BRITISH luxurious car-maker Bentley is greening its picture with the addition of its Flying Spur Hybrid, the model’s first electrified mannequin for the Australian market, poised to launch within the second half of subsequent 12 months.
The plug-in hybrid limousine, Bentley’s second hybrid after the Bentayga SUV that’s but to succeed in Australia, is the following step within the model’s ‘Beyond100’ technique that can see it depart from inner combustion engines and transfer to develop into an EV-only car-maker by the tip of the last decade.
Bentley leant on mum or dad firm Volkswagen Group for the Flying Spur’s drivetrain, sourcing it from Porsche. It’s the similar powertrain because the Panamera Hybrid, with a 2.9-litre bi-turbo petrol V6 linked to a 100kW electrical motor that’s fed by a 14.1kW/h lithium-ion battery.
The sedan’s drivetrain pumps out a mixed 400kW/750Nm and is completely different to its SUV sibling, which has an Audi-sourced 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 petrol and a 94kW electrical motor for a mixed 330kW/700Nm.
Bentley claims the electrified Flying Spur is sweet for the 0-100km/h sprint in 4.3 seconds, about the identical because the petrol V8 model, and quicker than the Bentayga Hybrid’s 5.5 seconds.
The corporate has not launched gasoline consumption or emission figures pending certification however stated the sedan has a driving vary of 700km, an electric-only vary of 40km and that it’s “essentially the most environment friendly Bentley ever”. It may be totally charged in about two and a half hours from a home mains energy outlet.
Its zero-emissions potential places the electrified Flying Spur exactly in its pure atmosphere; the CBDs of cities together with London, Brussels, Beijing, Paris, Berlin and Madrid which have restricted entry to conventionally powered automobiles.
Bentley’s newest hybrid is subtly distinguished from its V8 and W12-engined siblings by “Hybrid” badges on the entrance guards, oval-shaped exhaust retailers and a lined cost port on the left-rear fender.
Inside, the engine cease/begin button has been changed with an ‘E Modes’ controller that allows the motive force to toggle by way of EV Drive, Hybrid Mode and Maintain Mode.
EV Drive mode is engaged as quickly because the automotive is switched on and maximises the gap the automotive can journey solely on battery energy, making it very best for metropolis driving and for shorter journeys.
The movement of power can be displayed by way of the infotainment display. Extra data is accessible to the motive force by way of the instrument panel, heads-up show and centre display, together with vary, battery degree and charging data.
Hybrid mode maximises automobile effectivity and vary utilizing knowledge from the navigation system and is ideally used for longer journeys.
It makes use of predictive E-Mode and engine coasting whereas following instructions from the navigation system, routinely participating the proper drive mode for every a part of the journey and calculating essentially the most environment friendly use of battery cost.
Maintain mode balances engine and electrical energy to carry high-voltage battery cost for later use by conserving electrical power. Additionally it is the default setting when the motive force selects Sport mode to offer constant enhance and recuperation.
Related automotive companies, along with these included with petrol-fuelled Bentleys, embrace battery cost, automotive statistics and a particular consolation pack that gives distant heating or cooling of the cabin.
Different options embrace a selection of 20-, 21- or 22-inch wheels in numerous designs and, as with different Bentley fashions, clients get an array of exterior and inside customisation choices.
All of the required market particular cables are included to facilitate charging of the automobile on the house or at business cost factors at work or in public automotive parks. A Bentley-branded wallbox is accessible as a no-cost possibility.
All Flying Spurs are manufactured at Bentley’s house in Crewe, which is touted because the world’s first carbon-neutral manufacturing facility for luxurious automotive manufacturing.
Bentley has but to announce costs for the hybrid. The Flying Spur V8 sells for $378,197 plus prices, and the W12 from $469,000 plus prices.
The primary buyer deliveries are anticipated earlier than the tip of 2021, with Australian-delivered automobiles to reach within the final half of 2022.
Bentley has bought 108 automobiles this 12 months, up 18.7 per cent on the identical interval in 2020. The bulk (52) are for the Continental coupe and convertible vary, with 16 Flying Spurs and 40 Bentagyas bought.
