‘Front view of the 4th generation Flying Spur’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

Bentley Motors Korea officially introduced the 4th generation “The New Flying Spur,” the ultimate luxury grand touring sedan with the most powerful performance in the brand’s history, making its world debut for the Korean market.

The New Flying Spur combines a groundbreaking “Ultra Performance Hybrid” system that delivers supercar-level performance with elegant and dynamic design, all while showcasing unparalleled craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology for ultimate luxury and comfort.

First launched in 2005, the Flying Spur has evolved into its 4th generation over 19 years, producing a remarkable 782 horsepower, making it Bentley’s most powerful four-door model to date. Notably, the high-performance lineup “The New Flying Spur Speed” is returning to the Korean market after an 11-year hiatus, continuing Bentley’s performance heritage. Additionally, enhanced pure electric driving range and low carbon emissions lead Bentley’s aim for “sustainable luxury.”

‘Rear view of the 4th generation Flying Spur Speed’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The New Flying Spur is equipped with a next-generation Ultra Performance Hybrid system. The new powertrain combines a new 4.0L V8 engine delivering 600 horsepower (PS) with a 190 horsepower (PS) electric motor, driving all four wheels through an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

This Ultra Performance Hybrid produces a total output of 782 horsepower (PS) and a maximum torque of 102.05 kg.m. Compared to the 3rd generation Flying Spur Speed with a W12 engine, it achieves a 11% increase in maximum torque and a 19% increase in output, making it the most powerful performance in Bentley sedan history. Acceleration from a standstill to 100 km/h is completed in just 3.5 seconds.

The newly developed cross-plane structured V8 engine improves combustion efficiency with higher fuel injection pressure and is equipped with a hybrid-system-optimized twin single-scroll turbocharger to reduce emissions. Additionally, the electric motor provides immediate rich torque, offering a charismatic driving experience whenever desired.

‘Side view of the 4th generation Flying Spur Speed’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

In EV mode, the electric motor delivers a performance of 190 horsepower (PS) and a maximum torque of 45.8 kg.m, handling most everyday urban driving. It can accelerate to a top speed of 140 km/h on electric power alone. Equipped with a 25.9 kWh battery, it offers a WLTP-rated pure electric driving range of up to 76 km. When driving in conjunction with the V8 engine, the maximum range reaches 829 km. Additionally, it supports a maximum charging capacity of 11 kW, allowing for a full charge in approximately 110 minutes.

The Ultra Performance Hybrid system allows the selection of pure electric driving mode (EV mode), electric boost mode, and regenerative braking mode according to the driving environment and driver’s demands. In charging mode, the engine both delivers power and charges the battery simultaneously.

The New Flying Spur features the next-generation Bentley Performance Active Chassis as standard. With a new chassis control system, the New Flying Spur exhibits ideal performance across all aspects: performance, handling, and ride comfort.

‘Engine room of the 4th generation Flying Spur Speed’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The Bentley Performance Active Chassis incorporates an anti-roll control system known as Bentley Dynamic Ride, all-wheel steering that steers all four wheels depending on driving conditions, an electronic limited slip differential (eLSD), and next-generation ESC control software to provide stable traction in all environments.

The ESC system performs chassis control optimized for a front-to-rear weight distribution of 48.3:51.7 and accurately distributes power between the front and rear axles through an active torque vectoring feature in the center differential.

The new twin valve dampers independently control compression and rebound damping pressure, offering a wider setting range depending on the driving mode. This ensures that the unique dynamism of Bentley is maintained while improving ride comfort.

The released New Flying Spur Speed features numerous design elements derived from Bentley’s motorsport heritage, encapsulating the brand’s exclusive ‘Speed DNA.’ The overall design evokes the image of a resting fierce animal, inheriting the dynamic yet elegant form characteristic of a Bentley luxury sedan. Simultaneously, it integrates the latest design elements, enhancing the emotional appeal befitting the most powerful Bentley sedan.

Dark tint colors enhance the sporty feel of the exterior moldings and details, while the newly designed ‘Speed’ exclusive radiator grille, front bumper, and rear diffuser create a fresh yet performance-oriented appearance. Additionally, styling specifications body kits in line with the body color showcase its dynamism.

‘Interior of the 4th generation Flying Spur Speed’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

The LED welcome lamp at the bottom of the door features animated designs inspired by the Bentley Mulliner coachbuilt model ‘Mulliner Batur,’ revealing the iconic Bentley wing logo as the door is opened. The 22-inch wheels come in a new design with three styles to choose from, each available in various finishes.

Handcrafted by artisans in Crewe, the interior of the New Flying Spur Speed showcases Bentley’s signature design and craftsmanship. The seats feature new 3D diamond quilting and embroidery patterns, while 3D diamond-patterned leather finishes adorn the doors and B-pillar interiors. The interior color options provide dark chrome trim features that match the exterior’s dark tint in the door handles, switches, and speaker grilles.

A new digital cluster incorporates modern graphics to enhance the contemporary feel, along with Bentley’s iconic rotating display offering selection between a 12.3-inch high-resolution monitor and three analog dials, all finished with handcrafted veneer.

Moreover, Bentley’s bespoke and coachbuilding division Mulliner provides hundreds of billions of interior combination options. This personalization process empowers customers to explore countless possibilities tailored to their tastes.

Exterior paint colors start from 101 selectable options, while bespoke color ordering is also available. The interior features 22 main leather colors and 11 secondary leather colors, providing a base combination of 700 options. Additional contrast stitching, piping, and bespoke elements exponentially enhance interior combinations. Furthermore, there are eight wood veneer options and three finishing methods, which can be selected to match leather or exterior paint colors.

The New Flying Spur incorporates the latest electrical architecture to deliver advanced convenience and safety features. The Wellness Seating Specification—featuring a temperature control system and postural adjustment system first unveiled in the Bentayga EWB—monitors the temperature and humidity of the seat surfaces, delivering the most comfortable driving environment while minimizing fatigue during long journeys.

‘Frontal view of the 4th generation Flying Spur Speed’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

Also, the new air conditioning system, equipped with ionizers and particulate filters, monitors the cleanliness of the air inside and outside the vehicle, actively controlling the air conditioning system to maintain constant air purity within the cabin.

A new digital cluster provides a driving environment display that monitors the location and direction of surrounding vehicles when driving assistance features are activated, enhancing the convenience of long-distance driving and providing safer driving assistance.

The New Flying Spur includes a basic 10-speaker audio system, with the option of a 1,500W 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system, or a Naim audio system from the British high-end audio brand. The 2,200W Naim audio system consists of 19 speakers and active bass transducers, providing the ultimate audio experience across eight sound modes. Furthermore, double-glazed acoustic glass is employed for the front windshield and side windows, reducing external noise by 9 decibels (dB).

South Korea is not only a key market for Bentley but also one of the most beloved countries for the Flying Spur globally. In 2023, the Flying Spur set a record as the first high-end luxury sedan to surpass cumulative sales of 2,000 units in the Korean market.

‘Flying Spur Speed 22-inch wheels’ Photo by Lee Sang-jin

On September 10th (local time), Bentley Motors Korea unveiled the physical presence of the New Flying Spur—globally revealed on the same day—at a media launch event in Korea, marking the world’s first introduction. By showcasing the more powerful performance and craftsmanship of the New Flying Spur, Bentley aims to continue its luxury sedan leadership in Korea.

The New Flying Spur will initially be available in the ‘Speed’ model, which maximizes Bentley’s unique performance sensibility. The official starting price of the New Flying Spur Speed in Korea is 375.7 million won (including VAT, varies by options).

Additionally, a limited edition ‘New Flying Spur Speed First Edition’ commemorating the launch of the New Flying Spur Speed will also be available. Featuring animated welcome lamps, a premium Naim audio system, and unique design aspects tailored to Korean customer preferences, the price for the New Flying Spur Speed First Edition is set at 441.9 million won (including VAT).

Lee Sang-jin daedusj@autodiary.kr