OHLALA RECENTLY EXPERIENCED THE EPITOME OF COMFORT AND CLASS WHEN INTRODUCED TO THE NEW BENTLEY FLYING SPUR HYBRID.
Building on the success of their third generation Flying Spur, world-renowned premium car manufacturer Bentley unveiled the new Flying Spur Hybrid. The evolution of this highlypraised range establishes the addition of a family of hybrids under the Bentley brand for the first time.
Thanks to the team at Bentley Bahrain, OHLALA recently received the opportunity to inspect and road-test this four-door, luxury Grand Touring saloon.
IMMACULATE EXTERIOR DESIGN
What we noticed first about the exceptional exterior design was the electronically retractable Flying B mascot adorning the hood for the first time on a modern-day Flying Spur – a symbol of the brand’s almost unmatched success and prestige. The car’s keyless entry system links to a welcoming lighting sequence that illuminates and deploys the mascot as the driver approaches the vehicle.
Equally impressive was the imposing radiator matrix, finished in gloss black, with bright chrome surround and vertical vanes that hark back to the 1957 Bentley S1 Continental Flying Spur. This eye-catching element is complemented by standard state-of-the-art LED matrix headlights featuring unique cut-crystal-effect detailing. Simply stunning!
At the sides, the increased road presence of this immaculate motorcar became even more apparent. This latest generation exhibits sleeker yet more muscular lines than its predecessors – sweeping over the haunches and along the length of the body. The sultry silhouette of this splendid saloon is accentuated by striking and elegant 22-inch, black-painted 10-spoke wheels.
Shifting to the back end, we admired the elegantly proportioned, tapered rear – specifically designed to feature the written ‘Bentley’ script beneath the traditional winged ‘B’ motif. We appreciated the superb design of the rear wrap-around lamps that utilise the familiar Bentley ‘B’ graphic, also displaying the cut-crystal effect.
LUXURIOUS INTERIOR
Slipping inside the 2023 Flying Spur, we were instantly in awe of the contemporary and uplifting space that welcomed us. We found the luxurious cabin to skilfully combine key elements of the Bentley brand’s DNA with cutting-edge technology and some of the finest automotive craftsmanship we’ve ever seen.
Firstly, we loved how the design lines of the interior connect the front and rear areas to create a seamlessly integrated style.
Fine attention to detail was apparent when seated in the cockpit. On the Flying Spur’s dashboard, the brand has replaced the traditional round ‘bullseye’ vents with freshly crafted, precision detailed, diamond knurled vents on either side of the timeless Bentley clock, itself featuring optional diamond knurling and standard bronze detailing.
“Bentley have retained a timeless quality in their new Flying Spur while incorporating cutting-edge technology into its makeup.”
The wooden accents are crafted from 80-year-old Burr Walnut and handstained with a dark finish. We found this technique to emphasise the natural black colouring of the wood, thereby highlighting the intricate pattern of the grain.
Our test drive model included three-dimensional, diamond-quilted leather inserts in the doors and rear quarter panels. The front seats, featuring a twin-flute design, were equally gorgeous, as were the new, supremely comfortable straight flute seats in the rear, complete with 14- way adjustment and five massaging modes.
STATE-OF-THE-ART INFOTAINMENT AND TECH
Bentley have retained a timeless quality in their new Flying Spur while incorporating cutting-edge technology into its makeup.
When we pressed the engine start button, the veneer section in the middle of the dashboard rotated to reveal a 12.3-inch HD touchscreen. This easyto-navigate system features three customisable digital tiles that display information previously selected by the driver.
In the rear, a multi-functional, five-inch colour touch screen remote control is mounted atop the centre console. Although seamlessly integrated, we effortlessly removed it for remote use with a mere touch of a button. This unit allows the back passengers to control many features of the car including climate, window blinds, mood lighting, sound system and rear seat massage functions.
Other must-mentions include the standard night vision infrared camera, the optional head-up display and the full suite of state-of-the-art driver assistance and safety features.
A PERFECT BALANCE OF POWER & PERFORMANCE
Once out on the roads, we could truly appreciate the smooth efficiency that is synonymous with this top-of-the-market brand.
Bentley’s new, high-status hybrid houses a 2.9-litre V6 TFSI petrol engine, coupled with an advanced 100kW electric motor-generator, and a ZF eight-speed, dual-clutch gearbox, featuring all-wheel drive.
We were in awe of this luxury saloon’s capacity and control, with its potent powertrain delivering 536bhp and 750Nm of torque. This enables the Flying Spur to surge from 0-100km/h in just 4.3 seconds and to reach a top speed of 285km/h.
Assisting in controlling the driving experience are the largest iron brakes ever fitted on a car, stylishly finished in gloss black.
Other performance-enhancing features that stood out include the car’s overall lightweight aluminium construction, the effect of the threechamber air springs and the ride comfort delivered by the multi-link suspension design. Truly outstanding!
OUR VERDICT
The new Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid is a classic yet cutting-edge offering from one of the world’s most prestigious brands, sure to make serious waves in the luxury saloon segment.
For more information or to book a test drive of your own,
please call Bentley Bahrain on 1745 9111.
@bentleybahrain