The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is the ultimate luxury Grand Touring sedan, offering the perfect fusion of performance-orientated agility and exclusive four-door, limousine-style comfort.
With a bold and exciting road presence that is unmistakably Bentley, plus a luxurious cabin offering unrivalled levels of comfort and refinement, the new Flying Spur has been uniquely designed to satisfy both driver and passengers alike in a manner that no other car can do. New from the ground up, the four-door seamlessly integrates the very best in British craftmanship with cutting-edge, innovative features.
The third generation Bentley Flying Spur is a showcase for Bentley's contemporary sculptural design language, while bearing the hallmarks of the Crewe-based company's unique DNA. Built on an entirely new platform, its athletic stance benefits from the front axle being moved forward to extend the wheelbase.
The elegant, muscular proportions, especially at the rear, are highlighted through the marque's latest generation cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps and new wrap-around rear lamps incorporating 'B' motifs. Stylish new 21 and 22-inch wheel designs further enhance the Flying Spur's personality and prowess.
For the first time on a modern-day Bentley Flying Spur, the retractable Bentley 'Flying B' mascot is proudly displayed on the nose of the new model. Electronically operated, it rises from beneath a beautifully modern Bentley badge.
Inside the sumptuous cabin, the design lines flow from the new wing-themed fascia to connect the front and rear passenger areas and create a completely integrated style. The interior is unmistakably Bentley, incorporating natural and authentic materials while also embracing a host of new technologies.
The unique Bentley Rotating Display is the central feature of an exquisitely crafted dashboard. The HD instrument panel has the choice of 12.3-inch digital touchscreen, beautiful analogue dials, or a digital-detox wood veneer finish.
A detachable Touch Screen Remote Control is the centrepiece of the rear seat experience. This state-of-the-art unit can operate all the major functions, including the blinds, climate control and rear seat massage functions. It can also control the Flying Spur's multi-configuration mood lighting system.
Peerless comfort and refinement in the spacious cabin are enhanced by an extensive list of Single and Dual Veneer wood options. In both front and rear Bentley has introduced completely new-design fluted leather seats, which feature diamond quilting for the Mulliner Driving Specification. Three-dimensional diamond quilted leather doors inserts are a world first.
An optional panoramic glass sunroof stretches the full length of the roof, flooding the interior with light and bringing occupants closer to their Grand Touring experience. Three superlative audio systems, including a 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system and a unique, 2,200W Naim system, are also available.
The all-new Flying Spur leads the way in the luxury car segment for state-of-the-art technology. Driver assistance systems include a Night Vision infra-red camera, Traffic Assist, Blind Sport Warning and a Head-Up Display. A raft of Advanced Connectivity features, including an integrated Wi-Fi hotspot, help keep the driver in touch with a range of real-time functions and services.
Thanks to a totally new and advanced aluminium and composite chassis, the Bentley Flying Spur is a technological tour-de-force. Electronic All-Wheel Steering is used for the first time in a Bentley, combining with Active All-Wheel Drive and Bentley Dynamic Ride - the world's first 48V electric anti-roll system - to deliver phenomenal handling and ride.
Another major advance comes in the form of new, three-chamber air springs, which offer a much greater range of suspension adjustment between limousine-style ride comfort and sporting levels of body control. It allows the Flying Spur a breadth of capability not seen in the luxury segment before.
At the heart of the Flying Spur is an enhanced version of Bentley's 6.0-litre, twin-turbocharged W12, mated to an advanced dual-clutch eight-speed transmission for faster, smoother gear changes. The new TSI engine delivers 0-60mph in 3.7 seconds (0-100 km/h time of 3.8 seconds) and a top speed of 207mph (333 km/h).
The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is available to order from autumn 2019 and customer deliveries will begin in early 2020.
HISTORY REDEFINED
The illustrious history of the Bentley Flying Spur dates back to 1952, when Chief Designer, J.P. Blatchley, and engineer, Ivan Evernden, collaborated on an unofficial project to restore Bentley to the pinnacle of Grand Touring. Their design was based around the marque's 180 bhp 4.9-litre straight six engine that would be replaced in 1959 with a 6320cc V8.
Their R-Type Continental was met with widespread acclaim, thanks to sleek bodywork designed by H.J. Mulliner and the ability to cruise all day at 100mph. The S1 Continental Flying Spur of 1957 improved the all-round ability of the car with the added practicality of four doors - it cost the then princely sum of £8,034.
The Flying Spur name originated from Mulliner's Design Director, Arthur Talbot Johnstone, and more specifically from the heraldic coat of arms of his family, the Clan Johnstone of the Scottish Borders. The first example featured the Clan Johnstone spur mascot on the front grille.
Later, other coachbuilders offered their own bespoke interpretations of a four-door Continental. A total of 432 S1 models were built, of which Mulliner created the coachwork for 217 cars.
The R-Type and later S-Type Continental represented the last flourish of the coachbuilding era, where Bentley produced the chassis and driveline, while the bodywork and interior was crafted in independent coachbuilders.
The arrival of Bentley's larger, all-aluminium V8 engine in 1959 also marked the launch of the S2 Continental Flying Spur, the fastest four-door car in the world at the time. With dramatically enhanced performance, it featured electrically-operated ride control, electric rear window demister and press button window lifts.
A total of 1,900 S2 Fly Spurs were hand-built between 1959 and 1962. It represented a new era of luxurious, high performance motoring and transformed the British-built car into the ultimate Grand Tourer.
Bentley revived the Continental Flying Spur name in 2005 as a four-door version of the Continental GT coupe. The new model was available with a W12 engine and all-wheel drive - it combined luxury and performance in ways never seen before.
A second-generation model was revealed in 2013, named simply the Flying Spur. During the subsequent six years, the car was transformed by a programme of constant development and refinement, including the addition of a V8 powertrain.
Now, in 2019, the third generation of the Bentley Flying Spur, is set to write a completely new chapter in the history of Bentley four-door Grand Touring. Not content with simply building on the two-door Continental GT, Bentley has redesigned the all-new Flying Spur from the ground up so that it stands alone as the ultimate embodiment of luxury, refinement and performance.
A VISION REALISED
The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is the third generation of Bentley's high performance, luxury sedan, completely reinvented for 2019 with a more purposeful and emotional design. Hand-built in Britain, the ultimate luxury Grand Touring sedan has been specifically created to satisfy both driver and passenger alike - to be as desirable to drive as it is to savour in the rear.
While it retains Bentley's unique DNA, the all-new Flying Spur owes only its name to its illustrious predecessors. A quantum leap in performance, comfort and innovation, it has been tailored specifically to the modern luxury customer. The application of advanced technology has brought new levels of performance to every element of the car, offering a truly effortless ownership experience.
"The absolute commitment to excellence has been taken to a different level on this car," said Peter Guest, Bentley's Product Line Director - Flying Spur. "Every aspect of its technical solution has pushed our technology and manufacturing ability to the absolute limit. This is, without doubt, the most advanced Bentley ever built. Our customers may have a fleet of motor cars in their garage but the default choice when they can only drive one car is a Bentley - because you have everything you require and more in the new Bentley Flying Spur. It is the ultimate expression of the internal combustion age."
The all-new Flying Spur has been the most technically challenging car Bentley has ever hand-built. The development team has worked through some 2,000 detailed changes since the first design was specified - everything from the brackets and fixings to the alignment of certain pieces of trim.
Guest added: "Customers will not only enjoy being driven in the new Flying Spur but also driving the world's most engaging Grand Tourer. It is a car without compromise, offering Bentley's unique combination of performance, elegance, luxury, refinement and exclusivity. We continually seek perfection in the quality of materials, the skill of our hand craftmanship and the attention to detail that goes into our cars because luxury is not about complexity, it is about ease of use. The new Flying Spur is the pinnacle of those efforts."
The all-new Bentley Flying Spur represents the future of extraordinary. With astounding attention to detail, powerful agility and intelligent and intuitive technology, it is the benchmark by which all other Grand Tourers should be judged.
AN ENTIRELY NEW DESIGN
In seeking to create the ultimate luxury grand touring sedan, the design team was tasked with coming up with a totally new character for the Flying Spur, one that was much more modern, powerful and elegant. The result is an athletic, all-new design on an entirely new platform.
The new platform allowed Bentley engineers to extend the wheelbase by an impressive 130 mm, moving the front axle further forward. From a design perspective, this increased the so-called 'Prestige Mass' - the visible area of sheet metal between the front door shutline and the wheel - bestowing the new model with its unique, more dynamic character.
Based on a modern vision that is unmistakably Bentley, the Flying Spur now has an increased road presence and sleeker, more muscular lines that sweep over the haunches and the full length of the car. These key signature lines define the profile, as the power lines emerge from between the headlamps and then spear on through the doors, where they gently fade out.
The self-confident, sculptured expression of the profile and silhouette is complemented by new 21-inch wheels that are offered as standard, as well as the option of two further 21-inch wheel designs and one unique, 22-inch Mulliner Specification wheel.
Making a bold statement at the front, a retractable Flying B mascot adorns the bonnet for the first time on a modern-day Bentley Flying Spur. In Bentley's Centenary year, the iconic mascot has been restyled for the next century. Electronically deployed and illuminated, it is linked to the welcome lighting sequence and keyless entry system as the driver approaches the car.
The imposing radiator matrix is finished in gloss black, with bright chrome surround and vertical vanes that hark back to the 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur. The lower matrix can be specified in either black or bright chrome.
State-of-the-art LED matrix headlights are standard, allowing the driver to operate on main beam all the time, automatically cutting a hole in the beam around oncoming vehicles to avoid dazzling other drivers. Matrix headlights feature unique, cut crystal effect detailing. A chrome sleeve has been added behind the cut element making them sparkle, even when not lit.
The elegantly proportioned, tapered rear of the Flying Spur has been designed specifically to feature the written 'Bentley' script beneath the traditional winged 'B' motif. The rear, wrap-around lamps utilise the familiar, Bentley 'B' graphic and also display a cut crystal effect. Large, twin chrome tailpipes hint at the power of the W12 TSI engine underneath the hood.
Inspiration for the exterior design has been drawn from fuselage surfacing in aviation. The all-aluminium exterior panels have been crafted with incredibly sharp undercut lines and flowing surfaces, thanks to Bentley's 'superforming' technology, which was originally developed to create muscular fenders.
The rear body-side panel is the largest superformed panel in the automotive industry and involves flat sheets of aluminium heated to more than 500oC, before each part is cut to shape by a high-power laser. The process was first proven on the Bentley Continental GT. The resulting haunch, which is now separated from the power line, gives the car a far more potent stance.
As a result of this lightweight structure, the new Bentley Flying Spur is 38 kg lighter overall than the previous generation model, despite the addition of vastly improved technological features in the car.
Bentley has utilised the latest technologies in aluminium extrusions and castings, alongside high-strength steels for the new Flying Spur, offering best-in-class body stiffness that optimises both handling and rigidity.
Standard paint options for the Flying Spur extend to a class-leading portfolio of 17 Bentley colours, carefully selected to complement the character and lines of the car. Blackline specification is also available as an option, transforming further the look of the new Flying Spur.
INSIDE THE FUTURE OF LUXURY GRAND TOURING
The all-new Bentley Flying Spur has been designed as a car both to drive and be driven in. Contemporary and uplifting, the luxurious cabin skilfully combines key elements of Bentley DNA, cutting-edge technology and the finest automotive craftsmanship in the world. It features astounding detail, sculpted surfaces and contemporary lines that will constantly surprise and delight occupants.
"The interior of the Flying Spur is a striking combination of the very latest integrated technology, beautiful materials and design prowess. It is progressive but retains a timeless quality that will still be stylish and appealing for decades to come. With the Flying Spur we have completely reinvented the segment to deliver a car that represents the future of luxury Grand Touring," said Brett Boydell, Head of Interior Design for the all-new Bentley Flying Spur.
Immediately differentiating the Flying Spur from its 2-door stablemate, the new wing-themed fascia wraps around the occupants and into the doors to give a spacious and intimate feeling. The interior design lines connect the front and rear passenger areas to create a completely integrated style.
The elegant, floating centre console houses a customisable 12.3-inch HD touchscreen and the centrepiece of the Flying Spur's dashboard - totally new 'sculptural' centre vents. Here, the traditional, round 'bullseye' vents have been replaced with new shaped, precision detailed vents, either side of the Bentley clock. They are available in two finishes, polished and diamond-knurled.
Diamond knurling also adorns the rotary switches and is also available on the air vents and clock, the latter featuring fine bronze detailing. The unique facet knurling process available involves 5,331 individual diamond shapes cut into the surfaces of the centre vent panel alone, which is then translated to the B-pillar and rear vents. In order to produce this decorative detail, a new software algorithm and manufacturing process had to be invented with work with the complex curves of the ducts.
Below the central housing is a stowage area, as well as inductive wireless charging and two USB sockets.
The Bentley Rotating Display, an industry first when launched in the Continental GT coupe, is also available in the Bentley Flying Spur. When the engine start button is pressed, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotates to reveal a 12.3-inch touchscreen. This displays three, customisable digital tiles, which for the first time show information selected by the driver, from outside temperature to a compass or navigation.
The second side of the display reveals three elegant analogue dials, while a complete digital 'detox' can be selected on the third side, simply displaying a seamless wood veneer fascia that continues around the cabin. For the Flying Spur, this can now be selected, even when the car is being driven.
Emphasising the spacious width of the cabin, sweeping horizontal veneer flows across the dashboard and into the doors, with eight single and seven dual luxury veneers to choose from. Crown Cut Walnut is offered as a new wood veneer option, using a straight cut process to provide a more modern finish. As well as the popular Dark Fiddleback and Piano Black options, a range of five further veneers are available. Dual veneer finish can also be specified in all veneer types to add an even more bespoke feel to the cabin.
The wing-theme graphic emanating from the fascia continues around the interior of the cabin doors, creating an elegant colour split and seamless link between the front and rear seats. Mood lighting is available as an option with up to seven different colours and varying intensities offered.
A first for any car, and inspired by the Bentley EXP 10 Speed 6 design concept, the all-new Flying Spur offers three-dimensional diamond quilted leather inserts in the doors and rear quarter panels. "We wanted to take our tradition of quilting and push the envelope by moving the game on to the next level. The introduction of 3D leather quilting was a ground-breaking process - a totally fresh idea that had never been seen before." said Boydell.
Both front and rear seats have been totally redesigned for the Flying Spur, from the style and functionality to the size and patterning. In the front, the all-new seats feature a twin-flute design, while the cosseted, luxury rear environment is enhanced by new, supremely comfortable straight flute seats. With the Mulliner Driving Specification option, both front and rear seats feature lofted, diamond leather quilting, combined with traditional stitching and embroidery work, with three-dimensional quilting extended to the doors.
A full-length, double sunroof can also be specified. The twin glass panels feature a tilt and slide function to the front opening and are made from polarised glass that reduces glare. Alcantara blinds deploy electrically from the centre roof bow and are colour-matched to all 15 headlining colours. The sunroof allows light to flood into the Bentley Flying Spur's cabin, accentuating the open, roomy nature of the interior and the cosseting rear seating environment.
POWER AND AGILITY UNLEASHED
The new Flying Spur has been designed to be as exciting to drive, as it is comfortable to travel in. It is a true Grand Tourer, and the ultimate embodiment of what Bentley does, combining a truly sporty and engaging drive with effortless, wafting performance, all in the same unrivalled package.
The new Flying Spur is powered by Bentley's renowned W12 twin-turbocharged TSI engine, already proven in the award-winning Continental GT. The enhanced 6.0-litre unit sets the benchmark in performance, agility and dynamism for the luxury Grand Tourer segment. Created for smooth, exhilarating driving, it has been developed and hand-built in Crewe, England.
The most advanced, 12-cylinder engine in the world, the unique 'W' configuration means that the engine is 24 per cent shorter than an equivalent V12, benefitting weight distribution and maximising cabin space. The powertrain is the beating heart of the Bentley Flying Spur and uses the very latest engine management technology.
The result is notably improved performance when compared to the previous generation model. The Flying Spur accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds (100 km/h in 3.8 seconds), and on to a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h).
With twin turbochargers, the new engine is 15 per cent more efficient than the previous generation 12-cylinder unit. Variable displacement from 12 to six cylinders when suited to driving conditions dramatically improves fuel consumption.
Part of the challenge for Bentley engineers was packaging the W12 engine into the new Flying Spur. The front axle of the car had to be re-routed further forward, ingeniously through the engine sump itself. This has improved weight distribution, enabling improved dynamic handling and balance when coupled with Active All-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride.
A dedicated Sport Launch mode delivers maximum acceleration through careful clutch pressure sensing and pre-loading, when a race start is required by the driver. The new Dual Mass Flywheel dampens out the oscillations of the driveline previously handled by the torque converter.
The W12 combines high-pressure direct fuel injection with low-pressure injection. This combination maximises refinement, lowers particulate emissions and optimises power and torque delivery.
The new Flying Spur uses the same 8-speed ZF dual-clutch transmission as the Continental GT, for smooth and refined acceleration, quicker gearshifts and improved fuel economy. For optimum performance in the four-door, the innovative software system has been significantly re-calibrated to deliver really smooth driving behaviour, especially at very low speeds.
Faster gearshifts are achieved by pre-selecting the next gear, shortening the interruption of torque to the wheels and so improving performance. Maximum speed is reached in sixth gear, with the overdrive gears (seventh and eighth) used for economic cruising.
Another key difference between the Bentley Flying Spur and its two-door stablemate can be found in the exhaust system, where a balance was needed between the requirement for a quiet, relaxing cruiser and the desire to inject interest and character under acceleration. To optimise the sound character difference in these modes, an adaptive tailpipe control valve has been introduced, with variable position settings, enabling greater tuning potential.
The previous Flying Spur employed a permanent, all-wheel drive system with a fixed 60:40 power split to the rear axles. The all-new model has a clutched system which delivers two-wheel drive to the rear axle. Depending on road conditions and wheel slip, it will then automatically send drive to the front axle as required, as an active all-wheel drive system.
Turn-in response is also dramatically improved. The front end of the all-new Flying Spur feels much lighter and changes direction almost at the speed of thought. The understeer effect experienced with fixed all-wheel drive is virtually eliminated, making the car feel more balanced overall.
Maximum torque is available in less than a third of the time of the previous generation Flying Spur, with 150 Nm more torque and 10 PS more power. Torque distribution varies according to the selected Drive Dynamic Mode. In Comfort and Bentley modes, the system will send up to 480 Nm of torque to the front axle to offer greater grip and driveability. In Sport, the system limits the torque to the front axle to 280 Nm. 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, a system first introduced in the Continental GT3-R and Supersports models.
A TOUR DE FORCE OF TECHNOLOGY
State-of-the-art technology has been integral to designing the most luxurious, four-door Grand Tourer in the world. Uniquely, the new Bentley Flying Spur is positioned to satisfy both driver and passengers alike, enhanced with a portfolio of intelligent connected car features that make the Flying Spur the undoubted leader in the luxury car segment.
As the most advanced Bentley ever built, the Flying Spur is a fusion of cutting-edge electronics and artisan craftmanship. It represents the very latest in Bentley's forward-looking approach to technology, blending ease of use with exquisite design and functionality.
Featuring completely new electrical systems compared to its predecessor, the attention to detail paid by the development team is evident in every aspect of the car's development. Even the electrical consumption has been minimized to save energy, resulting in the reduction of 12V batteries from two to one.
Combined with the ground-breaking Bentley Rotating Display, up to 10 sophisticated Driver Assistance Systems are available to help the driver in a variety of situations. The Top View Camera gives an ingenious, overhead view of the car and its immediate surroundings via the image processing of pictures provided by four different cameras around the car. This is complemented by reverse traffic warning and self-parking features.
The Night Vision infra-red camera is located in the front of the car and monitors the road up to 300 metres ahead, making driving in poorly lit environments much safer. It detects and warns of moving obstacles such as pedestrians and large animals, allowing them to be viewed in the digital instrument display.
Active Lane Assist provides gentle steering assistance if it detects any drifting across lane boundaries, while Blind Spot Assist monitors the area around the car, flashing lights in the door mirrors if the driver attempts to cross the path of another vehicle. An optional Head-Up Display projects relevant information, such as current speed, speed limit, driver assistance and navigation information vehicle speed, directly in to the driver's line of sight
Traffic Sign Recognition detects speed limits and zones in which overtaking is prohibited. When activated, its information is displayed in the digital instrument display and the Head-Up Display. Even temporary speed restrictions on roads can be detected.
The new Flying Spur's raft of class-leading Connected car features help keep the driver in touch with a range of real-time functions and services. An integrated Wi-Fi hotspot allows up to eight phones or portable digital devices to be connected to the internet. Meanwhile, a suite of My Bentley services is on hand to enhance the driving experience.
Some features make the journey smarter, such as Apple CarPlay, which takes music, maps, contacts and more from an iPhone and delivers them via the car's central touchscreen, and Satellite maps, which allows the navigation system to display photorealistic maps.
Other services make the car journey safer, such as Private eCall, which facilitates a two-way communication between car occupants and Bentley's dedicated call centre in the event of an accident. Activated automatically on deployment of any of the airbags, it can also be accessed via an SOS button in the roof module overhead.
The all-new Bentley Flying Spur is equipped with a wide range of advanced connected car tools via a mobile phone, such as Find My Car, Lock My Car and Theft Alert, which warns a customer that the Flying Spur's sophisticated alarm system has been triggered. Active Heating allows the customer to warm the cabin to a pre-set temperature before entering the vehicle.
Activate Lights and Horn helps the customer locate their parked Bentley Flying Spur, in situations such as a large car park, or at night time. Personal Navigation Assistant also enables them to contact a call centre and conduct of points of interest search of the immediate area and beyond.
Packages of options also make it easier to commission collections of features together. City Specification includes Hands Free Boot Opening, Pedestrian Warning, Reverse Traffic Warning and Automatic Dimming Mirrors. Touring Specification offers Lane Assist, Night Vision, Head-Up Display, Adaptive Cruise Control (with Traffic Jam Assist) and Bentley Safeguard Plus, with Emergency Lane Change Assist and Intersection Assist.
Located in front of the driver, the Digital Instrument Display introduces new graphics in comparison to the GT, for a more elegant bias befitting the nature of the four-door Flying Spur. It is fully configurable with 'Classic' and 'Expanded' views. The large 12.3-inch HD touchscreen in the centre of the dashboard can also be configured in a number of different ways - as a single display, split 2:1 or showing three different functions at the same time - and has been designed with simplicity and ease of use in mind.
As with every Bentley, features are added to enhance the experience of driving and travelling in the car, but never to dominate it.
OPTIMISING DRIVE DYNAMICS AND RIDE COMFORT
The third generation Flying Spur has one of the most advanced chassis in the world, encompassing a host of new systems to help ensure exciting driving dynamics and optimum levels of comfort, for both driver and passengers alike.
In a car that delivers the best of both luxury and performance worlds, the chassis systems play a key role by providing a number of different chassis set-ups at the same time. The Bentley Flying Spur doesn't simply deliver an extremely comfortable ride, but it also surprises with regards to its handling performance and its capability on twisty roads.
Both front and rear axles are lightweight aluminium construction, with double wishbone and multi-link suspension designs respectively. The front axle has a rigid, bolted aluminium sub-frame to support the W12 engine and also mounts the electric-assisted steering gear.
Three chamber air springs are fitted to a Flying Spur for the first time and contain 60 per cent more air volume compared to the previous generation model. This allows more scope when electronically tuning the suspension, to improve the ride comfort and dynamic behaviour of the car. For a softer, more comfortable ride the full volume is used, while a sportier set-up is enabled by switching off some of the air volume.
Continuous Damping Control allows continuous regulation of the dampers in the air suspension system. 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 normal height and to use the full wheel travel for maximum ride comfort.
The world-first Bentley Dynamic Ride System, shared with the latest Continental GT, is similar to that of Bentley's drive-anywhere Bentayga SUV. The system is designed to dramatically improve both handling and ride comfort.
A 48V system controls electronic actuators on the roll bar of each axle. In the centre of the roll bar, an actuator unit controls the stiffness of the bar, changing stiffness on demand to combat cornering forces and keep the Flying Spur level by offering strong anti-roll in any drive mode.
A key advantage of this system is that roll bar stiffness can now be controlled, tuning the dynamic character of the car as required. The technology can reduce or even eliminate body roll, and makes the car feel much more agile to drive.
Available for the first time on a Bentley, Electronic All-Wheel Steering is an all-new feature that enhances both stability at highways speeds and low-speed manoeuvrability. During low-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front wheels. This has the effect of shortening the wheelbase, reducing the turning circle (11.05m), increasing agility and making parking noticeably easier.
During high-speed manoeuvres, the system steers the rear wheels in the same direction as the front wheels, increasing stability and making overtaking and lane-changes more assured. It means no compromise between high speed confidence and low speed convenience.
The chassis benefits from the use of lightweight materials, leading to weight savings of more than 11 kg on the front axle. Further enhancements see friction reduced by the use of optimised wheel bearings and improved brake clearance. The new Flying Spur is equipped with high profile tyres that not only deliver exceptional levels of comfort, but which are also designed to further minimise rolling resistance.
For exceptional stopping power, the new Bentley Flying Spur also features the largest iron brakes in the world, which it shares with the new GT. The diameter of the brakes has been enlarged to 420mm in response to the increased performance of the car. Standard fit is gloss black, with gloss red finish optional.
AN UNRIVALLED ON-BOARD EXPERIENCE
The new Flying Spur redefines levels of comfort in a luxury Grand Tourer. From the very beginning, the focus has been on ensuring that passengers in the rear enjoy exactly the same standard and quality of experience as those in the front.
Unique to the Flying Spur, and encapsulating the remarkable attention to detail and use of latest generation technology that Bentley prides itself on, is a multi-functional, 5-inch colour Touch Screen Remote control that is mounted in the rear, atop the centre console.
The most sophisticated such control yet developed integrates seamlessly into the console but can be removed at the touch of a button for remote use. It is as simple to use as its design is beautiful to look at.
The unit allows back-seat passengers to control many of the car features, including the window blinds, climate control and rear seat massage function. The front passenger seat can be moved forward if unoccupied for even more rear space, and key vehicle data can be accessed. The audio system, mood lighting and key sections of the navigation system can also be operated.
As it gets dark outside and the headlamps automatically turn on, an optional ring of mood lighting surrounds the cabin. It is available in a choice of seven different colours in two variations - vibrant and muted. The illuminated Bentley treadplates that welcome occupants to the Flying Spur are linked.
The system means the driver or passengers can set the colour of the highlighted ring around the interior to suit their mood and separately adjust the ambient lighting, as well as the intensity. Favourite configurations can be stored in the Touch Screen Remote for future use.
The Bentley Flying Spur is available with the choice of three superlative audio systems. The standard system alone features 10 speakers and 650 Watts of sound. A Bang & Olufsen 1,500W, 16-speaker system with illuminated grilles is aimed at lifestyle-orientated customers and benefits from the BeoSonic system - a new way for tone setting with a simple, intuitive one-touch user interface.
Top of the range is a unique, Naim for Bentley 2,200W 18-speaker system with two Active Bass Transducers. Offered for the true audiophile, it also features a 21-channel amplifier, eight DSP sound modes, and illuminated speaker grilles.
The all-new seats offer increased functionality, such as heating and cooling, active bolsters to support passengers laterally when the car is moving, and a top tilt function to further support the upper back.
The rear seats alone offer 14-way adjustment and five massaging modes. The key adjustments are made via the door-mounted switches, with additional functions actuated from the sophisticated Touch Screen Remote. The rear outer seats are both ventilated and heated to allow passengers to adjust to their personal preference. An electrically-operated comfort headrest allows for even greater relaxation. A centre armrest and manually-deployed centre headrest that stows away when not in use are also fitted.
Rear seat entertainment tablets are located on the back of the front seats to give the rear passengers access to the Bentley Multimedia System. These devices also allow access to Google Play store and have their own internal memory.
The rear passenger environment also features a divider across the headliner which incorporates vanity mirrors, as well as controls for lighting and a blind for the optional sunroof.
Interior stowage areas have been designed to be both practical and beautiful. Front stowage includes space under the lower dashboard, covered cup holders, a cooled glove box and door pockets. In the rear, stowage consists of cup holders, phone and tablet spaces, plus a centre armrest with generous amounts of room and electrical connectivity.
ALL-NEW FLYING SPUR - IT'S PERSONAL
The all-new Flying Spur redefines personalisation and bespoke luxury in its market. Each car can be uniquely configured, giving customers the choice from among a wide selection of exterior and interior paint colours, leather hides, wood veneers and contrast stitching, allowing an almost infinite variation in options. The opportunity for personalisation is broadened further by the enduring presence of Mulliner.
The name Mulliner is woven into the very fabric of Bentley and has existed as a family company since F. Mulliner was commissioned to build and maintain coaches for the Royal Mail more than 250 years ago. In the late 19th century the company moved from horse drawn vehicles to focus on coachbuilding for the new mechanical vehicles that were appearing on British roads.
The best-known coachbuilder in the world, Mulliner cemented its long-established partnership with Bentley in 1959 by becoming part of the business, with the craftsmen and women of Mulliner moving to Bentley's Crewe site 50 years ago. Today it responds to the requirements of Bentley's most discerning customers - in the world of Mulliner, anything is possible.
It could be simple, monogrammed upholstery on an all-new Bentley Flying Spur, or the kind of elaborate, tailored body modifications that can only be undertaken with the proven expertise of a truly established coachbuilder.
Several hand-picked Mulliner-prepared features are available for the Bentley Flying Spur as part of the Mulliner Driving Specification option. These include Lofted Diamond Leather Quilting upholstery for seats, with unique Three-Dimensional Diamond Leather door inserts; an exclusive Mulliner 22" wheel in two finishes; embroidered wing motif to all seats; sports pedals and jewelled-finish fuel filler and oil caps.
Mulliner has also developed a world-first, solid wood, three-dimensional quilted door inserts, exclusively available in open-pore walnut.
