors and spark plugs have been centralised within each combustion chamber to ensure optimal spray patterns and combustion paths, and the camshafts are variable by up to 50 degrees. The engine delivers over 150 bhp per litre, even higher than the Flying Spur V8. The combination of a highly efficient engine and advanced E-Motor delivers the same flexibility and practicality associated with the W12 and V8 powertrains on offer today, achieving a responsive, engaging and supremely refined experience. The advanced electronic motor is located between the transmission and the engine and provides up to 134 bhp (136 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb.ft) of torque. The permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers full torque instantly for silent acceleration from standing start. The rapid response of torque minimises any perceived delay often associated with turbocharger lag.
The new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a total of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque – an additional 95 bhp in comparison to the Bentayga HybridThe E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery and can be charged to 100 per cent in as little as two and a half hours (region specific). The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E-Motor or supplement the existing 12v vehicle electrical infrastructure. The combined powertrain propels the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds (Flying Spur V8: 4.0 secs) and on to a top speed of 177 mph. Reduced CO2 values and lower fuel consumption are pending certification and will deliver the most environmentally focused powertrain of the range. With high power reserves, superior torque and quick throttle response the latest hybrid model gives little away to the Flying Spur V8 in acceleration, passing 60 mph from a standstill in 4.1 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.3 secs). The new powertrain achieves a significant reduction in fuel consumption whilst still providing the authentic Bentley character of effortless, refined performance.
