SEOUL, Sept. 12 (Korea Bizwire) – Bentley, the British luxury automaker, has launched the fourth generation of its flagship sedan, the Flying Spur, in South Korea, choosing the country for the model’s global premiere.
On September 11, Bentley Motors Korea held a media launch event at the Bentley Tower in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, to introduce the latest iteration of the Flying Spur. This marks the first time the physical model has been revealed anywhere in the world.
The Flying Spur has been a staple in Bentley’s Korean lineup since the brand entered the market in 2006, with second and third generations following in 2013 and 2019, respectively.
As of last month, it accounted for about half of Bentley’s total sales in Korea, with 2,242 units sold. It stands as the only sedan priced over 300 million won to surpass cumulative sales of 2,000 units in the country.
Bentley Korea is initially launching the high-performance Speed lineup of the fourth-generation Flying Spur, with plans to introduce the luxury Mulliner lineup later. This marks the return of the Flying Spur Speed to the Korean market after an 11-year hiatus.
The new Flying Spur features a plug-in hybrid powertrain, combining a new 4.0L V8 engine producing 600 horsepower with an electric motor. This next-generation hybrid system increases output while reducing carbon emissions.
The vehicle boasts a maximum output of 782 horsepower and a peak torque of 102.05 kg·m. Compared to its predecessor, this represents a 19% increase in maximum output and an 11% improvement in peak torque, making it the most powerful four-door model in Bentley’s history.
The new Flying Spur accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than its predecessor, and has a top speed of 285 km/h.
In electric vehicle (EV) mode, the car produces a maximum output of 190 horsepower and a peak torque of 45.8 kg·m, with a top speed of 140 km/h. It is equipped with a 25.9 kWh Samsung SDI battery, allowing for a range of up to 76 km in EV mode according to European (WLTP) standards.
When combined with the V8 engine, the maximum driving range extends to 829 km. Korean certification is still in progress.
The vehicle incorporates Bentley’s next-generation performance active chassis as standard, which the company says boosts performance and handling while improving ride comfort.
Design elements unique to Bentley’s Speed DNA are evident throughout, including a newly designed Speed-exclusive radiator grille, front bumper, and rear diffuser, adding to the car’s dynamic appearance.
The interior features 3D diamond leather finishing crafted by British artisans and incorporates Bentley’s Rotating Display technology, allowing drivers to switch between a 12.3-inch high-resolution monitor and three analog dials.
Christian Schlick, the head of Bentley Korea, expressed pride in introducing the new Flying Spur to the Korean market first, emphasizing Korea’s importance as a key market for Bentley.
Regarding the company’s electrification strategy amid the global drop in demand for electric vehicles, Schlick stated, “We are progressing well according to our original plan and will definitely introduce a fully electrified model by 2026 or 2027. Overall, we will strive to achieve carbon neutrality across the entire value chain.”
Kevin Lee (kevinlee@koreabizwire.com)