New Bentley Flying Spur Abandons a Design Tradition Maintained Since 1962

Bentley has introduced an updated version of its flagship sedan, the Flying Spur. This is not just a routine facelift, as the car features a substantially redesigned front end and an expanded lineup of powertrains. Now, the comfortable Azure version and the top-tier Speed are joined by a driver-focused S version. All are equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain and a chassis tuned for sharper handling.The main exterior change is the front end. The Flying Spur borrows its styling from the two-door Continental GT and GTC coupes, abandoning four round headlights in favor of a more conventional layout. This breaks a signature style that Bentley sedans had adhered to since 1962.Aside from the headlights, other changes are restrained. The radiator grille has grown slightly, and the shapes of the air intakes in the bumper have changed. Most body panels remain unchanged since 2019, despite the technical updates in 2024. Among the novelties: the front wings have lost their side “gill” vents, the rear doors have a cleaner design, and the graphic of the LED taillights has been slightly revised.The sporty S version returns to the Flying Spur lineup after a hiatus. It can be identified by the standard Blackline Specification package, which replaces chrome with black exterior elements and badges.Under the hood, the Flying Spur S features a high-performance hybrid system with a twin-turbo V8, producing a total of 671 hp (500 kW / 680 PS) and 930 Nm of torque. This is 128 hp (96 kW) more than the previous generation non-electrified Flying Spur S, but 100 hp (75 kW) less than the hybrid Flying Spur Speed.To make the Flying Spur behave like a smaller car, Bentley equips the S version with the standard Performance Active Chassis. The package includes active all-wheel drive, dual-valve dampers, a 48-volt active anti-roll system, torque vectoring, and an electronic limited-slip differential (eLSD) on the rear axle.Regarding performance, the sprint to 100 km/h takes 3.7 seconds (0.2 seconds slower than the Speed), and the top speed is 307 km/h.The cabin retains its familiar architecture, but Bentley has expanded personalization options. Buyers can choose from five seat styles with fluted or quilted upholstery, each requiring twelve hours of manual work by craftsmen in Crewe.For those with deeper pockets, a new Mulliner Virtuoso Collection is offered with three interior themes: Soprano, Tenor, and Bass. The collection is distinguished by exclusive champagne gold details both inside and out.Additionally, the Flying Spur is now available with a premium optional audio system originally developed for the limited-edition Batur. The ‘Naim for Mulliner’ system costs £25,000 ($34,000) before taxes and features 21 speakers with technology borrowed from Focal’s flagship Grand Utopia home audio line. The midrange drivers and tweeters have a patented one-piece ‘M’-shaped cone without a protective grille. According to Bentley, this design ensures maximum stiffness and damping, minimizing sound distortion.Order books for the new Flying Spur lineup are now open, although prices have not yet been announced. Production will begin in September at the Crewe factory, with the first cars expected to reach customers at the start of the fourth quarter of 2026.The Flying Spur update demonstrates how Bentley is trying to balance respect for tradition with the need to keep pace with the times. Abandoning the iconic four headlights is a bold move that may be received ambivalently by brand enthusiasts, but it also makes the car more modern and visually closer to other models in the lineup. The return of the S version with a powerful hybrid setup indicates that the company is betting on a blend of performance and efficiency, a key trend in the automotive industry. The expanded personalization options, including the exclusive Mulliner collections and the audio system from the Batur, underscore Bentley’s desire to cater to the most discerning clients seeking uniqueness. Overall, this update makes the Flying Spur more technological and dynamic, while preserving the luxury that is the hallmark of the British brand.