2025 Bentley Flying Spur: Luxury Meets Hybrid Performance

Bentley’s latest iteration of the Flying Spur marks a significant shift in its approach to luxury performance sedans. The 2025 model introduces a hybrid powertrain, replacing the previous W12 engine with a new plug-in hybrid system. While the iconic W12 is no more, the hybrid-V8 shows a lot of promise.

Hybrid Powertrain: Enhanced Performance and Efficiency

The Flying Spur 2025 moves away from Crewe’s W12 engine, now featuring Bentley’s "Ultra Performance Hybrid" setup. This setup combines a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, producing 584 horsepower, with a 187-hp electric motor. Together, they deliver a total output of 771 horsepower and 738 pound-feet of torque. These are supercar numbers we’re seeing in luxury saloons these days. How times have changed.

The Flying Spur can reach 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, surpassing the previous model's performance by a margin. The hybrid system includes a 25.9-kWh battery pack that provides an electric driving range of 47 miles (according to the EU cycle), with a combined range of 515 miles when using both power sources.

Drivers have access to four battery-specific modes:

• Pure EV
• Electric Boost
• Regenerative Braking
• Charge

These modes allow flexibility depending on driving needs. The Charge mode enables the petrol engine to assist in recharging the battery or can be used with a Level 2 charger, with a full recharge taking approximately two hours and 45 minutes.

Design and Interior Updates

From the outside, the Flying Spur maintains much of its predecessor’s design language but introduces some notable changes. The front end features a new bumper and grille, which contribute to a more aggressive appearance. Three new 22-inch wheel designs are available, offering additional customization options.

The interior has been updated with a new diamond quilt pattern on the seats and 3D diamond hide extending to the doors and pillars. For the first time, Bentley’s optional Wellness Seating Specification can be applied to all four seats, offering automated climate and posture adjustments.

Technological upgrades include a new digital instrument cluster and an enhanced center touchscreen with support for wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also receives over-the-air updates.

Audio options include a standard 10-speaker, 650-watt system, with upgrades available to a 16-speaker, 1,500-watt Bang & Olufsen system or a 19-speaker, 2,200-watt system with Active Bass Transducers. The use of laminated glass aims to reduce cabin noise, making the Flying Spur quieter compared to its predecessor.

Handling and Chassis

The Flying Spur’s handling is supported by Bentley’s new Active Chassis system, which includes an adaptive suspension, all-wheel steering, and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. These features are complemented by re-tuned ESC software, aiming to enhance driving dynamics. The car’s weight distribution is set at 48.3% front and 51.7% rear, which contributes to its handling characteristics.

Availability and Pricing

The first variant of the Flying Spur to be released will be the "performance-focused" Speed model, available in over 100 exterior colors or custom options. There’s bespoke customization and then there’s Bentley. The number of options are simply astonishing. Bentley is yet to disclose the pricing for the Flying Spur 2025, though the outgoing model has a starting price of AED 850,000 in the region.