2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed ​​Review: Anything But Subtle

Bentley has long been the purveyor of one of the best automotive anachronisms – the massive but incredibly fast four-door sedans. The 2025 Flying Spur Speed ​​continues this tradition of physics-defying leviathans, but it also defies tradition. To hell with the British Reserve. This fleece-lined Bentley packs a punch.

That doesn’t mean Bentley has abandoned its heritage; In contrast, leather, wood and fur have never been so rich in the extensive menu of options. When it comes to engines, however, there’s only one choice: a hybrid V8 is now the only powerplant on all Flying Spur models.

In the spirit of customization, you’ll find that the photos below include shots from across the spectrum of test cars from the drive. After all, there are over 100 colors available in the Flying Spur Speed ​​(and that’s before you go for the Mulliner custom).

Basics

When the third-generation Flying Spur was first launched in 2019, it represented a significant dynamic leap over its predecessor. The Volkswagen The Phaeton architecture was replaced by a platform based on rear-wheel drive, largely taken from the Porsche Panamera. Exterior styling has also benefited from a proper glow, as designers have swapped the clunky bulk for a more shriveled, refined look.

Although Bentley is pitching this 2025 version as an all-new generation Spur, its design remains relatively intact, with subtle styling tweaks applied to both ends along with new 22-inch wheels. (Remember when 22 was considered huge?) Underneath, the updated suspension system features dual-valve shocks that provide individual control of both compression and rebound. Working in conjunction with the standard active air suspension, these dampers can provide either a soft ride in Comfort or tight body control in Sport. A third driving mode, simply named “Bentley,” aims to split the difference between the two.

The interior has also been improved thanks to a new electrical architecture system, while the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Alternatively, the system provides its own access to third-party apps such as Spotify, Amazon Music and Prime Video, Audible, Zoom and YouTube. Even the seats are smarter, with available automatic climate control and active massage functions.

Driving the Bentley Flying Spur Speed

Under the hood of the Flying Spur Speed ​​you’ll find a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 592 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. While displacement and power are nearly identical to last year’s V8, the similarities end there. Bentley developed this new engine in collaboration with Porsche with a focus on reducing emissions. A higher-pressure fuel rail vaporizes premium fuel more efficiently, while faster-spinning single-scroll turbochargers replace the previous twin-scroll units.

This powertrain is joined by an electric motor mounted in an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox. The result is a total power of 771 hp. and 738 lb-ft of torque. (Although those numbers beat the output of the outgoing W12, the 811 lb-ft of torque still belongs to the late Mulsanne.) But while the hybrid V8 may lack something to brag about, the lack of turbos more than makes up for it. this. Peak torque arrives at 2,000rpm and doesn’t begin to taper off until the tachometer tops five thousand.

Multiple drive modes offer variations in power delivery. Pure EV mode allows the Flying Spur Speed ​​to travel up to 47 miles on a single battery, while Hybrid mode selects the best combination of gas and electric motor. The charge mode ensures that the battery always has enough energy to provide that fat, smooth torque curve at all times. Energy compensation is solely Bentley’s responsibility – manual mode is not offered.

With an electric power of 187 hp. cruising in full EV mode is an exercise in solid British composure. It’s the ideal mode for cruising through traffic-laden city streets, as the nice, springy throttle helps to avoid sudden starts from a standstill. It is also possible to achieve and maintain highway speed solely on electricity. To its credit (and ultimately to its detriment), the Bentley will dutifully remain all-electric until one of three things happens: throttle exceeds 75%, speed exceeds 87 mph, or the battery runs out.

At this stage, the hybrid system still needs further refinement. When the V8 is called upon to assist at part throttle, it acts more like a juicy range extender. Revving the engine does not mean an instant increase in power. When the two powerplants argue for motivational rights, the throttle loses its sense of linearity.

Push the pedal deep into the sheepskin, however, and that stiff upper lip becomes a roar. Instantly. The powertrain components put aside their differences and conspire in unison to catapult the nearly three-ton Bentley into hyperspace. The great Flying Spur is gaining speed so quickly that it seems almost able to create its own ecliptic orbit. Immediately, your heavenly being is rewarded with the kind of visceral feedback reserved for cars with more than one gear in the gearbox.

The eight-speed DCT delivers tremendous power to think as it clicks into the lowest possible gear and sends a swarm of electric combustion to all four wheels. When the rush of forward motion is accompanied by such a wonderful assault on the senses, you reap the kind of emotional, mechanical pleasure that eludes even the most powerful electric car.

Despite its insane speed, the Flying Spur Speed ​​still weighs almost three tons. Comfort mode is soft to the point of floating, while Bentley mode is ideal when the road surface is less than ideal. For all other situations, it’s best to leave the suspension in Sport mode to fully handle all that inertia.

Ups and downs

If you’re an audiophile, the 18-speaker, 2,200-watt Naim audio system is light years better than the other two. With the ability to play uncompressed multimedia files and an incredible image of the sound stage, it provides literally knockout volume levels without any noticeable distortion. If you have to choose only one option, make it this one.

But even though third-party apps are already available, where are the high-end audio streaming services to get the most out of the Naim system? And despite the staggering amount of available settings, some corporate corporate dumps betray the illusion of individuality. The warning bell is used in dozens of other VW Group models, ranging from Audi A3 to Lamborghini Urus. Likewise, the infotainment system is basically a Gill Sans-reskin of Audi’s systems. Look, I understand that cost control is unavoidable, but in this age of software-driven vehicles, you don’t need to invest that much to create a user interface that’s as unique and special as the rest of the experience.

Bentley Flying Spur Speed ​​​​Features, parameters and competition

If you really need the Flying Spur Speed, at a starting price of $276,450, at least all your performance needs will be met. A double-valve suspension is standard, as is rear-wheel steering, 16.5-inch front brakes with 10-piston calipers, and 48-volt active roll bars on each axle.

A few key comfort options include those fantastic Naim speakers ($9,615), a panoramic sunroof ($3,645) and seats with active massage ($4,670). An active safety package can be added by marking the Touring ($7,890) field, which includes features such as predictive adaptive cruise control, night vision, a head-up display, and active lane assist. If gadgets are more your thing, you might appreciate the polished stainless-steel hood lighting ($4,895) or the rotating display that switches between a 12.3-inch touchscreen display, three analog gauges and matching dashboard trim ($6,955).

On another level – cosmetic tailoring. The standard customization range includes over 100 paint colors, 22 leather spots with 11 additional colors and 11 different trim materials. If that’s too thin for you, consider a custom program. Bentley estimates that tens of billions of configurations are possible.

Even in the rarefied atmosphere of six-figure sedans, the Bentley exists in a class of its own. one could argue that the mechanically similar Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is a better buy at $228,495. Equipped with the optional Sport Chrono package, it’s even half a second quicker to 60. Then I’d argue that the model name is too long and clunky. (Besides, the Bentley owner probably already has a 911 in his garage.) Or you could go for the Mercedes-AMG S 63 S ($187,450). It’s almost a one hundred thousand cheaper and a whopping 1,055 lb-ft of torque, but who wants to spend less for more? That’s how illogical it is to make decisions at that price.

Fuel economy

For the typical Bentley hybrid owner, I’d bet their concern about fuel economy has less to do with cost and more to do with convenience. It’s not about how much you pay, it’s about how far you can go. A projected cruising range of 515 miles should be more than enough. But since 47 miles of that estimate is on a battery charge, true road warriors will have to plug into the grid to get the full benefits. Knowing how PHEVs are rarely used for their intended purpose, I suspect most owners will be happy with a solid 450-plus miles per tank.

Official fuel economy figures for the Flying Spur Speed ​​haven’t been released yet, but in my short time behind the wheel I can tell it’s already a significant improvement over the old V8 and W12 powerplants. My trip through Arizona contained some pretty significant elevation changes, high speed runs, occasional acceleration “tests” and yet I still averaged 26 mpg. This is a good mark of the Bentley range.

Value and Verdict

Do you associate Bentley with value? Anyone?

Sure, you could drop just a quarter of a million on a free Flying Spur Speed. But where is the fun in that? Skip primary colors. Go crazy with the configurator. And when the time comes, kick the snot out of him. Bentley will love it. And you will too. Do whatever you want, but not subtle.