2022 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid breezes in

Full details for the Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid have now been released, with customer deliveries for the £140,000-plus electrified saloon anticipated towards the end of 2021. The Crewe-manufactured car’s W12 and V8 models will be joined by a V6 petrol, augmented with plug-in electric power to ensure it’s no slouch.

In fact, it’s not far off the V8 model, rocketing from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds and on to a top speed of 177mph. That’s thanks to the 2.9-litre V6 and electric motor producing a combined 537bhp and 553lb ft of torque, which is 95bhp more than the Bentayga Hybrid. The electric motor alone provides up to 134bhp and 295lb ft of torque, alongside the 410bhp and 406lb ft of the turbocharged engine.

The electric motor is supplied by a 14.1kWh lithium-ion battery, capable of being fully recharged within 2.5 hours. A Bentley-branded wallbox is offered as a no-cost option and cables are also supplied with the car to allow replenishment at work, home or at public rapid chargers. While official economy figures are pending, the Flying Spur Hybrid is expected to have an EV range of just below 25 miles. A range of 435 miles from a full tank of petrol is also said to be a record for a Bentley model.

Thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, drivers will be able to cycle between EV Drive, Hybrid and Hold driving modes. The first will promote electric driving, making it ideal for city driving and low-emissions zones. Hybrid will automatically juggle power sources based on data from the navigation system, aiming to strategically use the energy stored in the battery for optimal efficiency. Hold aims to maintain battery charge for use later in the journey. Design changes appear to be intentionally minimal, but there are new ‘Hybrid’ badges, the addition of a charging flap on the left-hand rear wing and quad oval tailpipes. Inside, there are new ‘e-motion’ graphics for the infotainment screen, providing detailed information about the flow of energy and efficiency statistics. An embedded SIM card also provides a data connection for the car, allowing owners to access information remotely. The My Bentley smartphone app can control charging, view vehicle data and set the climate control to heat or cool the interior before a journey.

There are seven standard paint finishes, but buyers can specify from an extended palette of 60 hues or even specify a ‘personal commission’, for an additional cost. Blackline Specification can be chosen to replace exterior chrome with black trim and an illuminated Flying B mascot is even available. Alloy wheels are 20-inches in diameter as standard, but 21- and 22-inch items are optionally available.