It may be hard to believe, but by this time next year, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur will have been in production for two decades - surpassing the 12-year run of its much-loved predecessor, the Arnage. Today, Bentley has launched the fourth-generation Flying Spur, and the car is more significant than ever as rivals like the Aston Martin Rapide and Maserati Quattroporte have disappeared from the market. 

Despite the changing landscape, Bentley has continued to push forward, investing heavily in the Flying Spur's development. Long associated with opulence and performance, the latest iteration - equipped with Bentley’s new Ultra Performance Hybrid system - aims to elevate the model into the realm of four-door supercars. Nearly two decades after its debut, this new version combines power, refinement, and a renewed focus on environmental responsibility.

Powertrain Innovation: The Ultra Performance Hybrid

At the heart of the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid powertrain, which combines a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with an electric motor to produce 771 bhp first seen in the new Continental GT. From that output, 584 bhp comes from the V8. Despite the demise of the W12 engine, this represents a notable improvement over the outgoing Flying Spur Speed, which offered 650 bhp.

Bentley claims the Flying Spur is the firm's first “four door supercar”, and the numbers certainly speak for themselves: 0-60 mph takes just 3.3 seconds, making it half a second quicker than its predecessor. The all-wheel-drive system, paired with the electric motor, delivers 1,000 Nm of torque, ensuring smooth and consistent power delivery. Bentley claims that no other luxury saloon offers this level of versatility - capable of quiet, electric-only driving for short urban journeys, while transforming into a high-performance grand tourer with a simple press of the accelerator. Although the upcoming BMW M5 might have to say something about that, given it makes an identical 1,000 Nm from a similar twin-turbo V8 hybrid arrangement, even though it’s not a direct rival to the new Bentley.

The hybrid setup also offers a 47-mile electric-only range, which reduces emissions by up to 90% compared to the previous Flying Spur Speed. In electric mode, the car can reach speeds of up to 87 mph, making it suitable for city driving and low-emission zones. With the petrol engine engaged, the total range extends to 515 miles - more than enough for a run from London to Le Mans.

Advanced Chassis Technology

Supporting the Flying Spur's performance is Bentley’s Performance Active Chassis, which comes as standard. This includes Bentley Dynamic Ride suspension, All-Wheel Steering, and an electronically controlled Limited Slip Differential (eLSD), all contributing to sharp handling and stability at high speeds.

Bentley has optimised the car’s weight distribution, achieving a near-perfect 48.3:51.7 front-to-rear balance. Active torque vectoring, enabled through the centre differential and brake-based axle control, enhances agility, while the twin-valve dampers separate rebound and compression damping for a more customised driving experience. Drivers can choose from three distinct modes - Comfort, Bentley, and Sport - to tailor the balance between ride comfort and handling precision, with Sport mode providing increased body control while retaining refinement.

Design: Purposeful Performance

If you’re thinking there is an air of familiarity about the fourth-generation car, you’d be right. Even in Bentley’s own words the new Flying Spur “retains the muscular yet refined design language introduced in 2019”, with subtle updates highlighting its performance credentials. A revised front bumper and Speed-specific grille lend the car a more assertive stance, while the rear diffuser adds to the overall sense of power. Buyers can choose between two finishes for the newly designed 22” Ten Swept Spoke wheels, alongside a wide range of bespoke exterior finishes.

Inside, Bentley’s craftsmanship remains the focal point. The new seat design features 3D diamond quilting, extending to the door panels and B-pillars, while options such as the Dark Chrome Specification offer a modern, understated finish. With over 700 possible leather colour combinations and eight wood veneer options, the cabin can be tailored to suit any taste, maintaining Bentley's tradition of attention to detail.

Cutting-Edge Technology and Personalisation

The fourth-generation Flying Spur is as much about technology as it is about performance. A new electrical architecture supports a range of advanced features, from enhanced driver assistance systems to improved infotainment. The signature Bentley Rotating Display remains a central feature, allowing drivers to toggle between a 12.3” touchscreen, analogue dials, or a clean veneer panel.

For the first time, Bentley introduces its My Bentley App Studio, allowing drivers to download third-party applications directly to the car’s infotainment system, offering a seamless integration of music, navigation, and more.

Connectivity has also been upgraded, with wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates ensuring the car’s technology remains current throughout its lifespan. Features such as Remote Park Assist and cabin preconditioning add convenience, while the Wellness Seating Specification ensures comfort for all occupants, offering postural adjustments and climate control on all four seats.

Conscious Opulence

The new Flying Spur demonstrates a clear focus on reducing environmental impact while maintaining Bentley’s renowned power. The hybrid system includes a charge mode, allowing the petrol engine to recharge the battery while driving, alongside regenerative braking and electric boost. The improved charging system supports up to 11 kW, allowing the 25.9 kWh battery to be fully recharged in under three hours.

Despite its near supercar-level performance, the Flying Spur is designed to be efficient in all conditions. The V8 engine features high-pressure fuel injection and cleaner combustion, while the electric motor eliminates turbo lag. Additionally, the twin-scroll turbos operate at higher temperatures to further reduce emissions.

As the luxury car market increasingly shifts towards high-performance SUVs, the fourth-generation Flying Spur stands out as a rare and important offering. While many manufacturers, including Bentley themselves with the Bentayga, have concentrated on SUV development, the Flying Spur continues to represent the pinnacle of the traditional super saloon. With its powerful hybrid drivetrain, cutting-edge chassis technology, and commitment to sustainability, the Flying Spur is more significant than ever. In a landscape where high-performance SUVs dominate, Bentley’s latest creation serves as a reminder that the luxury four-door grand tourer still has a place for those who seek a blend of refinement, power, and driving engagement.