WORDS: Derek Powell
IMAGERY: James Lipman

The filmmaker David Lynch once remarked, “I arrived in LA at night, so it wasn’t until the next morning that I saw this light. And it thrilled my soul.” It is hard to describe the light of Los Angeles until you witness it for yourself. Warm and golden, it imbues the atmosphere like a secret, instilling a sense of optimism into every surface it bathes. A feeling of exclusivity that is nonetheless shared with everyone who lives here.

In a way, the Flying Spur Hybrid marks a similar passage of reinvention for Bentley. Who can forget their first time experiencing the glorious roar of a turbocharged V8 or W12, summarily pressed into the seat by its sea of torque. While these sensorial associations may be changing as electrification ultimately replaces these illustrious engines, the immutable tenets of Bentley remain steadfast. The knowledge that when you are behind the wheel you are driving something incredible. Sustainability, it would seem, is the mother of reinvention.

CITY IN MOTION
I begin down Rodeo Drive at daybreak, the sun emerging to illuminate the row of sparkling storefronts with its bespoke light. In a few hours, it will be a hub of activity. Sidewalks teeming with high-end shoppers and wide-eyed tourists. A constant parade of exotic sheet metal competing for attention – and for parking. Beverly Hills socialites observing it all from behind sunglasses. But for the moment, it is quiet. It is all mine.

Wilshire Boulevard is the main east-west artery that runs through Beverly Hills, and it has the distinction of being one of the first streets to connect the heart of downtown with the Pacific Ocean. But which way should I go? Each one opens up a huge number of options. Choosing a direction is tantamount to settling upon one of the Flying Spur’s 56 billion possible customization options. Ultimately, I choose east to the city center. The coastline can wait until the next adventure.

Along the way, I decide to drop south to the freeway to save some time – and to go a little faster. Traffic is light, so I take the opportunity to dig fully into the Bentley’s muscle. The engine purrs to life with a judicious prod of the accelerator, and the car leaps forward without hesitation. It is every bit as quick as you would expect. From EV Drive mode, I can switch to Hybrid mode, where the combined power is on tap. Or I can engage Hold mode, which keeps a battery charge in reserve for when I need it. Regardless of which one I choose, there’s no question that this Bentley moves ahead with absolute authority.

SUNSET STRETCH
A renewed sense of vitality has proliferated through downtown in the past few years. Near the river, the Arts District has blossomed into a hub of culture and creativity. Here, you will find a dozen cuisine options from the most adventurous chefs, all within a minute of each other. Driving through in the golden afternoon hour, there is an energy reverberating through the repurposed factory buildings full of boutiques and galleries. Though its popularity has skyrocketed, the neighborhood still feels like a hidden gem to me.

As twilight nears, I chart a course for one of the best vantage points in the city at the top of Elysian Park. As I reach the peak, I look past the Flying Spur’s long, elegant prow to the twinkling skyline in the distance. I know that tomorrow will bring a slightly different city; another deliberate shift of reinvention. But the light will once again be there in the morning.

Find your Flying Spur