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With its new hybrid variant, the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur S takes a darker approach to the luxury sedan.

Bentley added the S range to its Continental GT and GTC models recently. Now, the Flying Spur is now getting the same attention. This vehicle, known as the Flying Spur S, completes Bentley’s S family of driver-focused variants. The S model, according to Bentley, “amplifies the most engaging Bentley four-door to date.” Over the standard Flying Spur, the S model adds a slew of new features. The 'S' trim gives the car more dynamic capabilities, a more dramatic visual presence, and “heightened auditory drama.”

Bentley's customers who don’t just want to ride in the back seat need not worry. The recently released 2023 Flying Spur S could be right up their style. It boasts the same drivetrains as the other Flying Spurs. Those are a 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 and a 536-hp plug-in hybrid. It’s also the first Bentley S-badged hybrid. The new S model range will make its debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in West Sussex, England, on June 23-26.

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But it’s what’s under the hood of the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur S that’s the most exciting. The Flying Spur S does not have a twin-turbo W12 engine, which is available on the normal Flying Spur. A twin-turbocharged 4.0L V8 or a twin-turbocharged 2.9L V6 hybrid system will be available in the S versions. The hybrid gets a single electric motor to help the engine. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 makes 542 horsepower and 569 pound-feet of torque. It’s the ideal choice for people who need the fastest version of the Flying Spur S. It comes with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard equipment. It’s got a top speed of 198 MPH after sprinting from 0 to 62 MPH in 4.0 seconds.

The 2023 Flying Spur S is the first Bentley S model to include a hybrid drivetrain. This hybrid system generates 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque. At 4.1 seconds, the 0-62 mph run is one-tenth of a second slower. The Flying Spur Hybrid S’s top speed is 177 mph, and its hybrid system provides a 26-mile EV-only range. Accoridng to the WLTP cycle, the Flying Spur Hybrid S is by far the most fuel-efficient Bentley yet.

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The Bentley saloon is one of the most elegant automobiles available. However, the new Flying Spur S appears to be agile and quick. The absence of chrome is the most notable departure from the rest of the collection. The outgoing Bentley had a lot of gleaming components, such as the grille and window trim. In the new one, most of them get a gloss black treatment. Bentley has tinted the front and rear lighting in a dark tone.

The Flying Spur S comes with new 22-inch wheels in a glossy black finish with a five-spoke design in the shape of a “Y,”. But you can also have them in a new satin finish dubbed Pale Brodgar as an alternative. If these wheels do not appeal to you, you can choose from a variety of 21-inch wheels. These wheels have a three-spoke design that mixes glossy black and machined finishes. In any scenario, the brake calipers hidden beneath the wheels have a red paint job. It serves as a reminder that this is a vehicle that wants to be in the spotlight rather than in the shadows.

Other technical enhancements include Bentley Dynamic Ride, and the brand’s active anti-roll bars that smooth the ride. The Flying Spur S also includes all-wheel steering. It allows the rear wheels to turn up to 4.2 degrees in the opposite direction of the front wheels. For the V8 engine, there’s also an exhaust with a sportier look. The ‘Sport’ driving mode doesn’t give the hybrid version mechanical aids. It will only get sound enhancements through the speakers.

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The Flying Spur’s roomy interior features the best natural materials and superb attention to detail. It is sumptuous, as one would expect from a Bentley saloon. The upholstery pattern on the Flying Spur S is unique. Its 4+1 seating configuration features an eye-catching mix of primary and secondary hides. These hides reflect the car’s athletic personality.

Customers can choose from a variety of performance-oriented two-tone color splits. Produced in Crewe’s leather studio using a mixture of smooth hide and soft-napped Dinamica for the interior of the Bentley Flying Spur S. The latter is a suede-like microfiber fabric. Although it differs from Alcantara, it has a similar appearance when both materials are brand new. Quilting is optional on the seats, which have a fluted design. The Continental GT Speed’s visuals are also featured in the instrument cluster. They embroidered the Bentley logo on the headrests. Other new features include a driver’s gauge with motorsport-inspired graphics. There’s a metal “S” insignia on the dashboard and illuminated tread plates.

There are 12 single veneers to pick from, as well as 15 hide colors in single-tone or duo-tone combinations. Users can personalize the interior of their Flying Spur with matching or contrasting stitching. Customizations include hand-cross stitching, seat piping, and changeable accent lighting. Thus, users can create a totally unique aesthetic.

Monish Mandavra grew up surrounded by Indian car culture and likes anything on wheels, but especially loves Japanese cars and classic vehicles. When he is not writing or working, he is either playing video games or headed towards the gym.