Grange · Bentley
Flying Spur Speed or S-Class hybrid?
These are two plug-in hybrid luxury saloons with very different centres of gravity. Flying Spur Speed prioritises driver involvement, craftsmanship and 782PS performance; S 580 e Long places more emphasis on electric range, charging flexibility and limousine comfort.
At a glance
- Flying Spur Speed: 782PS, 1,000Nm, 0–60mph in 3.3 seconds and up to 50 miles WLTP electric range.
- S 580 e 4MATIC Long: 524PS, 980Nm, 0–62mph in 5.2 seconds and up to 61 miles electric range on the current UK listing.
- Choose by routine: compare driver engagement, rear-seat use, charging access and individual specification—not badges alone.
The Bentley case: performance without giving up calm
Flying Spur Speed combines a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with an electric motor. Bentley quotes 782PS and 1,000Nm, giving the four-door a 3.3-second 0–60mph time and a 191mph maximum speed.
Its plug-in system can also cover up to 50 miles on electric power under WLTP. That makes the charging habit relevant even when extraordinary performance is the emotional reason to choose it.
Exact derivatives, checked together
- Bentley
- Flying Spur Speed Ultra Performance Hybrid
- Mercedes-Benz
- S 580 e 4MATIC Long AMG Line Premium Plus
- System output
- 782PS / 1,000Nm
- Mercedes system output
- 524PS / 980Nm
- Official electric range
- Up to 50 miles WLTP
- Mercedes electric range
- Up to 61 miles
- Bentley acceleration
- 0–60mph in 3.3 seconds
- Mercedes acceleration
- 0–62mph in 5.2 seconds
Current UK manufacturer information checked 21 October 2026. Bentley pricing is individually configured; Mercedes-Benz listed £130,675 OTR for the exact S 580 e derivative checked. Options, registration and availability can change a quotation.
The Mercedes case: longer electric range and DC charging
Mercedes-Benz quotes a 28.6kWh usable battery, 11kW AC charging and 60kW DC charging for the current S 580 e 4MATIC Long. Its listed 10–80% DC time is 20 minutes under stated conditions.
That makes it easier to replenish away from home than a plug-in hybrid limited to AC charging. Whether it matters depends on your routine: regular home or workplace charging can be more important than an occasional rapid-charge stop.
A Flying Spur designed around the driver
Bentley Performance Active Chassis brings active all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, Bentley Dynamic Ride and twin-valve dampers to the Speed. The result is a luxury saloon whose technology is expressly tied to response and control.
The S-Class answers with 4MATIC all-wheel drive and AIRMATIC air suspension on the exact derivative. Its character is centred more clearly on isolation and effortless travel.
Rear-seat priorities are different
Flying Spur Speed does not turn rear passengers into an afterthought: Bentley uses the same performance-themed colour split and craftsmanship throughout the cabin. The current car is 5,316mm long with a 3,194mm wheelbase.
The S 580 e Long is listed at 5,210mm and five seats, with a 550-litre boot. Bentley quotes 346 litres for the Flying Spur Speed, so carrying requirements deserve an in-person check as well as a rear-seat comparison.
Bentley craftsmanship is a commissioning decision
Speed includes the Blackline Specification and a sporting cabin theme, but it is still a Bentley with extensive personalisation. The current palette includes the full exterior paint range, premium Mulliner paints, 15 primary hide colours and 11 secondary hide colours.
Wood veneers sit alongside technical finishes such as engine-turned aluminium and high-gloss carbon fibre. New piano veneer colours include Gravity Grey, Burnt Oak, Cricket Ball and Imperial Blue.
Details create the whole cabin
The Speed cabin uses Dinamica, 3D leather panels, embroidered seats and performance graphics. These are best judged together under real light, because one isolated swatch cannot show how hide, stitching, veneer and brightware interact.
Grange Bentley can help turn a long options list into a coherent brief: exterior mood, primary and secondary hides, veneer, contrast colour and the surfaces you touch most often.
Controls and sound matter every day
Bentley offers three audio routes: standard Bentley Signature Audio, Bang & Olufsen for Bentley and Naim for Bentley. The Speed also supports native apps through My Bentley App Studio, wireless smartphone integration and connected functions subject to regional availability.
Mercedes-Benz brings the latest S-Class interface and extensive comfort technology. Sit in both cars and repeat common tasks—navigation, audio, climate and rear-seat controls—before deciding which approach feels more natural.
Electric miles only work when you charge
A plug-in hybrid used without regular charging carries its battery without gaining the full benefit of electric running. Check whether your home, workplace or regular destinations make charging convenient.
Bentley provides EV Drive, Hybrid, Hold, Charge and Sport Hold modes. Mercedes adds the practical advantage of DC charging on the exact S 580 e checked. Manufacturer range figures remain test results; temperature, speed, heating and route change real electric mileage.
The clearest choice
Choose Flying Spur Speed when the saloon must feel special from the driver’s seat and the commissioning experience is part of ownership. Choose S 580 e Long when longer quoted electric range, DC charging and a more technology-led limousine brief carry greater weight.
Questions answered
Which has the longer official electric range?
Mercedes-Benz lists up to 61 miles for the current S 580 e 4MATIC Long derivative checked, versus up to 50 miles WLTP for Flying Spur Speed. Real electric range varies.
Can the S 580 e rapid-charge?
Yes. Mercedes-Benz lists 60kW DC charging and a 10–80% time of 20 minutes under stated conditions for the exact derivative.
Is Flying Spur Speed faster?
On the manufacturer figures, yes: Bentley quotes 0–60mph in 3.3 seconds, while Mercedes-Benz lists 0–62mph in 5.2 seconds for S 580 e 4MATIC Long.
Can Grange help commission a Flying Spur?
Yes. Grange Bentley can help develop the exterior, hide, veneer and equipment brief, then provide a quotation for the resulting specification.
Commission your Flying Spur with Grange Bentley
Explore the current Flying Spur Speed with a Grange Bentley specialist. Discuss your driving routine, rear-seat priorities and charging access before refining the individual materials and equipment.
Sources checked: 21 October 2026. Bentley Flying Spur Speed · Mercedes-Benz UK S-Class · Mercedes-Benz 2026 S-Class media · Grange Flying Spur.
Manufacturer figures use different acceleration conventions and test conditions. Photography can show optional equipment. Confirm the exact UK derivative, price, specification, charging hardware and availability with the relevant retailer.