• The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur lineup is adding a new S model that aims to prioritize driving pleasure.
  • Its exterior is distinguished by gloss-black trim, and its two-tone interior includes S-specific touches.
  • The Flying Spur S comes with a 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 or a 536-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrain.

For Bentley customers who don't just want to ride in the back seat, the newly introduced 2023 Flying Spur S will be right up their alley. Its available 542-hp twin-turbo V-8 and 536-hp plug-in-hybrid powertrains are the same as those found on other Flying Spurs, and this marks the first time an S-badged Bentley is offered as a hybrid.

The Flying Spur S can be identified by the absence of exterior chrome. Instead, its big body boasts lots of gloss black on the grille, lower front fascia, mirror caps, and window trim. The headlights and taillights also receive dark tints that contribute to the sinister style. The only chrome bits that remain are the Bentley badge and lettering on the trunk lid.

2023 bentley flying spur sView Photos
Bentley

The Flying Spur S can be fitted with several different wheels, all unique to this model. The choices include a set of tri-spoke 21-inch wheels with gloss-black and machined surfaces. There's also a set of 22-inchers that can be had in gloss black (pictured here) or in Pale Brodgar satin. Regardless of rim type, every version has red-painted brake calipers. Plus, the Flying Spur S comes standard with rear-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars, also known as Bentley Dynamic Ride.

Inside, the Flying Spur S is available in two-tone color schemes that combine leather and a faux-suede material. Its seats can be optioned with quilting, and the standard "S" embroidery on the headrests can be replaced with Bentley's winged logo at no extra cost. Other S-specific touches that appear throughout the cabin include special illuminated sill plates, a metal "S" badge on the dash panel, and digital gauges that share a motorsport-inspired look that's also seen on the Bentley Continental GT Speed.

For those who want the quickest version of the Flying Spur S, the twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with 542 horsepower and 569 pound-feet of torque is the ideal engine. It comes standard with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic and all-wheel drive, and a 2021 Flying Spur we tested hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds. Bentley also says the V-8 model has a top speed of 198 mph. As part of the S treatment, it features a different exhaust system for a sportier soundtrack than drivers will otherwise find. Bentley's 626-hp W-12 engine is not available in the S model won't find.

Although it doesn't sound as intimidating as the V-8, and its top speed is limited to 177 mph, the plug-in-hybrid variant's 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet are properly prodigious. Unlike the V-8, it'll provide an estimated 21 miles of electric-only range. Bentley says the PHEV S also has "ingenious sound enhancements" under the hood that are intended to stimulate the driver when Sport mode is engaged but still keep things quieter in the back seat.

The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur S with the V-8 is expected to have a price tag in the neighborhood of $245,000. We expect the plug-in-hybrid version to start at about $243k.

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Eric Stafford
Senior Editor

Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.