Bentley gives the Flying Spur Hybrid power for the first time.
In the span of just a few years, Bentley went from introducing the Flying Spur, to upgrading it to supplant the Mulsanne as the company’s only limousine. Now they’ve gone a step further – they’ve given the Flying Spur a hybrid powertrain.
This is the first for Bentley, the only other hybrid in their current product portfolio being the Bentayga Hybrid. Just like the Bentayga Hybrid, the new Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is in fact a Plug-in Hybrid Vehicle (PHEV). This means that it can be manually charged from a compatible charging station.
However, unlike the 3.0L V6 Bentayga Hybrid, the Flying Spur Hybrid is powered by a more efficient 2.9L twin turbocharged V6. Despite the smaller displacement, the Flying Spur is more powerful at 544PS and 750Nm of torque and a 0-100km/h time of just 4.3 seconds.
It is also more efficient, able to deliver up to 700km of range when fully charged and fuelled up.
From the outside, there are only a few differences versus the petrol-powered Flying Spur. There are “Hybrid” badges on the front fenders, quad oval tailpipes and a charging port on the left-hand rear fender. Inside, the auto Start-Stop switch is replaced by a E Mode control switch.
Three E Modes:
- EV Drive – default mode when car is started, allows for a few kilometres of pure electric driving, best for short journeys
- Hybrid Mode – uses navigation instructions to optimise which source of power to run on, better for longer journeys
- Hold Mode – conserves battery power for later use, system uses this mode when in Sport mode
The infotainment display can also display the flow of energy and statistics as well as other powertrain information and options.
Here’s the press release with more information.
PRESS RELEASE
Bentley Motors is today announcing details of the company’s latest luxury model on its journey to electrification. The introduction of the new 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.
The latest addition to Bentley’s new hybrid range demonstrates that hybridisation does not compromise luxury or performance. With an unperceivable blend between the internal combustion engine and electric motor, refined serenity is on offer regardless of driving mode or style.
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 Hybrid. The new Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley ever having the capability to cover over 700 km when fully fuelled.
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.
The new 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.
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. 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 statistics can be seen and the timers for charging of the vehicle can be set. Additional e-motion information is available to the driver via the instrument panel, heads up display and centre screen, including range, battery level and charging information.
Exterior visual differences for the Flying Spur Hybrid include a ‘Hybrid’ front fender badge, quad oval tailpipes and a covered universal charging point on the left hand rear fender.
Environmentally-Focused Powertrain
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 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 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 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 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.
Subtle Integration of Technology
The interior of the Flying Spur Hybrid is a striking combination of the very latest integrated technology, beautiful materials and design prowess, now combined with the features required for a plug-in hybrid vehicle.
A dedicated button allows control over the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. These will enable the driver to manually manage battery usage during a journey – though this can also be managed automatically by the car:
EV DRIVE – 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.
HYBRID – maximise vehicle efficiency and range using data from the intelligent navigation system. This mode is suited for longer journeys and uses predictive E-Mode and engine coasting whilst following directions from the navigation system. Inputting a destination, the car will automatically engage the correct Drive Mode for each part of the journey, constantly calculating the most efficient use of battery charge and storing electrical energy for sections of the journey where it is most useful – such as when arriving in the city. The system will reduce on-board charge to zero just as the vehicle reaches its destination, maximising overall efficiency.
HOLD – balances engine and electric power to hold high voltage battery charge for later use conserving electric energy. This is the default mode when the driver selects Sport to provide consistent boost and recuperation.
The Flying Spur Hybrid is delivered with all of the required market specific cables, facilitating charging of the vehicle at the home or via industrial charge points at work or in public car parks. In addition to the standard equipment supplied, customers can also choose a Bentley branded wallbox available as a no cost option, providing an attractive solution housing the charge unit and storing the charge cables neatly.
Expanded Connected Car Services
The Flying Spur Hybrid incorporates a class-leading portfolio of intelligent and intuitive equipment tailored to the driver and passengers. An embedded SIM is provided, meaning My Bentley connected car features no longer require customers to provide their own data connection. My Bentley in-car and remote services is a continually-developing range of services available to customers through a dedicated app, available both on Apple iOS and Android mobile platforms.
Remote services – subject to regional availability – are accessible through the My Bentley app, including a range of features our customers now come to expect – from ‘find my car’ and ‘lock my car’, through to car status and statistics. Specific features for the new Flying Spur Hybrid can be found in the convenient features and are as follows:
MY CAR STATISTICS – which provides an overview of vehicle data. You can view the time and date of recent trips as well as last trip distance, average speed, travel time and average fuel/electric consumption.
MY BATTERY CHARGE – allows you to remotely initiate vehicle charging as long as your vehicle is plugged in. You can select the time you plan to leave and the charging system will calculate a rate of charging to achieve the highest level of charge in line with your departure.
MY CABIN COMFORT – lets you remotely heat or cool the cabin to an optimum temperature of 22°C ahead of your journey.
A Distinct Model in the Flying Spur Range
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.
A ‘Hybrid’ badge mounted on the lower front fender, quad oval tailpipes at the rear of the vehicle and a covered universal charging point on the left hand rear fender denote the new model. The choice of optional wheels includes; the 22” Mulliner Driving Specification wheel in three different finishes, a 21” wheel in Polished or Grey Painted and Bright machined or the standard 20” wheel.
The interior of the 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 onwards, and first customer deliveries are due before the end of 2021.
