Bentley announced the launch of a new trim level for the V8 version of the Flying Spur luxury saloon. Called Bentley Flying Spur Beluga, the new model comes with a host of cosmetic changes and upgraded equipment which, according to Bentley, give the “a more athletic stance and purposeful visual appeal.”

The main features of Bentley Flying Spur Beluga on the outside include exclusive 20” Black and Bright machined alloy wheels, a gloss black radiator matrix and a body-coloured lower grille bar. Inside the cabin you get piano black veneer, knurled gear shift paddles, contrast stitching to the luxurious seats and steering wheel as well as deep pile floor mats and boot carpet with contrasting leather binding.

But if that’s not enough luxury for you, the Beluga specification can also be ordered with Mulliner Driving trim, adding diamond quilted hides, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals and an indented hide headlining, as well as 21” 6-spoke Extrovert wheels.

As mentioned, Bentley Flying Spur Beluga is only available with the V8 engine, a 4.0-litre, twin-turbo unit with 500 horsepower which takes the big saloon from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.9 seconds (0-100km/h in 5.2 seconds) and is frugal enough to cover a distance of 500 miles on one tank of fuel. Mind you, the Flying Spur has a pretty big tank. Pricing for the new Bentley will be announced closer to launch in autumn.