Flying Spur
The worlds finest luxury four-door Grand Tourer
Overview
The Flying Spur is the world’s finest, luxury four-door Grand Tourer, one that offers a sublime, driver-focused experience. Purposeful yet elegant, the saloon is available in both four and five-seat configurations, with a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment for driver and passengers alike.
Hailed as ‘the best luxury sedan in the world’, the third generation Flying Spur focuses on customer enjoyment – whether sat in the driver’s seat, or as a chauffeured passenger in the luxuriously equipped, handcrafted cabin.
With its bold and exciting road presence, the Flying Spur is a showcase for Bentley’s design DNA, a fusion of the very best in British craftsmanship. Elegantly proportioned, the car also features a retractable Flying B mascot for the first time on a modern-day Flying Spur.
A technological tour de force of innovation, passenger comfort and driver excitement, the Flying Spur benefits from All-Wheel Steering for the first time on a Bentley, together with Active All-Wheel Drive and cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps.
With increased agility, the Flying Spur is offered with three powertrain options - an enhanced version of Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, W12 petrol engine; a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8; or a new Hybrid model that is the most environmentally-friendly Bentley to date
Powertrains
The Bentley Flying Spur is available with three characterful powertrain options, a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol, a new Hybrid, or a 6.0-litre W12 petrol.
V8
The Flying Spur V8 offers a more driver-centric experience via increased agility and a more characterful engine note. The racetrack-proven V8 also benefits from increased range between fuel stops and a reduction in CO2 emissions.
Bentley’s 4.0-litre, twin turbocharged V8 engine produces a peak power of 550PS (542bhp, 404kW) and used twin-scroll turbos to reach its maximum torque of 770Nm at just under 2000 rpm, maintaining this as a flat plateau through to 4500 rpm.
A key feature of the twin-scroll turbochargers is the two separate, parallel flow channels in the turbine housing. The result is high torque available at low speeds. The turbos are located inside the ‘V’ of the engine, minimising the distance the exhaust gases travel from the engine to the turbochargers, promoting rapid response and high–efficiency.
The turbochargers store up boost pressure on light throttle openings, comparable to a dam and reservoir, so boost pressure is instantly available again when the throttle is opened wide, significantly improving throttle response and engine flexibility.
The 90 degree ‘V’ configuration, cross-plane crankshaft and eight perfectly balanced cylinders give the engine its characteristic and unmistakable V8 engine sound and the impressive power output provides a 0-60 mph time of 4.0secs (0-100kph, 4.1 secs) and a top speed of 198 mph (318 kph).
To maximise fuel economy, the V8 can shut down four of its eight cylinders under light-load conditions, when torque demand is below 235 Nm and engine speed is below 3000 rpm. The change is imperceptible to the occupants – with deactivation times of around 20 milliseconds (a tenth of the time it takes to blink).
The result is a fuel consumption benefit to the customer of up to 16 per cent, which also means increased range, lower environmental impact and longer driving between fuel stops.
Hybrid
The Flying Spur Hybrid is the most environmentally-friendly Bentley ever. The electrified, four-door Grand Tourer also emphasises the company’s commitment to its ground-breaking Beyond100 strategy – achieving end-to-end carbon neutrality as the world’s leading, sustainable luxury mobility brand.
Hybridisation of the iconic Flying Spur does not compromise luxury or performance but only adds to its already outstanding abilities. With an unperceivable blend of internal combustion engine and electric motor, refined serenity is always on offer, regardless of driving mode or style.
The 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. The Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley to date, covering over 700 km when fully fuelled.
With high power reserves, superior torque and quick throttle response, the 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 also achieves a significant reduction in fuel consumption, whilst still providing the authentic Bentley character of effortless, refined performance.
To provide further feedback to the driver, the driver instruments show when the car is operating solely in EV drive, regenerating whilst deaccelerating, or using the combustion engine.
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. This is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys.
The flow of energy can also be displayed via the infotainment screen, where the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, head up display and centre screen. This includes range, battery level and charging information.
W12
The Bentley Flying Spur W12 is powered by an updated, twin-turbocharged TSI engine that sets a new benchmark in performance, agility and dynamism. Smooth and powerful, it was developed and hand-built at the home of Bentley in Crewe, England.
The most advanced 12-cylinder engine in the world, the twin turbocharged W12 was first introduced in 2003. The unique ‘W’ configuration means that the engine is considerably shorter than an equivalent V12, benefitting weight distribution and maximizing cabin space.
The W12 powertrain uses the very latest engine management technology, delivering noticeably enhanced performance when compared to the previous generation model. This has been realised through the evolution and optimisation of the crankcase, improvements in the oil and cooling systems, twin-scroll turbocharging technology and more efficient injection and combustion processes.
The W12 currently produces 635 PS (626 bhp) and 900 Nm (664 lb.ft) of torque, accelerating the car to 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (100 km/h in 3.8 seconds), and on to a top speed of 207mph (333 km/h).
Each W12 engine is hand-built over 6.5 hours by a team of 45 craftspeople before undertaking a highly sophisticated test regime of over an hour, via three specialist diagnostic machines during the engine assembly.
The testing not only provides feedback on the quality of each engine but also provides multiple checkpoints to catalogue the exact behaviour of each engine from the moment of manufacture.
Exterior Design
A study in craftsmanship and contemporary design, the Flying Spur showcases Bentley’s modern sculptural design language through elegant yet muscular proportions. A bold exterior is based on a modern vision that remains unmistakably Bentley.
With a wheelbase lengthened by 130mm compared to the previous generation model, the latest Flying Spur has an increased road presence and stronger, more muscular lines sweeping the full length of the car.
Flying Spur has been recreated from the ground up on a wholly new platform. The sculpted surfaces and beautiful power lines are made possible by the use of aluminium ‘superforming’, a process first proven on the latest generation Bentley Continental GT.
Bentley has utilised the latest technologies in aluminium extrusions and castings, alongside high-strength steels for the new Flying Spur, offering best-in-class body stiffness to optimise the handling and rigidity.
LED matrix headlights are standard on the Flying Spur, with unique cut-crystal effect detailing. A chrome sleeve has been added behind the cut element to make them sparkle, even when not lit. At the rear, wrap-around lamps utilise the familiar ‘B’ graphic and echoes the diamond knurling of the interior air vents.
A full size, glass-to-glass panoramic sunroof can also be specified. The front panel tilts and slides rearwards over the top of the fixed back panel. Alcantara blinds deploy electrically and are colour-matched to the 15 interior headlining colours.
The Flying B mascot that adorns the bonnet is available for the first time on a modern-day Flying Spur. In 2019, Bentley’s Centenary year, the mascot was restyled for the next century and is an evolution of previous designs. Electronically-deployed and illuminated, it is linked to the welcome lighting sequence and keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car.
The Flying Spur also features a gloss black radiator matrix, with bright chrome surround and vertical vanes that hark back to the iconic 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur. The lower matrix can be specified in either black or bright chrome.
Standard paint options for the Flying Spur extend to a class-leading portfolio of 17 Bentley colours, carefully selected to complement the character and lines of the car.
The world’s most advanced luxury four-door Grand Tourer can also be specified with a range of subtle but distinctive features in Blackline Specification. Much of the brightwork on the exterior of the car is replaced with Blackline trim, including the iconic Flying B mascot, radiator vanes, matrix grilles, side window surrounds, and lower door and rear bumper blades.
Standard fit on the Blackline specification are 21-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels, with 22-inch Mulliner Driving Specification wheels optional. Customers can choose from among 17 standard exterior colours, as well as a further 13 extended range colours at launch.
Interior Design
The interior of the Flying Spur showcases Bentley’s expertise in creating a modern, innovative cabin of unrivalled luxury. Stylish and unique, the car features supremely comfortable seats in 15 hide colours, with Bentley’s iconic ‘Wing’ theme across the lower console and fascia.
Sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the elegant dashboard and into the doors, emphasising the spacious width of the cabin. A floating centre console houses the customisable 12.3-inch HD touchscreen and Bentley ‘sculptural’ centre vents, front and rear. These contain stowage as well as inductive ‘wireless’ charging, plus two USB sockets for mobile phones.
The Bentley Rotating Display – an industry first - is available on the latest Flying Spur. By pressing the engine start button, a veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen, displaying three, customisable digital tiles. The second side of the display offers three elegant analogue dials, showing outside temperature, a compass and chronometer. Choose a complete digital detox on the third side, allowing the wood veneer fascia to continue seamlessly around the cabin.
In another example of Bentley’s exacting attention to detail, the traditional, round ‘bullseye’ vents have been replaced in the centre of the dashboard with new precision-detailed vents, one each side of the Bentley clock. Fine bronze detailing around the clock and switches lifts the switchgear to a new level of refinement.
Three-dimensional, diamond quilted leather door inserts are used for the first time in any car, inspired by the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 design concept. Diamond knurling adorns the rotary switches and is also available on the air vents and clock. To produce the decorative detail, a software algorithm had to be invented to work with the complex curves of the ducts.
Crown Cut Walnut is offered as a new wood veneer option, using a straight cut process to provide a more modern finish. As well as the popular Dark Fiddleback and Piano Black options, a range of five further veneers are available. Dual veneer finish can also be specified in all veneer types, adding an even more bespoke feel to the cabin.
The wing-theme graphic continues around the interior of the cabin doors, creating an elegant colour split and seamless link between the front and rear seats. Mood Lighting is available as an option, with the choice of seven colours and varying intensities.
The seats in the Flying Spur feature a twin-flute design and multi-comfort settings. These include heat, ventilation, multi-mode massage, adjustable bolsters and top tilt. The rear seats also offer a luxurious, cosseting travelling experience, with folding centre armrest and a manually deployed centre headrest that can be stowed away for maximum visibility.
The Bentley Flying Spur redefines personalisation and bespoke luxury in its market. The range of paint colours, leather hides, wood veneers and options offer the discerning customer a limitless spectrum of colour to suit all tastes and preferences.
Technology
State-of-the-art technology was integral in the design of the most luxurious, four-door Grand Tourer in the world. Uniquely, the new Flying Spur is positioned to satisfy both driver and passengers alike, enhanced with a portfolio of intelligent connected car features that make the Flying Spur the undoubted leader in the luxury car segment.
The Flying Spur is a fusion of cutting-edge electronics and artisan craftsmanship. It represents the very latest in Bentley’s forward-looking approach to technology, blending ease of use with exquisite design and functionality.
Featuring completely new electrical systems compared to its predecessor, the attention to detail paid by the design team is evident in every aspect of the car’s development. Even the electrical consumption was minimized to save energy, resulting in the reduction of 12V batteries from two, to one.
Combined with the ground-breaking Bentley Rotating Display, up to ten sophisticated Driver Assistance Systems are available, whatever the situation. The Top View Camera gives an ingenious, overhead perspective of the car and its immediate surroundings via four cameras located around the car. This is complemented by reverse traffic warning and self-parking features.
The Night Vision infrared camera is located in the front of the Flying Spur and monitors the road up to 984 feet (300 metres) ahead, making driving in poorly lit environments much safer. The ingenious system detects and warns of moving obstacles, such as pedestrians and large animals, displaying their activity in the digital instrument display.
Active Lane Assist provides gentle steering assistance if it detects any drifting across lane boundaries. Blind Spot Assist monitors the area around the car, flashing lights in the door mirrors if the driver attempts to cross the path of another vehicle. An optional Head-Up Display projects relevant information, such as current speed, speed limit, driver assistance and navigation information vehicle speed, directly in to the driver’s line of sight.
Traffic Sign Recognition detects speed limits and zones where overtaking is prohibited. When activated, the information is displayed in the digital instrument display and Head-Up Display. Even temporary speed restrictions can be detected.
The Flying Spur’s raft of class-leading connected car features help keep the driver in touch with a range of real-time functions and services. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot allows up to eight phones or portable digital devices to be connected to the internet. Elsewhere, a suite of My Bentley services is on hand to enhance the driving experience.
Some features make the journey smarter, such as Apple CarPlay, which takes music, maps, contacts and more from an iPhone and delivers them via the car’s central touchscreen, and Satellite maps, which allows the navigation system to display photorealistic maps.
Other services make the car journey safer, such as Private eCall, which facilitates a two-way communication between car occupants and Bentley’s dedicated call centre in the event of an accident. Activated automatically on deployment of any of the airbags, it can also be accessed via an SOS button in the roof module overhead.
The Flying Spur incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. For the Flying Spur Hybrid, connected car services will now also include My Battery Charge, My Car Statistics, and My Cabin Comfort.
Activate Lights and Horn helps the customer locate their parked Flying Spur, in situations such as a large parking lot, or at night time. Personal Navigation Assistant also enables them to contact a call centre and conduct of points of interest search of the immediate area and beyond.
Packages of options also make it easier to commission collections of features together. City Specification includes Hands Free Boot Opening, Pedestrian Warning, Reverse Traffic Warning and Automatic Dimming Mirrors. Touring Specification offers Lane Assist, Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Traffic Jam Assist) and Bentley Safeguard Plus, with Emergency Lane Change Assist and Intersection Assist.
Located in front of the driver, the Digital Instrument Display introduces new graphics, for a more elegant bias befitting the nature of the Flying Spur. The display is fully configurable, with ‘Classic’ and ‘Expanded’ views.
A large, 12.3-inch HD touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard can also be configured in a number of different ways – as a single display, split 2:1 or showing three different functions at the same time – and was designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.
As with every Bentley, features are added to enhance the experience of driving and travelling in the car, but never to dominate it.
Dynamics
A technological tour de force, the Flying Spur is the world’s finest four-door saloon offering a host of cutting-edge technologies to further enhance the driving experience.
A more forward front axle position improves weight distribution, enabling improved dynamic precision, handling and balance when coupled with active All-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride.
The latest Flying Spur uses the same 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission as the Continental GT, for smooth and refined acceleration, quicker gearshifts and improved fuel economy. Faster gearshifts are achieved by pre-selecting the next gear, shortening the interruption of torque to the wheels and so improving performance. Maximum speed is reached in sixth gear, with the overdrive gears (seventh and eighth) used for economic grand touring.
With active all-wheel drive, the Flying Spur has a clutched system, delivering two-wheel drive to the rear axle. Depending on road conditions and wheel slip, it will then automatically send drive to the front axle as required.
The front end of the latest Flying Spur feels much lighter and changes direction almost at the speed of thought. The understeer effect experienced with fixed all-wheel drive is virtually eliminated, making the turn-in response of the car feel more balanced overall.
Torque distribution varies according to the selected Drive Dynamics Mode. In Comfort and Bentley modes, the system sends up to 480 Nm of torque to the front axle to offer greater grip and driveability. In Sport, the system limits the available torque to the front axle to 280 Nm, maintaining a higher torque level at the rear for a more dynamic feel. Torque is also managed across each axle by a torque-vectoring-by-brake system.
Electronic All-Wheel Steering is an all-new technology feature, which enhances both stability at highway speeds and manoeuvrability around town. Standard on the W12 and an option on the V8, during low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front. This has the effect of shortening the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle, increasing agility and making parking noticeably easier.
During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability and making overtaking and lane-changes more assured. Electronic All-Wheel Steering means no compromise between high speed confidence and low speed convenience.
The third generation Flying Spur uses three-chamber air springs which contain 60 per cent more air volume, compared to the previous model. This allows more scope to vary from sporting levels of spring stiffness to luxury limousine refinement depending upon which mode the driver has selected. The saloon features CDC (Continuous Damping Control), which allows continuous regulation of the dampers.
Four ride height sensors constantly measure the distance between the axle and the body. If the system detects a difference compared with the normal height, the air volume in the springs is corrected accordingly to restore the normal height.
The Bentley Dynamic Ride System is designed to improve both handling and ride comfort. A 48-volt system controls an electronic actuator unit which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level.
Flying Spur shares the largest iron brakes in the world with the Continental GT, with 420 mm front discs. Both front and rear callipers carry Bentley branding. Standard fit is gloss black, with a gloss red finish optional.
And Flying Spur also sounds as good as it looks, thanks to an adaptive tailpipe control valve with variable position settings. The way exhaust gases flow into the rear half of the system has been tuned to provide a more discreet exhaust note inside the cabin for chauffeur-driven occupants.