Bentley Rewrites Its Future With New Flying Spur Sedan That Breaks The Rules

Like many automakers rethinking their electric ambitions, Bentley is pressing pause on its sprint toward an all-EV lineup. The luxury British marque is stretching its timeline, now aiming for a fully electric range by 2035 instead of the earlier target.

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Instead, the company will continue to produce internal combustion engine vehicles and introduce additional hybrid models to meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements. 

The next-generation Flying Spur sedan will also likely reflect this change in tact, offering hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions. While information surrounding the large Bentley remains limited at this time, we’ve compiled everything we know to date, including a visualized preview of how it may look.

Imposing Presence 

Earlier this year, the British luxury brand unveiled its EXP 15 fastback concept, offering a glimpse into the future design language of its electric vehicles. With that in mind, we expect some of the concept’s less controversial elements to carry over to the next Flying Spur sedan as well. 

Starting at the front, our study features a rectangular version of Bentley’s signature upright grille, accompanied by a colour-coded lattice structure and backlit illumination. Gone are the ovoid themes of old, replaced by slim vertical LED headlamps that emphasise a staunchly geometric and upright appearance.

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The concept’s long bonnet and sloping rear roofline would make the transition into series production, as would the bold shoulder line transitioning into the rear haunches. Frameless windows add a streamlined aesthetic; however, flush door handles don’t make the cut due to expected regulatory changes surrounding safety implications.

At the rear, a slim halo-style OLED taillamp cluster is set within a smooth panel, paired with a minimalist diffuser and active aero elements. A contoured decklid and subtle lip spoiler will cement the go-fast look.

A Sumptuous Interior

The EXP 15 Concept’s cabin is expected to inspire all future Bentley models.

Inside, the cabin will likely mirror that of the EXP 15 (minus the concept’s unusual three-seat layout), empathising analogue luxury with digital finesse. Key features may include a curved windshield that extends into a display roof with adjustable transparency, complemented by a retractable digital headliner for augmented reality overlays. 

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The dashboard could feature a flexible, wing-shaped design with backlit wood veneer and dual OLED displays, alongside tactile knurled controls and haptic surfaces.

Other goodies could include an 87-inch augmented reality head-up display and AI-driven voice assistance. Rear occupants will be greeted with a standard array of premium amenities, including reclining massage seats, ambient lighting, fold-out tables, and modular display pods.

EV and ICE Power

Powertrain-wise, we could see a return of the pure internal combustion engine (ICE) alongside plug-in hybrid (PHEV) and EV variants. The former will use a revised twin-turbo V8 delivering between 600 and 700 horsepower, and over 664 pounds-feet (900 Nm) of torque. 

The PHEV variant is expected to feature a carryover V8 engine and a rear electric motor, both of which are coupled to a 25.9 kWh battery. In this guise, figures exceeding a combined 771 hp and 1,000 Nm (738 lb-ft) of torque are sent to all four wheels via an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Shared with the upcoming Porsche Cayenne electric, the full EV version could produce as much as 1,000 horsepower and utilize a 113 kWh battery pack (with wireless charging), capable of a range of nearly 370 miles (595 km).

Rivals and Reveal

As the Flying Spur competes at the upper echelon of the luxury sedan market, it targets those with trust funds and a penchant for spending. Primary rivals include the more opulent-oriented Rolls-Royce Ghost, and the slightly more mainstream-derived Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, and even Huawei’s new Maextro S800 in China.

Expect more information about the Flying Spur in the coming months as Bentley reveals more of its future strategy. A reveal is anticipated in late 2026 or early 2027. 

What would you love to see on the next Flying Spur? Share your views in the comments below.