In late April, the Indian government issued a draft proposal to use higher ethanol-blended fuels beyond E20 (which has been implemented since 2025), aiming for E85 and E100. This initiative would allow vehicles to run on nearly pure ethanol, according to Reuters.

While this process still requires time for implementation and coordination among authorities and automakers, the fact that some car models have been capable of using both regular gasoline and E85 biofuel for over a decade has garnered attention.

According to Cartoq, a video showcasing a 13-year-old Bentley Flying Spur undergoing maintenance was shared on Instagram by Mechanix Automotive, an automotive service and maintenance center in Pune, India. The presenter highlighted that this 2013 Bentley Flying Spur luxury sedan, despite its age, is still capable of running on E85 fuel. He also noted that the car had arrived at their shop for comprehensive maintenance.

A 2013 Bentley Flying Spur (left) and fuel usage information from the car's owner's manual, which specifies RON 98, RON 95, or E85 gasoline. Photo: Mechanix Automotive

The presenter emphasized the plan to replace all filters, including the air conditioning and cabin filters, and to change the engine oil. He then pointed out two unique aspects of the 13-year-old Bentley: it requires about 12 liters of engine oil, three times more than any standard car, and its owner's manual states the car is compatible with E85 fuel.

The car featured in the video is a 2013 Bentley Flying Spur, equipped with a 6-liter W12 engine producing 616 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque. It features an 8-speed automatic transmission and an all-wheel drive system.

However, the Flying Spur was not Bentley's first or only model capable of using flexible fuel. The 2010 Continental Supersports, which debuted at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, was actually the British luxury brand's first vehicle to use E85 gasoline with flexfuel technology.

Subsequently, starting with the 2011 model year, all Bentley Continental lines supported E85 biofuel use in all markets.

A 2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur listed on the U.S. car valuation and review website Edmunds, with E85 fuel usage information. Photo: Edmunds

Unlike conventional gasoline vehicles, flex-fuel vehicles feature specially designed fuel lines, injectors, fuel pumps, and engine management systems to handle the corrosive nature of ethanol. They are also equipped with sensors that detect the percentage of ethanol in the fuel, allowing them to automatically adjust engine parameters accordingly. This enables these vehicles to run on regular gasoline, E20, E85, or even any blend of gasoline and ethanol without causing engine damage.

However, in India, as in most countries and territories worldwide, very few car models are currently capable of running on E85 fuel. Most mainstream cars sold today are designed only for E20 fuel.

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