Bentley Polishes its Electrified Spurs

Bentley has released what it claims is its ‘greenest’ luxury sporting model to date in the shape of the PHEV Flying Spur Hybrid.

The automaker says it establishes a family of Bentley hybrids as part of its commitment to the Beyond100 strategy to become an end-to-end carbon neutral organization and the world’s leading sustainable luxury mobility company. The new powertrain combines a 2.9-liter V6 gasoline engine with an electric motor, delivering a total of 536bhp and 553ft-lbs of torque, some 95bhp more in comparison to the Bentayga Hybrid. The new Flying Spur becomes the most efficient Bentley ever having the claimed capability to cover over 435 miles when fully fueled.

The new gasoline V6 shares similar design methodology as the 4.0-liter V8. Its twin-scroll turbochargers and primary catalytic convertors are positioned within the V of the engine. Fuel injectors and spark plugs have been centralized within each combustion chamber to ensure optimal spray patterns and combustion paths and the camshafts are variable by up to 50 degrees. The engine delivers over 150bhp per liter, even higher than the Flying Spur V8.

Its electronic motor is located between the transmission and the engine and provides up to 134bhp and 295ft-lbs of torque. The permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers full torque instantly for silent acceleration from standing start to reduce delay associated with turbocharger lag. The E-motor is powered by a 14.1 kWh lithium ion battery and can be charged to 100% in two and a half hours. Power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E-Motor or supplement the existing 12v vehicle electrical infrastructure.

The combined powertrain propels the Flying Spur Hybrid from 0-60 mph in 4.1 seconds and on to a top speed of 177mph. Reduced CO2 values and lower fuel consumption are pending certification and will deliver the most environmentally focused powertrain of the range.

Technology

In the cabin a dedicated button allows control over the three E Modes – EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Hold Mode. These will enable the driver to manually manage battery usage during a journey, although this can also be managed automatically by the car:

• EV DRIVE – is engaged as soon as the car is switched on and is ideal for city driving and for shorter journeys with a range of up to 25 miles;
• HYBRID – maximizes vehicle efficiency and range using data from the intelligent navigation system. This mode is suited for longer journeys and uses predictive E-Mode and engine coasting whilst following directions from the navigation system. Inputting a destination, the car will automatically engage the correct Drive Mode for each part of the journey, constantly calculating the most efficient use of battery charge and storing electrical energy for sections of the journey where it is most useful – such as when arriving in the city. The system will reduce on-board charge to zero just as the vehicle reaches its destination, maximising overall efficiency.
• HOLD – balances engine and electric power to hold high voltage battery charge for later use conserving electric energy. This is the default mode when the driver selects Sport to provide consistent boost and recuperation.

The Flying Spur Hybrid is delivered with all of the required market specific cables for charging at home or via industrial charge points at work or in public car parks. In addition to the standard equipment supplied, customers can also choose a Bentley branded wallbox available as a no cost option.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in Europe. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_