Bentley is testing its upcoming Flying Spur in Scandinavia before the car is launched in 2019 as its latest answer to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
The new four-door, which is larger and more expensive than the S-Class but smaller and less extravagant than the Rolls-Royce Ghost in the ultra-luxury saloon segment, will share much of its technical make-up with the upcoming Continental GT.
That means it will be built on the same Porsche-developed MSB platform, bringing with it large improvements to structural rigidity and insulation, but the Flying Spur will trade sporting performance for ride comfort.
Bentley was involved in the MSB’s development from the very beginning, so its requirements to enable maximum ride comfort – more than any Porsche model needs to offer – will have been designed into the structure from the off.
As the GT has demonstrated with its big stride forward in ride quality, the Flying Spur is expected to deal with bumps and undulations with even more confidence than its good-riding predecessor.
Much of this will be possible thanks to the car’s high-tech anti-roll system, which is based on air suspension and can effectively eliminate unwanted body roll while also providing enhanced composure over rough surfaces. The active tech is based on the structure’s 48V electrical system.
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The new and larger underpinnings will also provide more room inside, particularly for rear passengers. The focus on the rear segment is clear with the Flying Spur’s large back doors, which provide easy access and also emphasise the leg room on offer – clear to see on the test car.
