The Bentley Flying Spur has always been at the top of the shortlist of those looking for a full-size luxury saloon. Its understated elegance has always charmed the luxury connoisseurs worldwide, and the third-generation model is here to see if it still can be at the top of that list.
As with the new Continental GT, the Flying Spur too is a ground-up development and is based on the same platform as the second-generation Panamera. Design highlights and features include cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps, gloss black grille with vertical vanes that hark back to the 1957 S1 Continental Flying Spur, and 21-inch wheels. The aforementioned matrix headlamp units get chrome sleeve behind the cut element making them sparkle, even when not lit. Buyers can go for 22-inch wheels via Mulliner Specification.
At the rear, the wrap-around taillights get the familiar ‘B’ graphic and echoes the diamond knurling of the interior air vents which we’ll see in a minute. The oval tailpipes are similar to that of the new Continental GT.
Compared to the second generation model, the new Flying Spur gets 130 mm additional wheelbase (3,195 mm vs 3,065 mm). Length, width and height are 5,316 mm, 1,978 mm and 1,484 mm, respectively.
Another big update is a new ‘Flying B’ retractable mascot that adorns the nose of a Flying Spur for the first time. The mascot is an evolution of previous designs and is electronically-deployed and illuminated. It is linked to the welcome lighting sequence and keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car.
The interior layout is similar to that of the Continental GT with a horizontal veneer that flows across the dashboard and into the doors, giving the car a luxury yacht look from the inside. The Bentley Rotating Display is present here too which rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen when the engine start button is pressed.
The other side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials showing outside temperature, a compass, and a chronometer. Other features include inductive wireless charging and two USB sockets. The three-dimensional diamond-quilted leather door inserts were inspired by the EXP 10 Speed 6 concept.
Diamond knurling adorns the rotary switches and is also available on the air vents and clock. In order to produce the decorative detail, a new software algorithm had to be created to work with the complex curves of the ducts, Bentley said.
Driver Assistance Systems include Traffic Assist, City Assist, Blind Spot Warning, Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Top View Camera, Reverse Traffic Warning, and Self-Parking.
The standard audio system features 10 speakers and 650-watts. Buyers can go for Bang & Olufsen 1,500-watt, 16-speaker system with illuminated grilles, or, Naim 2,200-watt, 19-speaker system with Active Bass Transducers built into the front seats.
Powertrain
The 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 motor now displaces 5,950 cc. The output figures are 467 kW (635 hp) and 900 Nm (664 lb-ft) of torque, good enough to propel the 2,437 kg (5,373 lbs) four-door saloon from 0-100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.8 seconds. Top speed is 333 km/h (207 mph).
The 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission sends power via an active all-wheel drive system which varies the power split depending on the road conditions and wheel slip. The previous generation Flying Spur employed a permanent all-wheel-drive system with a fixed 60:40 power split to the rear/front axles.
Torque distribution varies according to the selected Drive Dynamics Mode. In Comfort and Bentley modes, the system will send up to 480 Nm (354 lb-ft) of torque to the front axle to offer greater grip and driveability. In Sport, the system limits the available torque to the front axle to 280 Nm (207 lb-ft), maintaining a higher torque level at the rear for a more dynamic feel. Torque is also managed across each axle by a torque-vectoring-by-brake system.
Electronic All-Wheel Steering is present too. During low-speed maneuvers, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels, and during high-speed maneuvers, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability.
The third-generation Flying Spur uses three-chamber air springs which contain 60% more air volume compared to the previous model. The new car features CDC (Continuous Damping Control), which allows continuous regulation of the dampers. Four ride height sensors constantly measure the distance between the axle and the body. If the system detects a difference compared with the normal height, the air volume in the springs is corrected accordingly to restore the normal height.
A 48-volt system controls an electronic actuator unit which manages the stiffness of the anti-roll bar, changing the stiffness on-demand to combat cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level.
The 420 mm iron front discs are claimed to be the largest iron brakes in the world. Both front and rear calipers carry Bentley branding. Standard fit is gloss black, with a gloss red finish optional.
Also Read: New Bentley Continental GT gets V8 options
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