We previously spotted Bentley testing a plug-in hybrid version of its flagship Flying Spur sedan, and now the car has officially made its debut. Introducing the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid, the next step in Bentley's Beyond100 strategy that involves going all-electric by 2030. As a half-step towards an all-electric future, the Flying Spur Hybrid employs a 2.9-liter twin-turbocharged V6 engine developing 410 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. This engine differs from the less potent 3.0-liter unit used in the Bentayga Hybrid and is shared with several Audi and Porsche models.

Combined with a powerful electric motor mated to a 14.1-kWh lithium-ion battery, the Flying Spur Hybrid produces a total of 536 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque (95 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the Bentayga Hybrid). Bentley says the Flying Spur Hybrid hits 60 mph in 4.1 seconds, just a tenth behind the V8 model, and onto a 177 mph top speed, 21 mph slower than the V8.

Where the hybrid loses in raw speed, it makes up for in efficiency. Bentley claims this model will offer significantly lower CO2 emissions and fuel consumption (pending certification) and a 700-kilometer (435-mile) driving range when fully charged and fueled. On electric power alone, it will travel 40 kilometers (around 25 miles) on the WLTP testing cycle.

On the exterior, the Flying Spur Hybrid looks nearly identical to its V8 and W12 counterparts. The only visual changes include a subtle "Hybrid" badge on the front fenders a charging port door on the left rear fender, and quad oval tailpipes.

There are a few more changes inside, where the luxurious cabin now gives more information about battery consumption in the instrument cluster. The Flying Spur's standard stop-start button is replaced by a new controller for the E modes, including EV Drive, Hybrid Mode, and Hold Mode. In Hold Mode, the car will keep the battery charged for later use.

Using the Porsche-developed 2.9-liter V6 rather than the more pedestrian Audi-built 3.0-liter, Bentley ensured the Flying Spur Hybrid would feel more special than the Bentayga. In the future, we predict the company could borrow from Porsche once again with the 680-hp plug-in hybrid V8 drivetrain out of the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid.

Pricing for the 2022 Bentley Flying Spur Hybrid starts at $204,000 (excluding destination). Unlike other Bentley models, the Flying Spur Hybrid won't get hit with a gas guzzler tax.