Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Revealed

Bentley's New Flying Spur Hybrid: A Step Towards Electrification

Bentley Motors, a 102-year-old manufacturer of ultraluxury vehicles operating under the Volkswagen Group umbrella, unveiled its latest hybrid model on Tuesday. The company asserts that this newest version of the Flying Spur Hybrid represents its most ecologically sound vehicle to date.

Part of a Larger Sustainability Initiative

This new model is integral to Bentley’s Beyond100 strategy, which aims for carbon neutrality and a completely electrified vehicle range by 2023. The ultimate goal is a fully electric lineup by 2030.

Achieving this is a significant undertaking, considering the British automaker’s first all-electric vehicle isn’t anticipated to launch until 2025. Currently, Bentley’s electrified offerings are limited to this hybrid and the Bentayga SUV.

The Competitive Landscape

Numerous major automotive manufacturers have made similar commitments. Companies like Ford, GM, Mercedes, Kia, and Nissan are already producing and selling electric models.

For brands such as Bentley to realize their objectives, a substantial increase in electric vehicle production is essential, particularly to remain competitive with Tesla’s current dominance in the luxury EV sector.

Powertrain Details

According to a company statement, the hybrid Flying Spur utilizes a new powertrain combining a 2.9-liter V6 engine with an electric motor.

The engine generates 410 HP and 550 Nm of torque at up to 5,650 rpm. The electric motor, positioned between the engine and transmission, contributes up to 134 HP and 400 Nm of torque.

Together, the powertrain delivers an additional 95 HP compared to the Bentayga hybrid.

Performance and Charging

The 14.1 kWh lithium-ion battery can be fully charged in approximately two and a half hours.

With a full fuel and battery charge, the Flying Spur boasts a range exceeding 435 miles. Acceleration from 0 to 60 mph takes 4.1 seconds, mirroring the performance of the V8 version, with a top speed of 177 mph.

Driving Modes and Efficiency

Drivers can select from three distinct E modes to optimize battery usage. EV Drive mode is the default upon vehicle startup.

Hybrid mode leverages data from the car’s navigation system to anticipate energy needs and intelligently switch between E-modes and engine coasting for maximum fuel efficiency. The system automatically selects the most appropriate mode based on driving conditions – favoring EV mode in urban environments and the V6 engine on highways.

The third mode, Hold, balances power distribution to conserve battery energy for later use, typically engaged when Sport mode is selected.

Infotainment and Charging Support

The Flying Spur’s infotainment system displays real-time energy flow, range, battery level, and charging information.

Bentley provides all necessary charging cables with the hybrid and offers customers a Bentley-branded wall box at no additional cost for convenient at-home charging.

Market Availability

The Flying Spur Hybrid is currently available for order in most markets, but is not yet offered in the E.U., U.K., Switzerland, Israel, Ukraine, Norway, Turkey, and Vietnam, as stated by Bentley.

Partnership with The Macallan

On the same day, Bentley announced a collaboration with The Macallan, a single malt Scotch whisky manufacturer, to “develop distinctive collaborations and further their vision of a more sustainable future.”

A new single malt whisky is planned as part of this partnership, with additional products and experiences to follow. The Macallan Estate has committed to transitioning to a fully electric passenger vehicle fleet by 2025 and will initially purchase two hybrid Bentleys this year.