2025 Bentley Flying Spur

Sit with this idea: Not only has the new 2025 Bentley Flying Spur abandoned its long-serving 12-cylinder engine, but it's also become a full hybrid. The last part isn't new, as the Flying Spur has offered an optional plug-in powertrain since 2022, although in smaller V6 form. But the headline W12 engine has been part of the Flying Spur story for two decades. The new powertrain is a fitting replacement, though, built around a big turbo V8 offering better fuel economy and fewer emissions. (Bentley claims up to 90% less than the outgoing Spur.) What hasn't changed are the Flying Spur's world-class pampering and performance.

The Flying Spur's outgoing W12 engine — essentially two V6s welded together — impressed with staggering power (626 hp) and effortless delivery. That's a tough act to follow, but the new plug-in powertrain that combines a turbocharged V8 with its hybrid componentry is up to the task. It belts out a total of 771 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. In our testing, it took just 3.3 seconds to reach 60 mph. That's about a half-second quicker than the old 12-cylinder. The new Flying Spur proved it can drive more than 40 miles on all-electric power in our testing.

The 2025 Flying Spur's beguiling style, bespoke craftsmanship and blistering performance put it in a rarefied class. The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is a fine alternative, though. It rides like a magic carpet, has Maybach badge credibility, and is even available with a 12-cylinder engine. It doesn't cost exceptionally less than the Bentley, but probably enough to cover the insurance. The top-trim Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid is another more affordable option. It's also a plug-in hybrid with tremendous handling performance but a stiffer ride than the Bentley. If cost is truly no object, the Rolls-Royce Ghost offers all the comfort, luxury and performance as the Flying Spur and decidedly more cachet.

The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur is a large luxury sedan available in Black Edition, Speed and Mulliner trims ("specifications," in Bentley-speak). At the time of writing, only feature details for the Speed and Mulliner are available; details for the entry-level Black Edition are still forthcoming. All trims come with a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 combined with a plug-in hybrid system equipped with a 25.9-kWh battery. Power flows through an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. At the time of this review, only the Speed's specs had been announced, but they are formidable: 771 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque.