Bentley’s Flying Spur travels ‘coast to coast’ across US on electric power

Bentley’s Flying Spur Hybrid covered over 3,000 miles on electric power as part of a six-day demonstration of the new plug-in hybrid saloon.

Over six days in January, a combined fleet of nine Flying Spur Hybrids covered 10,500 miles over six days, of which 3,000 miles were on electric power – equivalent to driving across the United States from coast to coast. Compared to a Flying Spur V8, each car saved three gallons of fuel each day.

Almost 100 media guests and experts from around the global had the opportunity to experience the new Flying Spur Hybrid in California and drove an impressive number of miles on battery power alone.

From Beverly Hills through the scenery of the Ojai mountains to the coast of Santa Barbara, the fleet of Flying Spur Hybrids amassed data – downloaded every day from the car’s built-in statistics – showing that 30% of their usage was with the engine off.

Over a varied 194-mile route of 50% highway, 44% country roads and 6% urban driving, the Flying Spur Hybrid’s Intelligent Navigation System calculated the best possible use of battery energy for maximum efficiency, deliberately retaining charge for when it would be needed most – in urban environments, on slower roads and in traffic.

In a recent Bentley research study, 70% of customers identified the top purchase reason of a hybrid was due to environmental friendliness, with 98% driving daily in EV mode and 83% also charging their vehicle daily.

The new powertrain of the Flying Spur Hybrid combines a 2.9-litre V6 petrol engine with an advanced electric motor, delivering a total of 536 bhp (544 PS) and 750 Nm (553 lb.ft) of torque – an additional 95 bhp in comparison to the Bentayga Hybrid.

The electronic motor is located between the transmission and the engine and provides up to 134 bhp (136 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb.ft) of torque. The permanent magnet synchronous motor delivers full torque instantly for silent acceleration from standing start.

The E-motor is powered by a 18.9 kWh lithium ion battery and can be charged to 100% in as little as two and a half hours. The power electronics convert the energy stored from the high voltage battery to supply the E-Motor or supplement the existing 12v vehicle electrical infrastructure.