The 2022 Bentley Flying Spur plug-in hybrid is a $210,000 declaration that the tradition-steeped brand will honor its century-old roots as the performance-driven luxury brand transitions from gasoline to electric power.
Combining the latest powertrain technology with handcrafted luxury and topping it all with an LED-lit, motorized version of the Flying B hood ornament that debuted in the 1920s, the Flying Spur stakes out a unique spot among ultra-sedans: Equally satisfying to drive as be driven in, dripping with Old World charm but simultaneously boasting the modern efficiency and convenience of driver aids.
The Flying Spur is the first plug-in hybrid Bentley’s sold in the United States. The EPA rates it at up to 21 miles in electric mode and 430 in total electric and gasoline range.
What’s new?
The Flying Spur plug-in hybrid, or PHEV, gets its power from a twin-turbo 2.9L V6 combined with a 100 kW (134 horsepower) electric motor. That’s a tiny powerplant by Bentley’s standards, but it delivers 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds according to Bentley’s official figures, 3.9 seconds when tested by Car and Driver magazine.
Other features unique to the PHEV include “Hybrid” badges on the front fenders and sill plates, quad oval exhaust pipes, 15.8kWh lithium-ion battery and charging port on the left rear fender. It takes about three hours to charge the battery at 240 volts, the current most common to home chargers.
The added battery and motor don’t reduce passenger or luggage space.
All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all Flying Spurs.
The PHEV’s total power output is 536 horsepower and 533 pound-feet of torque. It is by far the most fuel- efficient member of the Flying Spur family, which also includes a 542-hp twin-turbo V8 and 626-hp 12-cylinder model, which Bentley’s corporate parent VW calls a W12.
According to EPA estimates, the PHEV reduces energy consumption more than 50% from the V8 or W12, saving owners $1,700 to $2,300 a year.
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How much?
Prices for the PHEV start at $210,600. Other than its hybrid system and modest exterior flourishes, it’s similar to the rest of the Flying Spur family, which is to say exquisite.
Prices for the V8 begin at $208,225, while the W12 starts at $236,025.
The top PHEV model, the Mulliner, starts at $291,600. All prices exclude $2,725 destination charge.
The auto buzzwords “nicely equipped” seem a bit ludicrous at this point, but Bentley’s all about customization and choice. Boxes checked on the PHEV I tested include:
- Mulliner Driving package: 22-inch, 10-spoke alloy wheels; Jetline II light-blue paint; diamond-quilted seats and doors; embroidered Bentley emblems; heated, hide-trimmed three-spoke steering wheel; leather headliner; piano black trim with dark stained burr walnut; sport pedals.
- Touring package: adaptive cruise control, head-up display; lane-keeping assist and alert; night vision; traffic assist.
- Nami audio: 19 speakers with lighted grilles, 2,200 watts, two bass transducers, 21-channel amp, eight sound modes.
- Styling package: front splitter, rear diffuser, trunk-mounted lip spoiler, and Bentley branded side sills, all in high-gloss carbon fiber with mirror-matched weave.
- Mood lighting
- Rotating display in dashboard
- Black gloss exterior trim
- Front and rear seat center console
My test car stickered at about $279,000.
While there are other cars in the Flying Spur PHEV’s price range, the Bentley’s combination of luxury, enthusiast appeal, technology and sheer physical and visual presence stands alone.
Driving impressions
Bentley is unique among large utra-luxury brands because many of its owners expect to drive as well as be driven. The Flying Spur’s rear seat — especially with the second row center console in my test car — has the room, comfort and features of a chauffeured vehicle, but the car also is fun and engaging to drive.
Even when the battery no longer has enough power to run the car in EV mode, the hybrid system delivers plenty of power for confident acceleration and fast cruising.
That’s no mean feat. A 209.3-inch-long sedan that weighs 5,323 pounds, the Flying Spur PHEV approaches the turf of three-row full-size SUVs like a short-wheelbase Lincoln Navigator.
For those not satisfied by 0-60 sprints, Bentley says the Flying Spur PHEV reaches 100 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a top speed of 177 mph.
The driver can select regular hybrid mode, EV only mode or gasoline-only mode.
The Flying Spur’s air suspension absorbs bumps from the roughest pavement, but stiffens for control and stability at high speeds and around curves. Carefully tuned steering and brakes make it easy to forget how big and heavy the sedan is.
Style, inside and out
In addition to its spacious rear seat — fully adjustable and climate controlled, natch — the Flying Spur’s front seat is roomy and provides plenty of space for phones, cups, etc. A multitude of small buttons lengthens the learning curve for climate, sunroof and other controls, but they eventually become intuitive. Bentley’s signature organ-stops to open and close vents remain, as does the art nouveau “B” atop the shifter.
In the middle of the dashboard, a three-sided rotating panel displays a touch screen, trio of gauges or simple panel of wood, at the driver’s preference.
Jetline II paint, a light blue shading toward mauve, made the big car look lithe, an impression strengthened by knife creases in the aluminum panels of the front and rear fenders. Gloss black trim including the grille, windows, doors, lights, tailpipes, trunk and hood further offset any impression of bulk.
In the crowning touch, the Flying B hood ornament that’s been a Bentley signature for nearly a century can be set to rise from the hood when the car is unlocked and disappear when locked. The mascot’s diaphanous wings illuminate with the car’s lights. The hood ornament is invisible from the driver’s seat, but greets owners every time they approach the Flying Spur.
2022 Bentley Flying Spur PHEV at a glance
Base price: $210,600 (all prices exclude destination charge)
All-wheel drive, four- or five-seat large luxury plug-in hybrid sedan
On sale now
Specifications as tested:
Price as tested: $279,000 (est.)
Engine: 2.9L bi-turbo V6
Electric motor: 100 kW (134 hp)
Total output: 536 hp; 533 pound-feet of torque
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy estimate: 21 mile battery range, 19 mpg combined city/highway fuel economy in mixed electric/gasoline mode. Premium gasoline.
EPA estimated annual fuel cost: $2,850
0-60 time: 4.1 seconds
Top speed: 177 mph
Wheelbase: 125.8 inches
Length: 209.3 inches
Width: 87.4 inches
Height: 58.4 inches
Cargo volume: 12 cubic feet
Curb weight: 5,523 pounds
Assembled in Crewe, England