The Bentley Flying Spur is an impressive-looking and exceedingly well-crafted four-door luxury saloon with a dazzling array of personalisation options and some very serious performance. Our most recent encounter with this model came at the international launch of the 2024 update, which introduced the latest Flying Spur Speed. Powered by a new Ultra Performance Hybrid system, this is one of the best luxury hybrids you can buy.

Visually, there’s not much difference between the 2024 version and the Flying Spur that was launched in 2019. You won’t hear us complaining, for this Bentley is one of the most elegantly styled large cars on the market, disguising its extravagant 5.3m length with aplomb. However, the subtly tweaked grille and bumpers rather belie the extent of the changes beneath the surface here – this may not look like a significant facelift but Bentley has updated a great deal of the Flying Spur underneath.

The biggest overhaul is under the bonnet. Where previously the firm offered a choice of fantabulous 635hp 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, engaging 550hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, and (comparatively) underwhelming 536hp V6 plug-in hybrid, buyers in 2025 are limited to the new V8 plug-in hybrid variant we’ve been driving (in Arizona, of all places).

We say limited, but in reality this is the best of all worlds for the Flying Spur. Using the same powertrain as the 2024 Continental GT, it features a new-to-Bentley 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and an upgraded electric motor and battery pack to provide a superlative 782hp and 1,000Nm of torque (pulling power). Not to mention an increased electric-only driving range of 47 miles (WLTP) and an official CO2 figure of just 33g/km. On some journeys we managed over 40mpg.

Since installing this meant replacing much of the electrical architecture, Bentley has also taken the opportunity to upgrade a number of sensors and renew the infotainment system, enhancing the Flying Spur’s modernity closer to the cutting edge. At the same time it’s also made changes to the chassis, where new two-chamber air springs and dual valve dampers succeed at delivering an enhanced driving experience, aided by recalibrated four-wheel drive, four-wheel steering and active anti-roll technology.

On the inside there’s a new Precision Diamond finish to the upholstery and the option of Wellness seating for all four passengers. This not only regulates occupants’ temperature via built-in heating and cooling elements, it can also perform small seat cushion adjustments as you drive to reduce fatigue.

The £226,500 Flying Spur Speed we’ve been testing will be joined by a more expensive Mulliner version in time. This has a more traditional look, with shiny chrome exterior detailing in place of the ‘dark-tint’ brightwork and sporty bodykit of the Speed variant, and is also promised to come with ‘nearly every option ticked’. This might well make it great value for money, because even at the amount the Speed costs there are a number of very tempting items – including the Wellness seating – that require extra outlay.

Direct rivals for the Flying Spur are a little tricky. The nearest alternative is the Rolls-Royce Ghost, but that doesn’t offer the same level of driver satisfaction. There’s VW Group hardware below those Bentley curves – the platform and much of the technology was co-developed with Porsche – so you might also consider the Audi A8 or the Porsche Panamera, perhaps even the Porsche Taycan. But none of these really have the same level of prestige. It’s a similar story with other lesser limos, including the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS. But then, the Bentley costs much more.

Read on to find out everything you need to know about the Bentley Flying Spur including its practicality, its interior quality, what it’s like to drive – info on how we test cars is provided elsewhere. Finally, our verdict will reveal whether we recommend buying one.