Tag Archives: Flying Spur

Bentley Hits the Brakes on Its EV-Only Future, but the Next Flying Spur Still Looks Electrifying

Like many automakers reassessing their electric dreams, Bentley is taking a step back from the fast lane of full electrification. The storied British marque has quietly eased off the throttle on its “all-EV by 2030” plan, now pushing that goalpost to 2035.

That’s not to say the Crewe-based brand is abandoning its vision of a silent, zero-emission future—just that it’s acknowledging reality. Market demand, regulatory limbo, and the expectations of Bentley’s well-heeled clientele have prompted a more measured approach. Between now and then, expect a mix of internal-combustion, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid offerings to carry the torch.

A Flying Spur for Every Powertrain

At the heart of Bentley’s recalibrated strategy sits the next-generation Flying Spur, which is shaping up to be one of the most versatile sedans in the brand’s history. While official details remain as tightly guarded as a royal’s address, whispers from Crewe suggest that the big Bentley will arrive with three flavors: a traditional twin-turbo V8, a PHEV setup, and a fully electric variant sitting atop the range.

The internal-combustion model isn’t going quietly. Expect a heavily revised 4.0-liter V8 pushing somewhere between 600 and 700 horsepower and up to 664 lb-ft of torque. The plug-in hybrid, meanwhile, will pair that same V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor and a 25.9-kWh battery, delivering an eye-opening 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft through an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

For those who prefer the whisper of electrons, the EV version will reportedly share its bones with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne Electric. Expect up to 1,000 horsepower, a 113-kWh battery pack, and around 370 miles of range—plus wireless charging capability for the ultimate valet flex.

Design: Bold, Bright, and a Bit Brutal

Bentley previewed its next design chapter earlier this year with the EXP 15 fastback concept, a striking vision that hinted at where the brand is headed. The next Flying Spur will likely channel much of that concept’s DNA—but with the production realism Bentley buyers expect.

Gone are the soft ovals of old. In their place: slim vertical LED headlamps framing a rectangular, backlit version of the brand’s iconic upright grille. The long bonnet, sloping roofline, and muscular haunches remain, while frameless windows add a sleek, modern flourish. Don’t look for flush door handles, though—regulators apparently didn’t share Bentley’s enthusiasm for them.

Out back, a halo-style OLED taillight strip stretches across a smooth panel, anchored by a minimalist diffuser and subtle lip spoiler. The overall impression is clean, assertive, and unmistakably Bentley.

Inside: Tradition Meets Tomorrow

Bentley interiors have always blended opulence with craft, and the next Flying Spur looks set to take that ethos into the digital age. Drawing inspiration from the EXP 15, the cabin is expected to feature a wing-shaped dashboard, backlit wood veneer, and dual OLED displays—all tied together by Bentley’s signature knurled metal controls.

More futuristic touches could include an 87-inch augmented-reality head-up display, an AI-driven voice assistant, and even a retractable digital headliner for immersive ambient effects. Rear passengers, naturally, won’t be left out: expect reclining massage seats, fold-out tables, and modular display pods that redefine first-class travel on four wheels.

The Competition: Rarefied Air

The Flying Spur has always danced in rare company, and the next-gen version won’t be any different. Its primary sparring partners remain the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, though Bentley’s hybrid and EV strategy could also tempt buyers away from newer tech-driven luxury sedans like Huawei’s Maextro S800 in China.

The Road Ahead

Bentley’s decision to slow its EV rollout might look like hesitation, but it feels more like calibration. The company isn’t rejecting the electric age—it’s ensuring its values of craftsmanship, performance, and presence aren’t lost in translation.

Expect the next Flying Spur to break cover in late 2026 or early 2027, wearing the weight of Bentley’s heritage and the promise of its future. Until then, the message from Crewe is clear: luxury isn’t about rushing—it’s about arriving perfectly.

Source: Bentley

Bentley Flying Spur Gets a Paintjob Picasso Would Applaud

You know how some people fade into the background? The Bentley Flying Spur does the exact opposite. Crewe’s artisans have gone full Renaissance painter with something they call “Ombré by Mulliner” – a paint finish that looks less like a car colour and more like Bentley hired Monet to airbrush the bodywork.

For the first time, Bentley’s four-door limousine has been dressed in this two-tone sorcery: a Topaz Blue nose melting into a Windsor Blue tail. The fade isn’t some lazy Photoshop filter either – it’s done entirely by hand, in the Bentley Dream Factory, by people with steadier wrists than a bomb disposal expert.

How steady? Well, the process takes 60 hours and two highly skilled paint techs, who spray, pause, blend, and basically dance around the Flying Spur like it’s a priceless canvas. The trick is keeping the transition perfectly symmetrical across the doors, sills, and roof. Any wobble, and you’ve just turned a £200,000 luxury saloon into an expensive tie-dye experiment.

Bentley isn’t stopping at blues either. Oh no. Mulliner’s paint alchemists have also cooked up Sunburst Gold to Orange Flame and Tungsten to Onyx. What you won’t see is any daft yellow-to-blue mash-up that accidentally produces green. This isn’t a primary-school art class – Bentley has curated the colour combos to avoid awkward halfway hues.

And here’s the thing: no two cars will ever look exactly alike. Each application is a one-off, depending on how the paints react in the moment. Think of it as automotive jazz – improvised, but always on key.

The first Ombré creation, a Continental GT, made its debut under the Californian sun at Monterey Car Week. Now the Flying Spur gets its turn in the spotlight, taking a bow at the Southampton International Boat Show. Boats, Bentleys, and blues that fade smoother than a Sinatra outro.

Bentley promises more colour combinations are on the horizon. Until then, the Flying Spur Ombré is the new benchmark in making every other luxury car in the marina car park look like it’s wearing off-the-peg paint.

Source: Bentley