The trickle of electrons at Bentley is quickly to come to be a flood, as the automaker prepares to completely electrify its whole lineup by the conclusion of the 10 years. While this is a purpose shared marketplace-extensive, it is a relatively monumental change for Bentley, whose reputation has been described in substantial component by its massive—and thirsty—engines. Therefore the existence of the Traveling Spur Hybrid, a 5600-pound steppingstone placed concerning the shores of individuals gargantuan powertrains and the horizon of full electrification.
As befits this interim function, visible modifications are kept to a minimum amount, with only fender-mounted “Hybrid” badges and a J1772 charging port hid powering a door on the still left rear flank. Distinctive quad oval tailpipes comprehensive the exterior transformation. Inside of, the infotainment and driver screens now function EV-specific readouts. We ended up particularly intrigued by the EV Assortment overlay functionality on the navigation map—a translucent green zone hovers above the vehicle’s place, outlining the boundaries of electric powered driving range. As the battery amount drops, the zone shrinks accordingly. On the middle console, an EV button cycles by the 3 electric generate modes: all-electric powered EV Drive, Hybrid, and Keep, which maintains battery cost to be deployed later on.
The Traveling Spur follows in the footsteps of the Bentayga, which first tiptoed into the hybrid waters back again in 2019 as Bentley’s very first electrified design. Both equally utilize plug-in devices, as the larger sized battery delivers motivation that a regular hybrid are unable to give. Here, the Flying Spur works by using a 410-hp variation of the company 2.9-liter twin-turbo V-6. It truly is the initial 6-cylinder observed underneath the hood of a Bentley sedan in 64 several years. A 134-hp electric powered motor occupies the room among the engine and 8-pace dual-clutch computerized transmission. With a merged output of 536 horsepower and 553 pound-toes of torque, the hybrid powertrain provides figures that are on par with its rowdier 542-hp V-8 big brother.
As a result, the hybrid’s functionality need to also be related, regardless of a few-hundred-pound bodyweight drawback. With both equally motors singing and all 4 wheels pulling, the Flying Spur hybrid should really be ready to get to 60 mph in 4. seconds. (We recorded a 3.5-second time for the Traveling Spur V-8.) Major velocity is confined to 177 mph, as opposed to 198 for the V-8. Though Bentley emphasised that the EV procedure is optimized for city journeys, it also touted the hybrid’s capacity to cruise at speeds up to 80 mph in EV Push manner. Formal numbers have but to be unveiled, but we would estimate the 14.1-kWh battery will provide about 21 miles of variety. Nor are EPA fuel-economy estimates offered, though one particular would hope to see them notch a major gain over the V-8’s 15/20 mpg town/highway quantities.
The joy of electrical thrust lies not in its mechanical voice, but in the absence of it. Bentley touts that the cabin of the hybrid is 50 percent quieter than that of the V-8’s at 50 mph. On its very own, the electric motor creates 295 pound-ft of torque, all of which is accessible from a dead end. It is much more than capable of sustaining the big Bentley’s momentum by way of targeted visitors. When rolling along in EV Drive method, the Traveling Spur Hybrid provides a marvelous glimpse of what an all-electric powered Bentley might be like.
It’s only when you sample Hybrid method that this swish serenity is upended. Prod the accelerator and the V-6 unceremoniously crashes the occasion. Gruff and guttural, the engine’s unrefined character is in total contrast to the rest of the underlying package. We identified its existence to be especially obtrusive when in Hold manner, droning away continually at what amounted to a heightened idle pace. Sometimes, the gasoline motor and electric powered motor jockeyed for situation, ensuing in a quick hiccup as the pc scrambled to make peace involving the two. And a pronounced transition concerning typical and regenerative braking made it complicated to smoothly modulate to a cease.
Preserving the battery charged avoids this morsel of powertrain inelegance. The 7.2-kW onboard charger can absolutely replenish the battery in around two and a half hrs, according to Bentley. We suspect most entrepreneurs will rely on a focused household charger somewhat than great their heels at a general public unit. Which is just as well, as the Flying Spur’s charging-port placement and substantial length make it tough to squeeze into crowded bays, as we learned. Speaking of maneuverability, the Spur’s rear-wheel steering and the 48-volt lively anti-roll bars are not on the alternatives listing, as the bulk of the hybrid factors now occupy the area typically reserved for them.
As a result, you come to feel every bit of the 125.7-inch wheelbase going through turns. Although navigating the twisty canyon roads of the Transverse Ranges just outside the house Ojai, California, we discovered that the hybrid was happiest with a far more deliberate corner entry. Even with the lack of the active anti-roll process, the rest of the chassis however retains the Flying Spur’s inconceivable sense of dexterity, many thanks to the three-chamber air suspension and adaptive dampers. When the street unwinds, the default Bentley generate manner provides a commendable dynamic stability, however it is a bit floatier than we would like. Conversely, the dampers in Activity are a tad far too choppy. We might lobby for a setting that split the distinction. Bentley In addition, perhaps.
In a current survey of its prospects, Bentley found that about fifty percent of them expressed interest in both obtaining a PHEV or EV motor vehicle. But at this juncture, the hybrid model of the Traveling Spur is lacking those people few critical qualities that make the gasoline-driven variants so delightfully participating. For all those early adopters, nevertheless, the hybrid’s tough edges may be a tolerable tradeoff.
Specifications
Requirements
2022 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid
Auto Type: entrance-motor, mid-motor, all-wheel-generate, 4- or 5-passenger, 4-door sedan
Selling price (C/D est)
Foundation: $190,000
POWERTRAIN
twin-turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 24-valve 2.9-liter V-6, 410 hp, 406 lb-ft + AC motor, 134 hp, 295 lb-ft (combined output: 536 hp, 553 lb-ft 14.1-kWh lithium-ion battery pack 7.2-kW onboard charger)
Transmission: 8-velocity twin-clutch automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase: 125.7 in
Length: 209.3 in
Width: 77.9 in
Peak: 58.4 in
Passenger Quantity (C/D est): 104 ft3
Trunk Quantity: 12 ft3
Control Fat (C/D est): 5600 lb
Performance (C/D EST)
60 mph: 4. sec
100 mph: 8.8 sec
1/4-Mile: 12.3 sec
Best Velocity: 177 mph
EPA Gasoline Overall economy (C/D EST)
Mixed/Town/Highway: 20/18/22 mpg
Merged Gasoline + Electrical power: 48 MPGe
EV Vary: 21 mi
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