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The fourth generation version of Bentley's Continental Flying Spur adopts PHEV tech but continues to blend old-school craftsmanship with the latest technology in the super-luxury saloon sector. Beneath the chrome trim, the leather and the wood veneers, there's cutting-edge tech at work producing breathtaking results and creating in this boardroom-segment limousine Bentley's fastest-ever four-door. It's hard not to be impressed.
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Driving experience
The big news here is the switch to PHEV tech; the previous car's classic W12 engine is sadly no more. As with this model's predecessors, virtually all the engineering here is borrowed from the brand's Continental GT coupe, which in turn borrows is MSB platform, 8-speed twin clutch auto transmission and rear suspension from a Porsche Panamera. Only one 'Speed'-badged model is (for the time being) available and with 771bhp and 1,000Nm of torque, it makes this Flying Spur Bentley's fastest four-door ever; for reference, that's 121bhp and 100Nm more than the previous W12-engined Flying Spur Speed model. 584bhp of this current model's power total comes from its VW Group-sourced V8, with a further 188bhp contributed by an e-motor built into the automatic gearbox. That motor is energised by a 25.9kWh battery beneath the boot floor that Bentley claims will take the car up to 50 miles and at speeds of up to 87mph. Obviously, do one and you won't be able to do the other.
Despite the 2.5-tonne kerb weight (around 200kg heavier than the old Flying Spur W12 Speed), performance from this 'Ultra Performance Hybrid' powertrain is explosive, 62mph flashing by in just 3.5s on the way (if you can find a race track or the right stretch of autobahn) to a top speed of 177mph.
At first glance, not much has changed underneath. Bentley though, says that weight distribution has been shifted fractionally backwards for a better 50:50 balance. And there are now twin valve dampers which, it's claimed, have enabled the engineers to optimise dynamic ability and comfort. In the most frantic 'Dynamic' drive mode, the drivetrain is tuned to let the rear axle slip slightly, giving the driver greater control of power deployment mid-corner. But if you're planning to drive like that regularly, you really should have bought an M5.
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Design and build
Unlike the updated Continental GT, this fourth generation Flying Spur doesn't feature many visual differences over its direct predecessor, though they are there if you look closely. The front bumper's been tweaked with squared-off air dams, plus there's a redesigned grille pattern, the ADAS sensor is different, the rear splitter's been updated and there are new 22-inch alloy wheel designs. Otherwise, things are as before, with inspiration for the exterior design apparently drawn from fuselage surfacing in aviation. This car is big - of course it is, though the 5.3-metre length is still a little shorter than its two closest segment rivals, the Rolls Royce Ghost and the Mercedes-Maybach S680. It sits a little lower than that pair too and the short front overhangs give a sportier look.
The at-the-wheel experience is as exquisite as it always is in a Bentley, the dashboard sculpted by long flowing wings that mirror the shape of the Bentley badge. With this new model, the centre console's been lightly redesigned with smarter switchgear and fewer high-gloss finishes. Over ten square metres of wood is used in every Flying Spur and it takes over nine hours to create and fit the intricate wooden inlays by hand. The stitched leather on the brilliantly supportive seats is exquisite too, particularly with the optional 'diamond in diamond' quilted finish.
A sophisticated 12.3-inch screen remains to dominate the centre of the fascia, with all the usual audio, navigational and informational functions, but gets new hardware and software. There's still the 'Bentley Rotating Display', which sees the centre monitor somersault into the dash when you power off. Or, on the move, you can choose to turn the panel to its third face, which gives you three little old-style analogue dials - for air temperature, a compass and a stopwatch. Lovely. Through the stitched three-spoke wheel, you view a virtual instrument panel, the centre part of which can be customised to the elements you want to view.
As with the previous model, the rear compartment is really only designed for two. If you're being chauffeured and the front passenger seat can be pushed right forward, you'll really be able to stretch out. The 346-litre boot space is massively down on the previous generation model (74-litres less) thanks to the PHEV tech, so it's even further behind what you'd get in a rival Ghost or Mercedes-Maybach.
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Market and model
You'll need around £220,000 for the Speed version of this Flying Spur. As you'd expect, you get a very special experience in return. Take the 20-way adjustable front seats for example, which are said to set industry standards for comfort and refinement. Smooth centre panels allow maximum efficiency for the cooling, heating and massage functions, while the bolsters retain the signature Bentley quilting. As an option, an event more exclusive 'diamond in diamond'-style quilting finish is available which gives the effect of a 'floating' quilted surface in a sea of leather.
The new Dark Chrome Specification provides what Bentley calls 'a more contemporary aesthetic' and aims to give a more understated character to the cabin. This applies to door handles, switches, speak grilles and many other areas around the interior. Bentley's bespoke division - Mulliner - will also be offering a collection of unique features enabling further personalisation to this model. As before, a choice of three audio systems is offered in the Continental GT. The standard system features 10 speakers and 650-watts, while a Bang & Olufsen 1,500-watt 16-speaker system with illuminated speaker grilles is aimed at lifestyle-oriented customers. A Naim 2,200-watt 18-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats and eight sound modes is offered for the true audiophile. Laminated acoustic glass is retained for the windscreen and side windows, resulting in a nine-decibel reduction in exterior noise versus non-acoustic glazing. And the wheels come in a huge 22-inch size as standard.
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Cost of ownership
In one hit, the CO2 return of this GT Speed has gone from 337g/km (which was the stat of the previous generation W12 model) to just 33g/km. Such are the benefits of Plug-in Hybrid tech, which in this case offers a 47 mile EV driving range. The battery can be fully replenished in as little as two and three quarter hours thanks to significant improvements in charger and battery capacity, with 11kW peak charging power. You can monitor charging status via the provided Bentley app. And using this, pre-condition cabin temperature too.
If you use this car as its maker intends, you shouldn't expect fuel economy to be massively better than the previous models (not helped by the fact that this latest car's PHEV system adds over 200kgs to the kerb weight), but around 30mpg on a regular basis should be more achievable. And of course, if you keep the battery topped up and use your Flying Spur mainly for suburban journeys, you shouldn't end up spending too much on fuel at all - which will be a completely new experience for many owners. Servicing and consumables will of course be expensive and as you'd expect, insurance is a top-of-the-shop group 50.
Residual values are another area where the big Bentley might well cause a sting. After three years of use, expect this car to lose around 35% of its value. The three year manufacturer's warranty is an unlimited mileage one and requires an authorised repairer to undertake any work - plus of course use of genuine Bentley parts (which come with their own two year warranty).
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Summary
Is any saloon in the world really better than this one? The Flying Spur used to be the forgotten contender in Bentley's range, originally positioned as the model you bought if your lifestyle no longer fitted the rakish Continental GT coupe but you couldn't run to the old Mulsanne. No longer. This PHEV-evolved new-era Flying Spur design is now arguably the most appealing option in the company's line-up.
The properly electrified combustion powertrain now makes it a credibly justifiable business tool for top executives too. And it's certainly as good to drive as the Continental GT, with superb four-wheel steer-enhanced agility you wouldn't believe given this car's prodigious size and substantial kerb weight. There's an appealing mix of old school and cutting-edge technology on offer here from a car now much better suited to its target market.
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