The Bentley Flying Spur has received a facelift with a new plug-in hybrid system to replace the W12 in the Speed.
The Bentley Flying Spur sedan has been updated with a new plug-in hybrid system after the non-hybrid W12 powertrain was axed in favour of electrification.
While Bentley calls the new model the “fourth generation” Flying Spur, it is a facelift of the current model that launched in 2019 with some design tweaks, and a new electrical architecture with improvements to its infotainment and driver assistance systems.
Initially launching in performance-focussed Speed trim, which previously used a now-defunct 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 engine, the latest Flying Spur Speed features a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 familiar from the VW Group, combined with an electric motor.
All Bentley vehicles sold in 2026 will use plug-in hybrid or electric power, with the Continental GT – the two-door version of the Flying Spur – also recently switching to a plug-in hybrid system.
The V8 produces 441kW and 800Nm while the electric motor outputs 140kW and 450Nm – “more than enough to keep up with the traffic in most situations”, says Bentley – with a 575kW and 1000Nm total system output, up 90kW and 100Nm over the previous Flying Spur Speed.
Bentley claims the plug-in hybrid system in the new Flying Spur Speed also delivers higher torque from lower engine speeds, while its CO2 emissions are 90 per cent lower than the previous model.
It is matched to an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the 25.9kWh battery pack enables a WLTP-rated 76-kilometre electric driving range, or up to 829 kilometres combined. It has an 11kW maximum charging rate.
The 0-100km/h sprint is claimed to be achievable in 3.5 seconds, half a second quicker than before.
Exterior design tweaks for the Flying Spur Speed are limited to a revised front bumper, different grille pattern, and new 22-inch alloy wheel designs, while interior changes include new seat designs with diamond quilting, a revised perforation pattern, and optional dark chrome trim.
It continues to feature a rotating centre display panel to switch between a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen, three analogue dials, or a handcrafted veneer panel.
Other improvements for the Flying Spur include an improved ride in the Comfort drive mode, new driver instrumentation graphics, heating and ventilation for all four seats, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, over-the-air map updates, connected car services, and green traffic light prediction in selected cities.
A Bentley Australia spokesperson told Drive local timing for the new Flying Spur will be confirmed at a later date.
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