The 2020 Bentley Flying Spur Blackline Edition is different from a regular Flying Spur. Bentley said the Blackline specification is popular among customers of Continental GT. And since 30-percent of all new Conti GT’s sold are Blackline models, the next best thing is to give the all-new Flying Spur a blacked-out treatment as well.
The new Flying Spur is destined for greatness
The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur is slightly longer than the old model. It also has a longer wheelbase, which equates to a smoother ride and more room for rear passengers. It even comes with an innovative 12.3-inch rotating touchscreen placed right smack in the center of the dashboard. But after announcing a First Edition model of the Flying Spur, the British carmaker is now going the opposite way with the new Blackline Edition.
Where the First Edition is festooned with shiny chrome elements, the Blackline Edition takes a stealthier approach. Essentially, all those bright exterior elements are replaced with black trim. This includes the radiator vanes, side window surrounds, matrix grilles, and the lower door bumper blades.
Also receiving the darkened treatment are the door handles, wing vents, exhaust tips, and the front and rear light bezels. Even the legendary Flying B mascot is now rendered in black, which gives the vehicle an aggressive and enduring presence on the road.
It still has a 600-HP W12 engine
The new Bentley Flying Spur is the epitome of grand touring luxury, and it has the power to prove it. Standard on all Flying Spurs is a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 motor producing 626-horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. Power is routed to all four wheels courtesy of a slick eight-speed dual-clutch automatic.
With such a gargantuan powerplant, the Flying Spur rockets from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7-seconds and a top speed of 207 mph. The advanced AWD system is equipped with an electronically-controlled clutch pack that operates in rear-wheel drive under normal driving conditions. This also gives the vehicle the driving feel of a racecar.
But as the system detects slip, it automatically redirects engine torque to the front wheels for better handling and stability. The new Flying Spur may be a proper limousine, but it’s a luxury car you can throw around with nary a complaint.
The Flying Spur also has electronic all-wheel steering
For the first time in a Bentley, the Flying Spur has electronic all-wheel steering. The system turns the rear wheels in the opposite direction to the front at low speeds. This has an effect of reducing the turning circle for easier maneuverability around town and tight parking spaces.
But as you speed up, the system turns the rear wheels in the same direction as the front to provide agile handling. Combined with the Flying Spur’s active AWD and Dynamic Ride suspension (with high-volume air springs and continuous damping control), it’s a car begging to be driven hard despite the posh interior.
The handcrafted cabin is opulence at its finest
The new Bentley Flying Spur also earns the recognition of having the world’s first 3D textured upholstery. Typical of most ultra-luxury cars, Bentley is offering 15 hide colors for the sumptuous leather seats. You can also select from a wide choice of veneers for the dashboard and door sidings, with a dual-veneer option available as well.
Standard equipment on the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur Blackline Edition includes 21-inch five tri-spoke alloy wheels (22-inch Mulliner wheels are optional) and wireless charging. The car is available in 17 standard exterior colors while Bentley will add 13 more paint colors at launch date.
First deliveries of the new Bentley Flying Spur and Blackline Edition are expected to begin early next year. Pricing will be announced at a later date, but Bentley said the Blackline Edition will cost $4,735 more than a regular Flying Spur.
