2020 Bentley Flying Spur

The Top Gear car review: Bentley Flying Spur

Perhaps the most compelling four-door limo Bentley’s built since the Arnage.

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Overview

What is it? Handsome, isn’t it? Check out the proportions: the sense that the front wheels have been pulled forward, the windscreen sloping back in sympathy, the way it sits on its wheels. In profile it’s a bloody good bit of design. We’ve never been able to say that about a Flying Spur before.

Well, not since the badge first appeared on a four-door back in 1957. It was an element of Design Director Arthur Taylor Johnstone’s heraldic crest that gave the car its name.

The plate came back in 2005, adorning a saloon version of the Continental GT. It wasn’t a looker, yet Bentley sold 37,000 of them.

The trouble was that the last-generation Flying Spur, even after it was facelifted in 2013, was a car for the driven, not the driver. It both looked and felt too nose heavy. Better to sit in the back.

This second-gen car changes that. Particularly if you choose the ‘entry’ V8. This isn’t ‘entry’ level like you get at Dacia, the bumpers blackened and stereo yanked out. This is a skinnier, sharper and only mildly less powerful car than the top-rung W12.

Whichever you choose, it’s longer and wider than before while lighter, too. Crucially, the axles are now 130mm further apart, the chassis (all-new and all-aluminium, so too the bodywork) features a five grand optional 48-volt electric system that manages an active anti-roll bar and four-wheel steering.

The four-wheel-drive system is more rear-biased, the gearbox is not a regular automatic but an eight-speeder with twin clutches.

 

You, The One Flying Spur Owner With The Faulty Fuel Tank. Your Car Has Been Recalled - Jalopnik​

There have been some strange recalls in automotive history, but among the most rare and head-scratching is the single-car recall.

There’s precedent for this: In 2014, Koenigsegg recalled one Agera — the only one in the United States — for a hiccup related to its tire pressure monitoring software.

Now we can add Bentley to this exclusive list of exclusive recalls.

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Late last month, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration published the recall of one (1) Bentley Flying Spur manufactured in August 2020. The culprit: a poorly-welded fuel tank.

Not poorly welded by Bentley, mind, but rather Magna Steyr, which produces the part for the luxury British automaker. A failed weld in a fuel tank means a possible fuel leak — which means you gotta stop for more fuel! Oh, and it’s a fire risk.

According to the recall report, Magna Steyr noticed the issue and got in touch with Bentley in January, five months after the car rolled out of the factory.

Magna Steyr evidently detected some flaw in its production process, then narrowed down cars affected to find but a single vehicle:

Supplier production records were analyzed to identify potentially affected fuel tanks. Only one affected fuel tank was shipped to Bentley Motors. Using vehicle production records, the affected vehicle has been identified.
Reading this, I have to wonder if any more “potentially affected fuel tanks” were shipped to other carmakers, where they would have wound up in — I assume — a great many more cars.

 
The cream of the crop? Bentley Flying Spur vs Mercedes S-Class

But is the car of choice for chauffeur-driven owners still the best in the world? We aim to find out

The S-Class is lovely to just mooch about in, until its size becomes an obstacle (Mercedes UK will offer four-wheel steering on higher-end S-Classes, but doesn’t yet on the more affordable ones). But, except for the occasional moment of brusqueness from a driveline out of which Crewe is still evidently knocking the quirks, the Flying Spur is a delight.

In light of all that, I don’t think we can consider Mercedes’ biggest executive saloon the world’s most convincing, least superfluous, most fitfor-purpose and most perfectly executed luxury car. Not any more. The market has moved some way beyond this car’s capacity to dominate it like it used to. The kinds of cars made by the likes of Bentley now are much more technically advanced and widely accomplished than they ever used to be.

But the S-Class also seems to have lost some of its old technical and functional superiority, and some of its pervading sense of self-assurance. Feels like the end of an era, doesn’t it? And right now, we’re all very interested to find out exactly what comes next.


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2021 Bentley Flying Spur brings new features, improved refinement

Crewe used digital prototypes to "eliminate" noise and vibration from its luxury saloon

Bentley claims to have "eliminated" noise, vibration and harshness (NVH) as part of a subtle round of updates for its Flying Spur saloon.

After a year on sale, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class rival has gained a raft of new standard equipment alongside the refinement-boosting tweaks, as well as an enhanced array of personalisation options.

Bentley used 'virtual prototyping' processes to carry out acoustic tests on all parts of the car, identifying areas that produced "unwanted cabin noise". Following the tests, some 40 different components of the car were lightened to make way for added soundproofing.

By using virtual prototypes prior to carrying out the modifications, Bentley was able to minimise its testing mileage, and reduce the number of physical prototype cars in operation.

Elsewhere, the Flying Spur is now equipped with the City Specification package as standard, which brings traffic sign recognition, hands-free boot opening, a top-down parking camera, welcoming lighting and automatically dimming mirrors.


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Bentley’s flagship, the Flying Spur – it’s all in the details

Bentley has opened up its doors to show exactly what goes into making its flagship model, the Flying Spur, a sartorial and elegant sedan.

Billed as the “the world’s finest four door sedan”, the Crewe-based carmaker has improved its technology and comfort, while also offering new interior veneer choices and an exterior paint choice – Cambrian Grey. Well-heeled buyers now have the choice of 63 colours.

For the model year 2022, the car’s City Specification consolidates an array of optional content and becomes part of the standard vehicle specification. These features include; Traffic sign recognition, hands free boot opening, extended safeguard features, top view camera, welcome lighting and automatic dimming mirrors, as well as the Air Ioniser.

The most significant changes to the latest generation are on the technological front, with the addition of traffic sign recognition, hands free boot opening, extended safeguard features, top view camera, welcome lighting and automatic dimming mirrors all offered as standard.

The standard air ionisers emit negatively charged particles from the central air conditioning vents, enhancing cabin air purity, Bentley says.

In the cabin, new features include the option of open-pore veneer, which is finished with an ultra-thin matt lacquer solely for protection. Liquid Amber, Dark Burr Walnut and Tamo Ash veneers are all available in an open-pore finish.

 
I love the S class, at least the outgoing one in design terms, but how is it a competitor to the Bentley?

In my opinion, the Flying spur sits above the Merc's level of comfort, workmanship and price point for a reason.

The Merc should look at the A8, 750/760i and even the Lexus as its competitors. I would include the Jag XJ but since that is discontinued I will not go there.
 
2021 Bentley Flying Spur - Cambrian Grey exterior & Mulliner Driving Specification with 22" Dark Grey Painted & Bright Machined Wheels, with Portland over Porpoise 4-seat Comfort interior & Burr Walnut over Grand Black Dual-Finish Veneer.

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Design your own personalised Bentley Flying Spur configuration here:

 
Maybe when iam of retirement age i might actually like this car ......................
 
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid

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.

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.


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New Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid brings 536bhp, 25-mile EV range

Crewe's second plug-in hybrid arrives, packing an electrified V6 which offers V8-style pace

The new Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid has arrived with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 mated to a 134bhp electric motor for a combined 536bhp – 95bhp more than its Bentayga Hybrid sibling.

Joining non-electrified V8 and W12 models in the Flying Spur range, the new plug-in hybrid uses a 14.1kWh battery to offer a projected EV range of more than 25 miles. With a 0-60mph time of 4.1sec and a top speed of 177mph, it closely matches the performance of the standard V8 saloon.

The V6 employed here develops 150bhp per litre, more than the V8, courtesy of centralised injectors and spark plugs, while the electric motor alone produces some 295lb ft of torque, which Bentley says "minimises any perceived delay often associated with turbocharger lag".

It is the second plug-in hybrid from Crewe, following the introduction in 2019 of the Bentayga Hybrid, and is claimed to be the firm's most efficient road car yet, with a combined petrol-electric range of more than 435 miles between fill-ups.

 
NEW MODEL: Meet the electrifying 2021 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid (V6 turbo)

Bentley has injected its Beyond100 strategy (a move toward full electrification of its vehicles) with new blood courtesy of a new hybrid version of the third generation Flying Spur ultra-luxury sedan. The British car maker says the introduction of the new Flying Spur Hybrid sets the tone for a family of Bentley hybrids, emphasising the company’s commitment to becoming an end-to-end carbon neutral organisation and the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company.The Flying Spur Hybrid’s new powertrain combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a total of 400kW of power and 750Nm of torque. Despite this brutal punch, Bentley says it’s the most efficient vehicle the company has ever made, boasting the ability to cover more than 700km on a single tank of fuel (in ideal conditions of course).

Before you scoff at its 2.9-litre engine and electric motor with batteries, consider its zero to 100km/h sprint, which takes just 4.3 seconds. Bentley says the powertrain achieves a significant reduction in fuel consumption whilst still providing the authentic Bentley character of effortless, refined performance.

All Flying Spurs are manufactured at Bentley’s home in Crewe - the world’s first carbon neutral factory for luxury car production. Bentley South Africa has not confirmed whether the car will arrive in South Africa in 2021 or 2022. Pricing has not been confirmed either, but we expect it to come in at around R3.2 million for a base model.

 
Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition

Bentley announced details of a new limited edition to celebrate the introduction of its latest model, the Flying Spur Hybrid. Taking inspiration from the EXP 100 GT concept car that defines Bentley's view of luxury mobility in 2035, the Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition is the first step on a journey to introduce new sustainable materials as part of its Beyond100 strategy.

The Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition not only uses an advanced hybrid powertrain delivering a combined power of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque, but also includes new, even more sustainable materials throughout the cabin, directly reflecting design details showcased in Bentley's centenary concept car. The cabin features panels of beautifully crafted tweed made from 100% British wool, twisting a blend of tonal colours into a bespoke yarn to create a unique natural luxury textile especially for Bentley.

With a focus on sustainability, the open pore Koa veneer fascias and waistrails use 90% less lacquer than high-gloss veneers, and allow the natural surface texture and aesthetic of the wood to be enjoyed. Selected from only the very best, most figured stock available, open-pore veneer is painted with just three ultra-thin layers of lacquer, together totalling only 0.1 mm in thickness.

The centre console is finished in a sleek, minimalist Piano Linen veneer, while a dedicated three-colour leather scheme lends the whole interior new depth. Together with new materials, sustainable leather is used widely across the cabin, thanks to its long-term durability. Indeed, Bentley's own 1955 S1 Flying Spur was referenced during the design process, as the car still retains its original, now-66-year-old leather interior which is still in immaculate condition.


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Bentley kick-starts sustainability push with special Flying Spur PHEV

Limited-run version of luxury saloon borrows eco-friendly materials from EXP 100 GT concept

Bentley will launch the new Flying Spur Hybrid with a limited-edition model that features a number of special features developed from the EXP 100 concept car designed to showcase the brand’s commitment to new sustainable materials.

The recently revealed version of the four-door grand tourer follows the Bentayga Hybrid as the firm’s second plug-in model, and is a key step on the Crewe firm’s path to becoming an EV-only brand by 2030 as part of its Beyond 100 strategy.

The new Flying Spur Hybrid Odyssean Edition will be limited to around 300 units, and will effectively serve as the launch version of the new model. It will feature the standard powertrain from the new hybrid, with a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V6 mated to a 134bhp electric motor for an output of 536bhp and 553lb ft, a 0-62mph time of 4.1sec, a top speed of 177mph and an EV-only range of around 25 miles.

 
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