OHLALA SPENT THE DAY BEHIND THE WHEEL OF BENTLEY’S FLYING SPUR SPEED FIRST EDITION – WHERE PERFORMANCE AND PRESENCE MEET POWER IN PERFECT HARMONY.
There are test drives, and then there are Bentley test drives. When the Flying Spur Speed First Edition arrived in Bahrain, we didn’t just take the keys – we took a deep breath. This fourth-generation Flying Spur, finished in elegant Cambrian Grey, promised to blend British craftsmanship with modern hybrid innovation. Over our drive, it proved that performance, style and sustainability can coexist effortlessly.
GRACE WITH GRAVITAS
At first glance, the Flying Spur Speed looked less like a car and more like an occasion. Its proportions were pure Bentley: long bonnet, short front overhang and a rear stance that radiated presence. The Cambrian Grey paint – a refined mid-grey with a whisper of blue – shimmered subtly under Bahrain’s sunlight, accentuating its sculpted curves.
Every detail told a story. The dark-tint brightware and Blackline Specification gave the car a contemporary edge, while the illuminated Flying B mascot rose gracefully from the bonnet like a piece of jewellery. Our test model’s 22-inch gloss-black wheels completed the look – elegant, bold and commanding without ever feeling excessive. The Flying Spur exuded the kind of confidence that doesn’t seek attention – it simply commands it.
THE ART OF COMFORT
Inside, luxury meets theatre. The Pillar Box Red and Gravity Grey hides by Mulliner delivered a dramatic yet tasteful contrast, paired with high-gloss carbon-fibre veneer for a touch of modern sophistication. The dark chrome accents gleamed softly – technical, stylish and unmistakably Bentley.
The new Precision Diamond quilting on the seats and 3D diamond hide across the doors created a tactile sense of sculpture. Everything you touched, pressed or adjusted felt deliberate – as if Bentley’s designers had asked: “What would feel good after a long day of being fabulous?” It’s a cabin that makes you sit taller and drive slower, just to make it last.
INNOVATION WITH INTUITION
Beneath the glamour lies technology that anticipates your every move. The My Bentley App Studio integrates navigation, music and streaming apps directly into the system, while wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto keep things effortlessly connected. The crisp 12.3-inch display is intuitive and elegant – simple, fast and logical.
Rear passengers are equally indulged. The Bentley Rear Entertainment system transformed the back seats into a private lounge, complete with twin screens and crystal-clear sound from the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup. It’s the kind of comfort that encourages unhurried travel – no one in a Bentley is ever in a rush.
A POLISHED PERFORMANCE
Underneath that graceful exterior lies Bentley’s Ultra Performance Hybrid – a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 paired with a 190PS electric motor. Together they deliver 782PS and 1,000Nm of torque, making this the most powerful Bentley saloon ever. The result? 0–100km/h in 3.5 seconds – and the only drama was on the speedometer.
“The Flying Spur exuded the kind of confidence that doesn’t seek attention – it simply commands it.”
The Performance Active Chassis and Bentley Dynamic Ride systems worked in harmony to keep the car balanced, while All-Wheel Steering made manoeuvres fluid. The eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox felt psychic – always one step ahead, the kind that quietly makes you look more skilled than you are.
In full-electric mode, the Flying Spur glided silently for up to 76km – ideal for early starts or late arrivals when you’d rather impress the neighbours with your taste than your exhaust note.
SMART, SUBTLE AND SAFE
During our drive, the Flying Spur Speed revealed how advanced Bentley’s technology has become – not hidden in the background, but elegantly present in every moment. The car’s electrical system worked like an invisible co-driver, monitoring surroundings through the environment display and responding with precision. Intelligent Park Assist proved its worth, guiding the car into tight spaces with accuracy that inspired confidence – and spared us the indignity of a second attempt.
The optional Wellness Seating Specification also made its presence known and appreciated. Seat Auto Climate and Postural Adjust constantly adapting to our movements and the cabin temperature, easing muscle tension and keeping us comfortable long after most cars would have us fidgeting. The air-filtration and ionisation system kept the cabin calm and fresh, even when the outside world was doing its best to test both.
Remote Park Assist and cabin pre-conditioning felt like small luxuries that made a big impression. Watching the Flying Spur glide neatly into a space or stepping into a cabin already cooled to perfection was a reminder that true refinement is about thoughtfulness, not theatre.
FINAL REFLECTION
Our day with the Flying Spur Speed confirmed what we already knew – Bentley doesn’t build cars; it crafts experiences. This isn’t merely a grand saloon; it’s a statement of refinement and quiet power.
Across Bahrain – from the long highways to the heart of the city – it felt perfectly at home: poised, potent and effortlessly composed. To us, the Flying Spur Speed First Edition isn’t just about reaching a destination; it’s about making every journey feel like it’s worth dressing up for.
For more information, please call Bentley Bahrain on 1745 9999.
@bentleybahrain