“Bentley is exclusive amongst massive utra-luxury manufacturers as a result of a lot of its homeowners count on to drive in addition to be pushed. The Flying Spur’s rear seat — particularly with the second row middle console in my check automobile — has the room, consolation and options of a chauffeured car, however the automobile is also enjoyable and interesting to drive.
“Even when the battery now not has sufficient energy to run the automobile in EV mode, the hybrid system delivers loads of energy for assured acceleration and quick cruising.
That is no imply feat. A 209.3-inch-long sedan that weighs 5,323 kilos, the Flying Spur PHEV approaches the turf of three-row full-size SUVs like a short-wheelbase Lincoln Navigator.
“For these not glad by 0-60 sprints, Bentley says the Flying Spur PHEV reaches 100 mph in 9.5 seconds and has a high velocity of 177 mph.
“The driving force can choose common hybrid mode, EV solely mode or gasoline-only mode.
“The Flying Spur’s air suspension absorbs bumps from the roughest pavement, however stiffens for management and stability at excessive speeds and round curves. Rigorously tuned steering and brakes make it simple to neglect how large and heavy the sedan is.”
— Mark Phelan, Detroit Free Press
“The Flying Spur Hybrid would not make fast progress in pure EV mode — hardly a shock given the huge, four-door govt limo’s 5,523 lb. mass — however within the infamous LA site visitors a scarcity of shove would not actually matter.
“Some may scoff on the claimed 25 miles of battery vary on supply. However that is exactly what such hybrids are for. They glide via congested, polluted cities in silence and with zero tailpipe emissions, then fireplace up the engine as soon as in a extra appropriate surroundings.
“That stated, within the Bentley it is tough to maintain the engine off for very lengthy, as greater than the gentlest press of the accelerator summons further energy and kicks the engine into life. A brand new interface on the driving force show reveals precisely what is going on on with the hybrid system, and a button on the middle console permits you to swap between modes, reminiscent of one which holds the battery at its present cost stage, prepared for use later if most popular. …
“On leaving the resort parking zone I am reminded of the Flying Spur’s rear-wheel-steering, turning the rear axle a number of levels to nearly shorten the wheelbase and make the 209-inch lengthy automobile really feel extra maneuverable.
“As soon as out of the town and onto LA’s sweeping canyon roads, we’re heading to Santa Barbara and the automobile’s hybrid system routinely works out when to modify between gasoline and electrical energy, and when to make use of a little bit of each. At cruising speeds the method is near-seamless, the engine shutting off when coasting and staying dormant till the right-hand pedal is pressed sufficiently to name upon greater than the motor alone. With the automobile in B mode – standing for Bentley and being a Goldilocks-esque center floor between efficiency and luxury – the hybrid system’s calls for for energy are issued with skilled butler ranges of discreteness. And different such cliches.
“Prod the accelerator extra firmly for an overtake or junction exit, nevertheless, and there is a noticeable pause whereas the system works out what’s wanted and summons the engine. It is barely greater than the kickdown of an automated gearbox, however is noticeable nonetheless.”
— Alistair Charlton, Forbes
