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Forbes
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Forbes
Don't Let The Bentley Flying Spur Fool You. It's As Fun As It Is Fancy
The new Bentley Flying Spur The Bentley Flying Spur might be the most fun car I've ever driven and I almost missed the chance. With a name and a reputation steeped in legacy, one that seems quaint and stuffy for its continued embrace of the past, the four-door five passenger ultra-luxury sedan seemed to me better suited for the chauffeured elite than the daily driver; I expected it would be fun to look at but less so to drive. However, with a 771 hp electric-boosted powertrain (and a slightly less powerful hybrid option) I had to take a spin. I expected it would be powerful and quiet in a large, lumbering sort of way. I was completely, and delightfully, wrong. Despite A Design Palette I Wouldn't Choose, I Was Smitten Design in a car like the Bentley Flying Spur is everything: It can comprise a significant portion of the cost; it is highly customizable and very personal. Once you plop down several hundred thousand and endure a months-long wait for a car, it better be to your liking. So when I took a look at the gray Flying Spur with an orange-accented gray interior, I thought, well, this isn't for me. But soon the details seeped in and I began to see the brilliance. The exterior Blackline Specification accents that surround the cut crystal headlights, split the hood and grille and span its lower quarters create a yacht-like feel as if it's slicing through the water, or in this case, air. Inside, Mandarin leather and stitching add an architectural feel to the tone-on-tone gray, chrome and gloss black, highlighting the the seats, the dash surround and 3D diamond leather door panels. It seems stark in photos, and that was my first reaction. But it's quite elegant once you put yourself at the center of the cabin and feel how the gray leather soothes and the orange excites; it's subdued and effervescent at the same time. And it was unexpected and appreciated. I never got tired of it. The drivers seat in our Bentley Flying Spur Speed test model Power Underfoot Lets You Fly Away From It All With two updated powertrains to choose from, the Bentley Flying Spur lineup, with four models, is now complete. Buyers can choose from the base model Flying Spur, which starts at about $250,000 or upgrade to the comfort-focused Azure model, both of which carry the brand's new twin turbo V8 hybrid engine that generates 671 hp and 686 pound-feet of torque. Or, buyers can opt for the faster and more powerful Flying Spur Speed with a starting price of about $272,000, or the ultimate in design, the Mulliner model, which starts at just under $300,000. These two are powered by the same plug-in hybrid electric-boosted twin turbo V8 engine found in the Bentley Continental Speed; it generates 771 hp and 738 pound-feet of torque. Both engines out-produce the power of the former W12 engine, a 12-cylinder powerhouse that had legions of fans. However, Bentley happily reports, the new hybrid V8s are winning over fans and outselling the former models. Buyers of the Speed and Mulliner models get another benefit: To be able to drive about 37 miles on all electric power, a bonus for those who don't love stops at the gas station. Even with all the hybrid power under the hood, the twin turbo V8 engine is still a thirsty beast; average fuel economy is estimated at about 20 MPG. The rear end of our Bentley Flying Spur Speed Driving The Bentley Flying Spur Is Incredibly Fun After driving both the Azure and the Speed (our Speed test model was priced at about $366,000 with options) I found that both deliver a quiet start, a throaty throttle response in sport mode and complete confidence on the highway. The only real question is, which Bentley Flying Spur to choose? This is really about personal preference more than powertrain; they are both incredibly capable. The throaty engine sound wasn't too much of a surprise; V8 engines are known for that. What was a surprise was the agile, easy and when asked, responsive drive experience that this sedan delivers. Even though the cabin is roomy and sublimely outfitted for luxury with options like reclining massaging front and rear seats and personal electronics for all passengers, Bentley's designers managed to keep the overall dimensions of the Flying Spur on the smaller side; its 209' length feels sleek thanks to wide-set wheels, a sloped roofline and rounded corners. Around town and on the highway, the Flying Spur was effortless to drive. But when I needed to pass slower traffic I seemed to only need ask and the Flying Spur obliged, zipping past other cars without hesitation. It never felt like an overwhelming amount of power but plenty to accomplish the task. And this is what made it so fun. Once you discover how easily the Flying Spur throws you back in your seat, you'll want to do it over and over. Being tossed back into the bolstered, channel-stitched leather seats is an incredible feeling and part of what makes this car so special. Even your rear seat passengers will feel thrill rather than annoyance, as I found out when ferrying my family around New Jersey, New York and Connecticut during my test drive. The Bentley Flying Spur Speed hood sculpture This Luxury Sedan Has An Actual Flying Spur On the multimedia screen you'll find an option to 'reveal or conceal' the Bentley Flying B, the only hood sculpture in the Bentley family. Press 'reveal' and a panel over the compartment moves over to allow the crystal and metal ornament to extend, its inner light shimmering over the grille. Press 'conceal' and it retracts into the hood. The Flying Spur, both the model's name and the icon, are an homage to the lineage of Arthur Johnstone, an original managing director of H.J. Mulliner coachbuilders. His family's crest is a flying spur, which signifies readiness and speed, and is derived from a spur that was delivered to Robert the Bruce to warn him to prepare for battle for the borders of Scotland; the crest was later awarded to the Johnstone family when Bruce became King of Scotland. Speed and readiness certainly define the modern Bentley Flying Spur. But so do quiet, comfort and luxury. What doesn't define it is lumbering stuffiness. Not just its ability to create an exciting interior and exterior, but by its sculpted nature that makes it more agile, sleek and drivable. Now in its fourth generation and celebrating 20 years since its modern re-introduction in 2005, don't dismiss the Bentley Flying Spur as your grandma's luxury car. I almost did and I would have missed out on one of the most fun cars on the road.
Auto Blog
13-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Has Bentley Officially Surpassed Rolls-Royce?
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The two luxury automakers have a lot in common, but not their balance sheets Rolls-Royce and Bentley are tied to each other forever. As recently as the late 90s, the two automakers made vehicles that were virtually indistinguishable from one another. Each had its trademarks, badging, and in Rolls-Royce's case, the Spirit of Ecstasy and grille design. Fast-forwarding three decades, we find two brands with distinct personalities and heritage. Looking closer, we see two brands that have set out to accomplish similar things — and achieved on very different levels. Previous Pause Next Unmute 0:00 / 0:09 Full screen 2025 Audi S3 VS 2025 Mercedes-AMG CLA 35: Which one comes out on top? Watch More But first, a quick history lesson. Bentley Motors began life in January 1919 as World War I ended, debuting its first car later that year. The company delivered its first car in the following year and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1927. Then, the brand repeated its wins in the three years following. Rolls-Royce bought the brand when it went into receivership on the heels of the Great Depression. The newly acquired now-subsidiary's first car was a Bentley 3.5-liter that appeared in 1933, powered by a Rolls-Royce engine. The latter part would prove to be a trend as all Bentley models produced after the merger until 2004 relied on Rolls-Royce engines and chassis. After changing hands in the 1970s, Rolls-Royce (including Bentley) went up for sale in the late 1990s. BMW and Volkswagen were poised to become the inheritors of the luxury crown. BMW was already providing powertrains for Rolls, and took further steps to purchase the name and logo for Rolls-Royce. For a sizable $703 million, Volkswagen purchased the designs, nameplates, and the facilities themselves. But, without the rights to the name and badging, a compromise needed to be met. Thus, VW took Bentley, and BMW got Rolls-Royce. Effective January 2003, the two brands were finally separate entities. After twenty-two years apart, how have they fared? Sales figures show the two brands are living very different lives, with one common focus Let's start with Rolls-Royce. The original nameplate has carried itself well into the 21st century, and 2024 saw the brand deliver 5,712 cars, its third-best recorded. Here, Bentley compares favorably. The Crewe-based automaker delivered nearly double the number of cars as Rolls, with 10,600 cars finding new homes. However, volume is only part of where these brands generate their revenue. Both place a heavy emphasis on customizability; Rolls-Royce has Bespoke, while Bentley offers Mulliner. Last year, Bentley saw revenue per car rise 10%, and a lot of that comes from the fact that 70% of the cars delivered had at least one Mulliner inclusion. Rolls-Royce says, similarly, that it saw a 10% increase in Bespoke content overall, enough to set a record for the brand. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Bentley Bentayga Speed Rolls-Royce Cullinan Bentley trounces Goodwood in volume, and profit is a similar story. Bentley reported a profit of $439 million. Meanwhile, BMW reported that Rolls-Royce generated around $140 million in profit, demonstrating that the brand is also very likely making less, percentage-wise, per car than the boys in Crewe. The story remains consistent no matter which arena you pick. Rolls-Royce, overall, accounts for roughly 1% of parent company BMW's profit. Bentley? Last year, despite a downturn in profits, the brand accounted for around 2% of Volkswagen's profit. Both are making plays for new customers We've established that Bentley is making more money than Rolls-Royce, but what does the future hold? Bentley certainly isn't resting on its laurels, just recently announcing three new stores for North America in desirable locations — Santa Barbara, California, San Antonio, Texas, and Oakville, Canada, a Toronto suburb. An exec was recently quoted as saying there's 'no real limitation' on what the automaker can or would build you, even offering a pickup truck. Finally, Bentley also laid the ground for a new BEV assembly line back in March 2025. Then, in July, Bentley opened up a brand-new design studio converted from one of its oldest and most heritage-filled buildings. BMW isn't putting Rolls-Royce out to pasture yet, though. Last year, the brand added two new Private Office locations and an invite-only network for Rolls-Royce customers to configure their vehicles. Furthermore, the brand committed around $400 million to expanding manufacturing at the Goodwood facility. 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre The 2025 Bentley Continental GT Speed in the Meatpacking District, New York City Final thoughts The numbers don't lie. It's a fairly accurate statement to say that Bentley has surpassed Rolls-Royce, at least for the time being. However, even after a century, both brands are still growing. Notably, the big B doesn't have a single all-electric model. Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce has cleaned up with the Spectre, simultaneously attracting a whole new kind of buyer and moving units. It's too early to tell which of these historic luxury brands is going to come out on top, but Bentley has certainly taken the lead, and is obviously working and spending hard to maintain it. About the Author Steven Paul View Profile
Auto Blog
11-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
2025 Bentley Continental GT Gallery: Get A Closer Look at the New Era of Grand Touring In Pictures
From its reworked front fascia to the hybrid-powered muscle under the hood, the 2025 Bentley Continental GT is all about refinement with an edge. In this gallery, we take a closer look at the details that make the latest model stand out. 1 Source: Kyle Edward Bentley gives the Continental GT a fresh look for 2025, dialing in style with sharper lines, a lower stance, and a front end that mixes elegance with raw muscle. 2 Source: Kyle Edward The GT's iconic Flying B badging has been a symbol of hand-built luxury and performance since 1919. 3 Source: Kyle Edward The 'Speed' script on the fender adds just the right amount of attitude to its otherwise polished look, hinting at the car's performance prowess. 4 Source: Kyle Edward Pop the hood on the Continental GT and you'll find a reworked 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 paired with a plug-in hybrid system, delivering a whopping 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It's all tucked beneath a sculpted engine cover and reinforced with a sleek aluminum strut brace. 5 Source: Kyle Edward Those crystal-cut LED matrix headlights on the Continental GT are inspired by fine-cut gemstones. They feature a 'horizontal eyebrow' and 120 individual LEDs that adapt to traffic, letting you use full beams without blinding oncoming drivers. 6 Source: Kyle Edward The rear of the 2025 Continental GT features sharp LED taillights and oval quad exhaust tips that hint at the power under the hood. It's wide, low, and looks just as serious pulling away as it does coming at you. 7 Source: Kyle Edward The cabin of the 2025 Continental GT doesn't hold back. Its steering wheel alone mixes leather, Alcantara, contrast stitching, and a pop of orange that ties into the dash. 8 Source: Kyle Edward An elegant analog clock sits between chrome vents as part of the GT's signature display. The infotainment screen above switches from touchscreen to dials to wood veneer at the push of a button, blending timeless charm with modern tech. 9 Source: Kyle Edward The dash blends a sharp digital display with carbon fiber, contrast stitching, ambient lighting, and precision metalwork. It's 'loud' in the best way, without being over the top. 10 Source: Kyle Edward The GT's diamond-quilted leather seats bring serious craftsmanship, but it's the 'Speed' embroidery, contrast piping, and built-in neck warmers that remind you this cabin is built for open-air performance and all-season comfort. About the Author Michelle Nati View Profile
India Today
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- India Today
Bentley EXP 15: A concept blending heritage with electric future
Bentley Motors has revealed the EXP 15, a dramatic new design concept that reimagines the brand's grand touring heritage for the electric era. Unveiled at the opening of Bentley's new design studio in Crewe, the EXP 15 is a striking expression of the marque's future direction, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology and offering a tantalising glimpse of Bentley's first all-electric production car due in 2026. advertisementThough not destined for production, the EXP 15 is more than a showpiece. Drawing inspiration from the legendary 1930 Bentley Speed Six 'Blue Train' coupe, the five-metre-plus concept fuses classic proportions, a long, endless bonnet, upright grille, and powerful rear haunches with high-tech flourishes like digital lighting signatures and active aerodynamics. The result is an elegant sporting sedan silhouette that bridges past and future. Bentley EXP 15 exteriorThe EXP 15 embodies five key exterior design principles Bentley says will inform its future models: Upright elegance, iconic grille, endless bonnet line, resting beast stance, and the shield rear design. These come to life in sculptural surfacing that blends muscular forms with carved precision, giving the car a monolithic presence as though hewn from a single block. Distinctive lighting details punctuate the design, including ultra-slim vertical headlamp strips that frame a modern digital interpretation of Bentley's iconic grille. At the rear, intricate diamond-patterned lights echo the brand's traditional quilting, while active aerodynamic elements including deployable spoilers and an active EXP 15 interiorInside, the EXP 15 ventures into new territory with an innovative three-seat layout. Inspired by the unique proportions of the Speed Six 'Blue Train' coupe, the interior pairs Bentley's famed luxury with cutting-edge digital experiences. One door on the driver's side serves the driver and a cocooned rear seat, while the passenger side features twin coach doors and part of the panoramic roof that lift upward for graceful entry and can customise their ride thanks to a swiveling seat that slides between co-pilot, standard, and lounge-style relaxation positions. Ingenious storage solutions abound, including foldaway floor compartments for pets or luggage and a tailgate picnic setup complete with seating, ambient lighting, and a refrigerated compartment for drinks. A highlight of the cabin is Bentley's 'Magical Fusion' of physical and digital elements. A full-width dashboard transforms from digital displays to a serene wood veneer surface at the touch of a button. A centerpiece dubbed the 'Mechanical Marvel'—a sculptural clock-like device, adds a touch of horological artistry, merging function with play a starring role in EXP 15, showcasing Bentley's commitment to sustainability and craftsmanship. The interior features a mix of traditional British textiles and futuristic finishes, including 100% wool cloth from historic mill Fox Brothers, silk jacquard woven by Gainsborough (supplier to the British royal family), and 3D-printed titanium accents that reduce weight and manufacturing paintwork in a shimmering 'Pallas Gold' employs ultra-thin aluminum pigments that allow radar and lidar signals to pass through, an innovation key to the car's autonomous capabilities. While technical specifications remain under wraps, Bentley confirms the EXP 15 concept is envisioned as fully electric with all-wheel drive, promising the silent, powerful performance expected of a 21st-century Bentley grand firmly a design study, the EXP 15 offers clear hints of where Bentley is headed as it prepares to launch its first full-electric production car next EXP 15 shows how a storied marque can honor its past while redefining luxury for a sustainable future. And while this concept may never hit the road, it give a glimpse of what an electric Bentley should look and feel to Auto Today Magazine- EndsMust Watch
Yahoo
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Bentley unveils EXP 15 concept car
Volkswagen Group owned Bentley Motors has revealed its latest luxury concept car, the EXP 15, ahead of its first fully-electric car launch in 2026. It says the concept car embodies the company's vision for future designs, drawing inspiration from its early 20th-century Grand Tourer heritage and reinterpreting it for the 21st century. While the EXP 15 is not intended for production or sale, Bentley says it offers a glimpse into the design direction of future models of the brand, including an upcoming fully-electric car. The concept introduces an elevated sporting sedan silhouette, incorporating modern lighting technology. It offers a three-door, three-seat configuration that prioritises passenger comfort and includes storage solutions for luggage and pets, as well as tailgate seating for outdoor events. Created using virtual reality (VR) software, the interior of the EXP 15 is a blend of tactile switches and digital interfaces, which can be customised according to the driver's preferences. Bentley has also introduced a new 'Winged B' emblem, while the brand's signature interior diamond quilt pattern has been reimagined for both interior and exterior applications. The exterior is finished in a liquid metal satin paint known as Pallas Gold, featuring golden white highlights inspired by the Bentley Speed Six. The paint incorporates a new ultra-thin aluminium pigment, enabling it to be used in front of safety radar devices without compromising signal quality and ensuring visibility to Lidar (light detection and ranging) systems used by autonomous driving technologies. While primarily a design concept, the EXP 15 is envisioned with a fully-electric, all-wheel-drive powertrain, promising long-range and fast recharging capabilities. However, technical specifications and platform details remain undisclosed as the focus remains on the design concept. The company noted that EXP 15 is not a direct preview of the smaller all-electric production it expected in 2026, but it does incorporate subtle design cues and showcases digital and technical interior ideas that may become a reality in Bentley's future models. Bentley Design director Robin Page said: 'It's clear that SUVs are a growing segment and we understand the GT market – through four generations of the Continental GT – but the trickiest segment is the sedan because it's changing. 'Some customers want a classic 'three-box' sedan shape, others a 'one-box' design, and others again something more elevated. So this was a chance for us to talk to people and get a feeling.' Prior to this development, Bentley Motors announced a strategic collaboration with Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) to expand its expand its presence in the Indian market. "Bentley unveils EXP 15 concept car" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
