Bentley Manila introduces the Flying Spur Hybrid
Bentley Manila in BGC just introduced the latest interpretation of the Bentley combination of power and luxury. The Flying Spur Hybrid is a hybrid but not like the usual. It is a plug-in meant to deliver an electric experience, which fits completely with the Bentley vision of effortless movement.
The big four-door saloon has an electric powerplant that will provide a stated electric-only range of 41 kilometers. In a recent test, we used the Flying Spur Hybrid driving around Singapore and up to the border of Malaysia and around. That is really how they designed the car, as that 40-plus kilometer range is more than enough for most daily drives. Then, the car is plugged-in to charge overnight.
An amply-powerful gasoline V6 provides the internal combustion portion of the hybrid formula. It is more than powerful enough, but of course does not have as much power as the Bentley V8s or W12s.
The plug-in hybrid system is meant to be electric, first. When you start the Flying Spur, it begins in full “EV” mode in terms of what propulsion system you use, and the intelligent “Bentley” mode for driving dynamics. The other power modes are “Hybrid” and “Hold.” Hybrid uses a combination of both gasoline and electric power. Hold is meant to hold as much electric power possible. This could be used, for example, when you have a long highway drive ahead of you. In those situations, internal combustion is often more efficient than using the electric power from the motors. Then, when you are at your destination you rely more on electric. Combined driving range is a stated 800 kilometers.
“The new Flying Spur Hybrid ushers in Bentley’s electrified lineup in the Philippines,” said Bentley Manila president, Benedicto Coyiuto. “This model arrives immediately supported by the infrastructure, technical expertise, and strategic alliances which PGA Cars–the official and exclusive partner of Bentley in the Philippines–has invested on and established in the past few years.”
The Flying Spur Hybrid has a powertrain that combines a 2.9 liter V6 gasoline engine with Bentley’s advanced E-motor, which delivers a total of 544hp and 750N-m of torque. The E-motor itself is powered by an 18 kWh lithium ion battery, the energy of which can also supplement the existing 12-volt infrastructure of the car.
The end result of these combinations of technologies is quick throttle response and a serious amount of torque, with high-power reserves to allay any worries. The Flying Spur can go from zero to 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds. The performance levels, as well as the swaddling luxury, for which Bentley is known puts the new hybrid clearly within the Bentley family but also with its own identity and charm.
The interior is all as expected, a modern cabin of unrivaled luxury and innovation. The usual plethora of Bentley options are available if you so desire, leathers and veneers, stitching and emblems. A 12.3inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10-speaker audio system provide proper ambience. Externally, color choices can be had from the additional extended paint range of over 60 exterior colors. Even more if you choose the extremely exclusive Mulliner and personal commission programs. Basically, everything wonderful from a mythic history but taking advantage of modern technology to bring the very lucky drivers and riders into a new world.
The Flying Spur Hybrid is part of the Bentley Motors commitment to being a leader in Sustainable Luxury Mobility with their “Beyond100” strategy. The marque turned a hundred years old in 2019. They look to reinvent “every aspect of their operations” as they strive to become end-to-end carbon neutral for their second century of luxury and power.
