Bentley is completing its new driver-focused S range with the launch of the new Flying Spur S, bringing extra dimensions of increased dynamic ability, dramatic visual presence and heightened aural drama to further enhance Bentley’s pinnacle four-door sedan. This is the first time that Bentley’s historic ‘S’ badge has been applied to a Hybrid product and is another step towards Beyond100, Bentley’s vision of the future and sustainable pathway forwards.
The Bentley Flying Spur has long been feted for its ability to engage the driver without compromising passenger comfort. As with the recently launched Continental GT S and GT S Convertible, the new Flying Spur S models focus on the pleasure of driving – but with the added choice between 4.0-litre V8 or V6 Hybrid powertrains.
Bentley customers now have a clear choice, with the comfort-oriented Flying Spur Azure emphasising ‘Wellbeing behind the Wheel’, or the new Flying Spur S models expanding the visual, tactile and aural enhancements to the driving experience.
Two Routes to Exhilaration
The Flying Spur S is offered with a choice of two powertrains, each delivering a sporting and rewarding driving experience via complementary engineering approaches, retaining the effortless performance for which Bentley is synonymous.
The V8 version of the Flying Spur S is powered by Bentley’s advanced 4.0-litre V8 engine, developing 550 PS and 770 Nm of torque. The 0-62 mph benchmark takes a mere 4.0 seconds and top speed – where possible and legal – is 198 mph. It comes as standard with Bentley Dynamic Ride, capable of applying up to 1300 Nm of anti-roll torque in 0.3 seconds to keep the body flat and stable under spirited cornering, whilst delivering a smooth and supple ride for passengers at gentler velocities by decoupling the wheels across each axle. Electronic All-wheel Steering is also included as standard. During low-speed manoeuvres, the system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the fronts by up to 4.2° to reduce the turning circle and increase agility. At higher speeds the rear wheels turn in the same direction as the fronts for confidence-inducing stability during lane changes and overtakes.
For those who are city-based or environmentally-focused, the Flying Spur S is also available with a hybrid powertrain. This 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, for a 0-62mph time a mere one tenth of a second slower than the V8 at 4.1s. Capable of up to 26 miles (41 km) in pure electric drive, and with just 75g of CO2 per kilometre (WLTP) the Flying Spur Hybrid S is jointly the most efficient Bentley yet.
Customers who enjoy exploring their Bentleys’ performance also appreciate the aural pleasure of a performance-focused powertrain; the V8-powered Flying Spur S delivers this via a redesigned sports exhaust while the Flying Spur Hybrid S (whilst in Sport mode) features an ingenious sound enhancements in the engine bay that match the more sporting character of the car for the driver while maintaining low sound levels in the rear cabin.
Exterior Design – Purposeful Yet Understated
The black brightware of the Flying Spur S models creates an athletic and understated look, whatever the chosen exterior finish. As Crewe’s design team clearly understands, the absence of bright polished metal highlights encourages the eye to take in the vehicle’s form and perceive it as lower and wider – the essence of a sporting Bentley. The effect is complemented by gloss black lower bumper grilles, dark tinted headlamps and rear lights, black quad tailpipe finishers and distinctive S badging on the front fenders. The grille is black gloss with vertical vanes and black gloss surround. Only the winged Bentley badge and lettering on the bootlid stand out with their bright chrome finish.
The S range is offered with an all-new 22” wheel option, with five Y-shaped spokes in gloss black or alternatively available in a new Pale Brodgar Satin finish. A second wheel option for the S models is a 21” tri-spoke wheel design that combines gloss black and bright machined finishes – also unique to S. Whatever the wheel, standard-fit red brake calipers highlight the extrovert character of the S models.
Interior – Visual and Tactile Cues
For the interior of the Flying Spur S, customers can let their imaginations roam with a choice of performance-focused two-tone colour splits, hand crafted in Crewe’s leather shop using a combination of smooth hide and soft-napped Dinamica. This suede-like material is used for the heated steering wheel, gear lever, seat cushions and seat backrests while leather hide is employed on the seat bolsters, door pads, along the instrument panel and around the console.
The S design seats are fluted, with quilting available as an option, and the ‘S’ emblem is embroidered on the headrest of each seat; embroidered Bentley wings are a no-cost alternative. Driver instrumentation takes its inspiration from motorsport chronometers, with the same graphics as the Continental GT Speed. Finishing touches include a metal S signature badge on the fascia and iluminated Bentley treadplates with the ‘S’ device replacing the Bentley Motors Ltd plaque.
A Celebration at Goodwood
The new S model range will make its dynamic debut at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed, running from Thursday 23 June to Sunday 26 June. Examples of the Flying Spur S, GT S and GTC S will take to the famous hillclimb as part of the First Glance class, and be on display in the paddock throughout the event. They will be joined by a suite of other Bentleys from past and present, including iconic racecars and a dedicated parade of models to celebrate 40 years of turbocharged Bentleys – with the new S range as the latest members of the lineage.