Second-Generation Flying Spur Tested in Beijing | Bentley

Bentley Flying Spur

Second-Generation Flying Spur Tested in Beijing

Geneva Motor ShowatWorld Premiereand recentlyunveiled in JapanjustBentleythe new "Flying Spur" four-door saloon. Tatsuya Kushima test drove it in Beijing.

Text by KUSHIMA Tatsuya

Good Things Sell

With the Abenomics effect, the Nikkei average is poised to surpass 15,000 yen, but knowing Bentley's sales figures makes one want to say, "So what?"

Last year, sales in Japan reached 190 units, a 73 percent jump year-on-year. While the base number is small, it feels like this country has a foundation where good things sell, regardless of who leads.

Whether something is "good" can also be seen in global market trends. In 2012, Bentley's worldwide sales were 8,510 units, a 22 percent increase from the previous year. In other words, despite economic anxieties being voiced everywhere, this car is actually selling.

The largest market globally is the United States, with 2,457 units sold. Next is China, recording 2,253 units. The Middle East showed remarkable growth, up 44 percent year-on-year. ...At this point, one notices something: the first and second largest markets are neck and neck.

Perhaps related to this, the international press event for the new Flying Spur was held in Beijing.

The event required a local license, not just an international one, and even a temporary permit, making the procedures quite different from the norm.

Moreover, traffic congestion in the city center exceeded that of Tokyo or London. This raised some doubts about how much of the new model could actually be tested during the event.

However, it was Bentley, and the program proceeded smoothly without a hitch. Journalists from various countries all managed to obtain their licenses and participate in the test drive. The harsh traffic and poor road conditions felt familiar, as if to say, "It's all the same everywhere, isn't it?" and somehow, it worked out.

Bentley Flying Spur

Second-Generation Flying Spur Tested in Beijing (2)

A 625ps Four-Door Saloon? Impressive.

Now, about the new Flying Spur.

The defining characteristic of this car... is its performance. With a maximum output of 625ps and a top speed of 322 km/h, it's truly impressive. This 625ps figure is the same as the "Continental GT Speed." It surpasses the standard "Continental GT's" 575ps by a full 50ps.

So why did they put the engine from a two-door coupe, and specifically the high-performance version, into a four-door saloon? The reason... is none other than the fact that this car sells.

In reality, people who choose this class tend to enjoy both the rear seats and the driver's seat. That's why they opt for a four-door saloon over a two-door coupe.

Rivals includeRolls-RoycetheGhostas well as models from AMG. In that context, 625ps of power becomes a significant advantage. This is true not only for top speed but also for the 0-60 mph acceleration of 4.3 seconds, which is quite enticing. According to the data, the power-to-weight ratio has improved by 14 percent compared to the previous model.

A New Take on a Classic Concept

While the exterior maintains the concept, almost everything has been renewed.

The roofline emphasizes the form more, giving a stronger sense of flow throughout. Furthermore, the body panels seamlessly integrate, creating an impression of unity. In fact, the panel that previously ended at the headlight area now extends seamlessly down to the lower section. Knowing this detail adds a touch of connoisseurship. It allows you to instantly say, "This is apre-facelift model."

The tail lights have changed more than expected, now significantly wider and more horizontal. This is a clear departure from the previous, more square-like design.

The interior, while maintaining the core concept, has been meticulously crafted with over 600 replaced parts. It feels as though the soul has been poured into the details. The tactile feedback from the switches is excellent. The refinement instills a sense of poise in the occupants.

Furthermore, the navigation system now features an updated touchscreen, and the rear entertainment system has been enhanced, showcasing a significant level of detail. This clearly demonstrates their serious commitment to competing in this segment.

Bentley Flying Spur

Second-Generation Flying Spur Tested in Beijing (3)

What About the Driving Evolution?

Let's move on to the impression of actually being behind the wheel.

First, the immediate impression is its quietness. While this is a known strength, the new model has advanced even further. Vibrations from the floor are non-existent, and wind noise through the windows is effectively suppressed. We understand that a significant amount of sound-absorbing material and soundproof glass has been used.

The ride comfort is exceptionally pleasant. The computer-controlled air suspension has been redesigned and improved.

The concept is as follows:

During normal driving, the ride is softened, and when the car's behavior changes, such as during cornering, it stiffens. This allows the driver to respond effectively when they want to push the car. While the computer controls this automatically, it can also be manually set via a switch, with four distinct levels ranging from "sport" to "comfort."

After trying various settings, even in "sport" mode, it's not overly stiff, which is characteristic ofBentley. At this level, simply making it stiffer isn't the only goal.

Bentley Flying Spur

Second-Generation Flying Spur Tested in Beijing (4)

You Can Go Anywhere

Even with the optional 21-inch wheels on the test cars, the ride quality didn't feel like it was on such low-profile tires.

There's little need to elaborate on the engine performance.

The 625ps figure, comparable to the world's leading supercars, isn't something to be taken lightly. With maximum torque generated at 2,000 rpm, a mere touch of the accelerator makes you feel like you can go on forever.

And when you floor it, immense torque is unleashed, pulling the distant scenery closer with exhilarating speed. At this point, you can either enjoy revving the engine to high RPMs with the paddle shifters or let the AT mode handle it. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is seamless from a standstill, and gears 6 and above are so smooth they might as well be overdrives.

The test drive route covered approximately 400 km.

It involved driving north from central Beijing, touching the Great Wall, and returning. My driving partner was the owner of a young Australian luxury magazine, and we agreed on one thing as we reached our destination.

Despite covering a considerable distance, we weren't as tired as we might have expected. Indeed, this must be the essence ofBentley. Their approach to car manufacturing, balancing drivability with comfort, is truly admirable...