Bentley Flying Spur S Hybrid

FIRST DRIVE How well does hybrid limo blend efficiency and luxury? We drive it in the UK to find out

- Steve Fowler

BENTLEY is taking a step-by-step approach towards electrification, with the Flying Spur saloon the latest to get the plug-in hybrid treatment, and we've driven it in the UK for the first time.

Electrification suits a Bentley. You get the balance of swift, silent electric progress (for up to 25.5 miles on a full charge) with V6 petrol and electric power combined when you want a bit of performance.

In fact, it's more than just a bit of performance, given that 536bhp will get the Flying Spur from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds, only 0.1 seconds behind the V8.

As for economy, the Hybrid delivers a claimed 85.6mpg versus 22.2mpg for the V8. In the real world the savings will be less marked (we managed more than 30mpg), but the temptation of substantial company car tax savings will sway business buyers.

And there are more reasons than ever to buy a Bentley - this is a company whose cars are just getting better and better. The rear doors swing open to present luxurious and spacious rear seats, with the quality of everything you see and touch as good as anything you'll find anywhere else.