Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Second Facelift for Bentley Flying Spur
The current Bentley Flying Spur is in its third generation. It hit the assembly line back in 2019, with Stefan Sielaff, the man who left his mark on the 2017 Audi A7, the Mercedes CLS, the Audi Quattro Spyder and numerous Zeekr models, signing the design. Beneath the skin lies the Volkswagen Group's aging MSB platform, which is the foundation of the G2 and G3 Porsche Panamera and the third- and fourth-generation Continental.
Thus, one might think that because this model is no longer exactly new and has started showing its age, the company would be preparing an entirely new generation. Moreover, Bentley gave the Flying Spur a mid-cycle refresh in the second half of 2024. Nonetheless, the British automaker plans to milk its current flagship sedan for as long as possible. As a result, a second facelift is now in the works, and this was the version recently spied in action at the Nürburgring.
At first glance, this prototype looks quite ordinary, but as usual, the devil is in the details. As our spy photographer noted, there are entirely new headlights on deck, which look very similar to those of the latest Continental, though they are partially covered in stickers meant to replicate the look of the current clusters.
The grille appears to retain its size, but the pattern is new, and the front bumper also appears to be entirely new. It is home to a very wide intake on the lower end and a pair of vents below the headlights. The Flying B mascot still decorates the car's nose. The real taillights are hidden beneath more stickers at the other end, and the rear bumper and elegant skirt beneath it are likely new as well.
The interior of this Bentley Flying Spur appears to be under wraps, suggesting that more updates are coming here. It's not clear yet what the company has prepared for the cockpit of this latest iteration of its flagship sedan, but new dual screens, or at least new software, would be a good guess. Still, the cabin will most likely retain its elegant overall look, and the rotating display in the middle of the dashboard should remain.
Bentley's upcoming Flying Spur could also feature some revisions beneath the skin in order to improve certain aspects, including overall comfort, and maybe some updates in the powertrain department. However, do not expect any drastic changes in these areas, as the automaker wants to play it safe with its revised flagship sedan so this model can continue taking on the likes of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the Rolls-Royce Ghost, two of its biggest rivals in the segment.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV Evokes Coachbuilt Classics
The all-new, all-electric Rolls-Royce Cullinan EV will come with a two-piece hood opening, evoking the coachbuilt classics that an electric SUV with a Spirit of Ecstasy mascot seems, on paper, so far removed from. Since Goodwood can't impress buyers with cylinder count, Rolls-Royce will instead create spectacle with the body, as nothing else on the planet has such a setup. Sure, it'll be less practical than a regular hood opening, but when the bellhops extract your luggage outside the Four Seasons, even Bugatti owners will be forced to take a look.
With such a unique front end—which still incorporates a retractable and potentially illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy figurine to prevent customers from rioting—the Rolls-Royce electric SUV will surely beat the upcoming Bentley Barnato electric SUV for theater, and if you're going to buy a six-figure EV, it ought to feel special. Of course, while this particular hood opening has already been revealed in a patent, there's no guarantee that it will necessarily conceal the owner's everyday Hermès bags.
Like the Boat Tail, it's quite possible that this front storage area could be filled with whatever the customer decides: fitted luggage, glassware and beverages, picnic baskets or anything else. In fact, that's a distinct possibility because of what Goodwood said some weeks ago, words that automotive historians of the future will take note of.
Rolls-Royce recently announced the Coachbuilt Collection, a series of ultra-exclusive creations for the highest echelons of its customer base, allowing the imaginations of the ultra-wealthy to run wild with effectively no limits on customization possibilities. What makes this relevant here is that the automaker also said the first creation from this program will be electric. Of course, something with two doors based on the Spectre seems more predictable, and this prototype's Cullinan-like shape isn't all that remarkable, but perhaps plenty of this vehicle's design is being hidden well by the camouflage.
Reportedly built on the Architecture of Luxury platform that underpins every current Rolls-Royce product, but with new BMW EV technology (which likely means Rimac technology), this SUV is expected to be capable of close to 404 miles of range, if not a little more. That should be plenty for the well-heeled city dwellers this is aimed at, and they'll be able to wow onlookers with the two-piece opening hood hands-free, as this and the tailgate are expected to be voice-activated, among other features. With this hood now evident and most of the other bodywork looking finished, we expect more vinyl camouflage to be peeled off soon, with a reveal before the end of the year.
