The Zenith of Serenity: A Review of the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Azure

The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Azure is not merely a motorcar; it is a meticulously engineered sanctuary on wheels, representing the pinnacle of Bentley's commitment to opulent comfort and driver-focused wellness. Positioned as the most comfort- and refinement-oriented model in the Flying Spur lineup sitting alongside the performance-focused Speed and the all-encompassing Mulliner the Azure variant for the 2025 model year perfectly encapsulates the 'Grand Touring' philosophy. It is a car designed for those who value the journey as much as the destination, providing a driving experience that is as invigorating as it is utterly tranquil.

The Electrified Heart: High Performance Hybrid Powertrain

The most significant change for the 2025 Flying Spur range is the complete shift to electrified V8 powertrains, retiring the iconic W12 engine. The Azure, specifically, is powered by the High Performance Hybrid system. This masterful pairing of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine with a potent electric motor delivers a combined output of 671 horsepower (680 PS) and a formidable 686 lb-ft (930 Nm) of torque.

While this is the lower-output hybrid system compared to the Speed’s Ultra Performance Hybrid, its performance is anything but lacking. The Azure launches from 0 to 60 mph in a blistering 3.8 seconds and can reach a top speed of 168 mph. Crucially, the hybrid integration is seamless, offering the instant, silent torque of the electric motor—especially valuable in city driving—before the magnificent V8 chimes in with a beautifully refined roar when pushed. This dual-nature allows the Flying Spur Azure to function as a near-silent electric cruiser for up to an estimated 50 miles (80 km) in EV Drive mode, transforming effortlessly into a continent-crushing Grand Tourer with virtually limitless power reserves. The effortless nature of this power delivery is the true marker of Bentley luxury.

Engineering for Elegance and Ease

The Flying Spur’s already sublime chassis has been further refined for the Azure, focusing on passenger and driver wellbeing. The all-new twin-valve adaptive dampers for the two-chamber air suspension system represent a generational leap in ride comfort. In Comfort mode, the Azure glides over road imperfections with an astonishing level of isolation, making the ride even more plush than its predecessors. Yet, when switched to Sport mode, the new dampers firm up noticeably, working in concert with the Electronic All Wheel Steering and Bentley Dynamic Ride (48-volt active anti-roll system) to deliver a surprising degree of agility and poise. The all-wheel steering, in particular, significantly reduces the turning circle, making this enormous luxury saloon feel remarkably nimble in urban environments. The combination truly bridges the gap between a limousine and a sports sedan, with the Azure leaning distinctly toward the refined, cossetting end of the spectrum.

The Azure Sanctuary: Interior Wellness

The ‘Azure’ designation signifies a commitment to occupant wellness, and it is in the cabin where this model truly distinguishes itself. The interior is an uncompromised masterpiece of hand-stitched leather, high-gloss or open-pore veneers, and delicate metal accents. The Azure comes standard with the Front & Rear Comfort Specification, a focal point of its wellness ethos.

Key to this is the Wellness Seating technology, which includes Postural Adjust and Seat Auto Climate. The Postural Adjust feature uses imperceptible adjustments via air pockets in the seats to constantly vary muscle pressure, significantly reducing fatigue on long journeys—a thoughtful touch for the Grand Tourer. The Seat Auto Climate system intelligently manages heating and ventilation based on surface temperature and humidity, ensuring optimal comfort at all times. All four outboard seats feature a six-setting massage function, heating, and ventilation, affirming the Flying Spur Azure as a car equally dedicated to the pleasure of the rear passenger and the driver.

A standard panoramic glass sunroof floods the cabin with natural light, further enhancing the sense of space and tranquility, while the inclusion of the enhanced air conditioning system—which actively monitors and filters harmful particles—guarantees a pristine, comfortable atmosphere. Exterior cues that set the Azure apart include a distinctive vertical-vaned chrome front grille and exclusive badging, completing its elegant, comfort-focused aesthetic.

Technology: Integrated, Not Invasive

Bentley’s approach to technology remains commendably human-centric. While the Flying Spur features a wealth of advanced systems, they are elegantly integrated, avoiding the cold, screen-dominated cabins of some rivals. The central 12.3-inch high-resolution touchscreen remains the hub, but essential controls for climate and driving dynamics are wisely kept as tactile, physical buttons. New for 2025 are standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and the optional My Bentley App Studio allows curated apps to be installed directly onto the infotainment system, pulling vehicle data for enhanced functionality. Driver-assistance features, including Adaptive Cruise Assist, Blind Spot Warning, and the 3D Surround View camera, are comprehensive, supporting the driver without being intrusive.

Conclusion

The 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Azure is a profound statement on what true modern luxury should be. It successfully marries a new-generation, immensely capable High Performance Hybrid powertrain with a chassis tuned for ultimate comfort and a cabin dedicated to the wellness of its occupants. While its sibling, the Speed, offers a raw, thrilling edge, the Azure is the model that captures the essence of the Bentley experience: effortless power, serene refinement, and peerless hand-craftsmanship. Its subtle exterior design, focused on bright chrome and elegant details, speaks to a buyer who prefers sophistication over showiness.

In a market increasingly saturated with high-performance SUVs and all-electric monoliths, the Flying Spur Azure stands out as the quintessential modern luxury saloon—a rare vehicle that allows the driver to feel utterly connected to the road one moment, and completely isolated from the world's stresses the next. It is, quite simply, the zenith of serenity in the luxury class.