Bentley Flying Spur. It was outfitted with enormous weapons and propelled by substantial steam turbines. A new nuclear submarine called the Dreadnought is now being built, but subs are quiet and undetectable, and the Flying Spur is just one of those things. Although eerily silent inside, this luxury sedan is the quickest, thanks to its powerful engines, customized interior, and chiselled exterior.
The Flying Spur moniker, like the Dreadnought, has a long history. It was initially applied to a Mulliner-built sports sedan variant of the Continental in the 1950s. 2005 Bentley brought the model back, and the third-generation contemporary Flying Spur made its début in 2019. Bentley introduced a 4.0-litre V8 in 2021 and a 2.9-litre V6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) in 2022 after initially exclusively using the 6.0-litre W12 engine from the manufacturer. S trims are added to the PHEV and V8 models for 2023, while the W12 becomes the even sportier Flying Spur Speed.
Such sedans are rare, much more so than actual driver’s vehicles like the Flying Spur. Some purchasers would instead be driven, but this enormous automobile is extraordinarily sumptuous and a true athlete. The Spur is quicker and more enjoyable than Rolls-Royce’s Ghost and Phantom while being more elaborate and expensive. Although incredibly elegant, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class lacks exclusivity and excitement. None of the new EV supersedans, not even the Lucid Air, can match the luxurious gravitas of a Bentley, not even Mercedes-AMG’s 791-horsepower S 63 E Performance, which has yet to appear.
The Flying Spur’s strong dynamics were built in from the beginning since it used the same platform as the Continental GT and was a distant cousin of Porsche’s Panamera. Even though the Spur is 209 inches long and 5,300 pounds when equipped with Bentley’s Dynamic Ride suspension, it handles like a much smaller, lighter vehicle. Similar to the current 7 Series from BMW, but quicker and quieter. With 536 horsepower (PHEV), 542 horsepower (V8), and 626 horsepower (W12), the engines don’t fall short either. All three of them are capable of 4.1 seconds or faster zero-to-60 times.
Once you get aboard, the Flying Spur is a luxury liner, not a warship. There are many possible combinations of colour, trim, and fabric, and Crewe will be pleased to construct one that is precise to your taste (for a fee). Customers may choose from a variety of delicate stitching and exquisitely detailed surfaces. However, you wouldn’t get tired even if you performed The Cannonball Run in each Spur’s seat. There is a reasonably spacious trunk with more capacity than many of this car’s competitors, and the rear seat space is comparable to other large, top-tier sedans.
The massive 12.3-inch touchscreen display on the dashboard of the Spur has a setting that allows it to swivel out of view for a more retro feel. Bentley’s systems are simple to use and understand, and physical controls support all critical operations and the screen. Anytime-safety measures may also be added to the automobile, although they are not required. Of course, the price soars when you add all the extras, but the Flying Spur delivers an unrivalled combination of performance and elegance.
What’s New?
- On the Flying Spur plug-in hybrid and V8 variants, a sportier-looking, blackout-trimmed S trim and an even more abundant Azure trim are now available.
- After a ten-year absence, the Flying Spur Speed replaces the previous top-spec model with a W12 engine. A torque-vectoring braking system, electronic all-wheel steering, and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride adjustable suspension are all standard on the Speed, which has 626 horsepower.
- The Flying Spur Speed is the last Bentley sedan powered by a W12 engine, and manufacturing is set to finish in 2024.
Performance: Bentley Flying Spur
Three turbocharged powertrains are available for the Flying Spur, and all three are pretty powerful. No Spur is ineligible to fly. Similar options are offered on the Bentayga SUV. However, the Flying Spur PHEV is much faster and has a shorter charging time. All-wheel drive (AWD) is standard on both the Bentayga and the Flying Spur, although the latter has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission for even quicker changes.
The PHEV and the V8 are available for the base model and S trim automobiles. A 2.9-liter V6 engine and an electric motor powered by an 18 kWh battery pack combine to form the PHEV. 536 horsepower and 553 pound-feet of torque are the total system powers. Although some testers have clocked the PHEV’s sprint to 60 mph under the 4.0-second barrier, the PHEV will reach that Speed in 4.1 seconds. That is quicker than any Rolls, the 760i xDrive, or the Maybach S 580.
The 4.0-liter V8 officially requires 4.0 seconds to reach 60 mph and has 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, but it can also move quickly with enough effort. The 6.0-liter W12 Flying Spur Speed is at the top of the food chain. It was recently improved for 2023 with a torque-vectoring braking system or more precise control. It comes standard with the optional Dynamic Ride electronic anti-roll system and rear-wheel steering. The W12 accelerates to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, producing 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
The V8 and W12, like the PHEV, can accelerate a little more quickly than these stated timings, but all three have the peculiar trait of being both very quick and relatively quiet. However, when you press the gas pedal, the vehicle accelerates quickly as the engine room cranks up the turbines despite the active noise cancellation and vast amounts of sound deadening. The W12 is the fastest and smoothest car, but you may only use its peak speed of 207 mph on the Autobahn or in Montana.
The Spur drives similarly to its Continental equivalent on winding roads for a sedan the size of a Ford Crown Victoria. It doesn’t seem as huge and heavy as it is, and the rear-wheel steering makes it more manoeuvrable on the road and in confined spaces. You may take in this performance when you want to; when you don’t, you can rest and be pampered.
Fuel efficiency: Bentley Flying Spur
Unsurprisingly, this car’s fuel efficiency is not its most vital point. The bad news first: The EPA estimates that the W12 Speed will only obtain 15 mpg in mixed driving (12 mpg city, 19 mpg highway) if you want its silky-smooth power and performance. That agrees with what we have seen in the actual world. The combined 17 mpg for the V8 is somewhat better (15 city, 22 highway). The PHEV is capable of 21 miles of all-electric driving and 46 MPGe, in addition to its 19 mpg rating. It is a lot more effective in the city than the other Spurs. The PHEV charges in roughly 2.5 hours using a Level 2 charger.
However, the opposition often performs much worse. If you’re fortunate, the two Rolls-Royce sedans and the Mercedes-Maybach S 680 have an overall mileage rating of 14 mpg. The AWD Modena version of the Maserati Quattroporte performs better, achieving 20 combined mpg, while the Maybach S 580 only manages 18, and the 2.9-litre V6-powered Porsche Panamera handles roughly 20. The most fuel-efficient of these large vehicles are the Lexus LS hybrid and the BMW 7 Series, although they are only somewhat equivalent to the Flying Spur.
The fantastic Bentley Bentayga- 2023
Safety and driving assistance:
The Flying Spur hasn’t undergone any tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), unlike the majority of ultra-luxury cars (and almost all of its rivals). Although it loses some points in our rating, the vehicle is nevertheless safe because of its robust body construction, several airbags, and contemporary passive safety systems.
Bentley also provides a significant selection of driver-assist features, but only if you spend $8,815 on the Touring Spec model. This seems a little absurd, considering several of these features are standard on the Subaru Legacy. However, most consumers choose this package since it comes standard on higher trims and has a good equipment selection.
The Touring Spec adds adaptive cruise control with lane centring, traffic sign recognition, a head-up display, and night vision to the essential automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection and other collision avoidance systems. Although there are no overt claims of “self-driving,” the package does include adaptive cruise control and lane centring. Although it doesn’t perform nearly as well in reality as Genesis or Mercedes-Benz’s systems, it is still not awful and will undoubtedly help cut down on weariness on the lengthy journeys the Flying Spur is so adept at.
Room and Comfort:
This vehicle is quick and comfy and would be an excellent travel companion. It’s a large, short grand tourer similar to the Continental GT with four doors. Compared to most other large luxury boats, the Flying Spur’s long, low design and lean sledge roofline result in a loss of roughly an inch of headroom (front and back), but it still has plenty of space for even quite tall drivers (say, those in the 6-foot-5 range).
Only somewhat less legroom (42.3 inches) is available in the rear than in the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, or Rolls-Royce Phantom. Even though the room is still relatively large, the constraints are very comfortable. The materials inside Bentleys are just as high-quality as you’d imagine since the company enables customers to personalize their vehicles completely. The W12 Speed’s beautiful green carpets and leathers, seen in our review, are only one option.
The power adjustments for the front and back seats are extensive, and the back seats may recline. Although it isn’t quite as radical as the Bentayga EWB or certain other sedans with practically lie-flat configurations, the setup is effective, nevertheless. Although it is a five-seater in name only, Bentley provides a specialized four-seat arrangement with a large console.
Infotainment: Bentley Flying Spur
The Flying Spur’s optional hidden infotainment screen is one of its sexiest party tricks. The large 12.3-inch infotainment screen may swivel into the dashboard and be replaced with a panel that shows a second clock, an outside air temperature gauge, and a compass for an additional $6,620. Although it has an old-fashioned appearance with a nautical theme, the vast screen is available when needed.
Although it may not be as complete or quick as other systems, the automaker’s infotainment system is simple. It doesn’t have the unexpected digital overabundance you might find in the new 7 Series or any new EVs.It’s also more straightforward than the Rolls software adapted from BMW. All the significant Bentley functions still have physical controls, all actuated by exquisitely crafted knobs and buttons. If you don’t like Bentley’s software, there is also a Wi-Fi hotspot, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
The 10-speaker radio system Bentley installs in the Flying Spur is impressive, but there are two upgrade options. A 2,200-watt, 19-speaker Naim system costs $9,150, while a 1,500-watt, 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen system costs $7,355. The Naim is the better upgrading option, even if it costs as much as an inexpensive used vehicle. The market’s top factory audio system is this one. There is also a $2,720 back entertainment system available.
Storage & Cargo Space:
Surprisingly, the majority of big luxury vehicles have somewhat small trunks. The Flying Spur, however, had a cargo compartment of 14.8 cubic feet. Even though it may not seem like much, given the size of the Spur, it exceeds the average for the premium vehicle class. The Maybach S 680 has only 12.3; the BMW 7 Series has 13.6, and the A8 and the S-Class all have 12.9. However, the two Rolls-Royce models have more cubic feet, with 17.3 (Ghost) and 19 (Phantom) cubic feet, respectively. The Flying Spur’s interior has around average small item storage for its vehicle class, although it performs somewhat better than the 7 Series or the Maybach S680.
Design: Bentley Flying Spur
The Flying Spur relies on the same stylistic principles as the Continental GT and its ancestors (including the long-gone, adored Mulsanne limousine). It combines them into a strong and unavoidably distinctive silhouette. The Flying Spur’s dimensions are unapologetically lavish and advance above those of its two predecessors from the previous generation. As cool as it is, the Porsche Panamera, with which the Flying Spur shares some characteristics, performs similarly.
The cabin’s interior is as stunning and well-designed as its outside. The surfaces feel luxurious, and all the components and details are exquisite. Bentley may customize The automobile in infinite ways, including ten distinct veneers ranging from engine-turned aluminium to Tamo Ash.
The choices are nearly endless, and Mulliner—Bentley’s in-house custom goods division derived from the original H.J. Mulliner who constructed the 1950s Flying Spur—offers opulent options. The cost of specific bespoke exterior paint jobs may increase by as much as $31,860, but you won’t find anything comparable in the more widely available significant luxury automobiles.
Is The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Worth It?
In that regard, this is one of the most pleasurable sedans money can buy. The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur V8 begins at a cool $211,325 (with a $2,725 destination charge), so you’ll need a lot of cash to get one.
That’s a significant figure, but it’s important to remember that the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom start at roughly $400,000 and $460,000, respectively. Both provide their distinct brand of supreme luxury, but the Bentley is friendlier and more enjoyable to drive. However, cheaper vehicles like the Audi A8, Lucid Air, and BMW 7 Series don’t provide the same luxury or flair. Although less exotic, the Porsche Panamera, with which the Flying Spur shares some characteristics, performs similarly.
The Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is in the same price range, with the Maybach S 580 beginning at $194,550 and the S 680 costing $230,150 (plus extra for special editions). It is also equally quick, albeit not quite as fun. Despite how lovely it is, the Maybach is more comparable to the standard S-Class than the Flying Spur is to any other vehicle.
Of course, how you equip your Flying Spur depends on your preferences. Although the Hybrid has a slightly higher base price (beginning at $217,515), some significant variances exist between the trims and necessary option packages. There is no right or wrong choice when it comes to powertrains.
Blackout trim, sports seats, Dynamic Ride, and rear-wheel steering are standard on the S trim versions (starting at $243,225), with a sportier orientation. The Azure versions (starting at $251,825) are designed to be more opulent, have more features, and have fancier chrome accents. These versions provide several enhancements in addition to the Touring Spec safety measures. The W12 Speed ($261,425) delivers the large engine, which will cease manufacture in 2024, with many performance components already on the market. The Mulliner products are at the top of the heap and include all their unique features and minor cosmetic modifications.
The standard PHEV is the most accessible and certainly the simplest to live with, but Bentley purchasers prefer to personalize and have tended to choose the higher-end variants. Few passersby will be displeased, regardless of your specifications.
How Much Does the Bentley Flying Spur Cost to Insure?
One of the most costly cars to insure that isn’t a specialized supercar is the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur. Although this average covers all 50 states, a typical 30-year-old female driver with a clean record should anticipate a yearly premium of roughly $8,000. Comparatively, a BMW 760i xDrive costs $6,406, a Porsche Panamera Turbo S Executive costs $5,720, and a Mercedes-Maybach S 580 costs $5,290.
Verdict
The Bentley Flying Spur epitomizes an overachiever—long, low, and elegant. It drives well, looks fantastic, is quite comfy, and has impeccable luxury credentials. Each of its three twin-turbo engines—a plug-in hybrid V6, a powerful V8, and the automaker’s renowned W12—offers lightning-quick acceleration and silky-smooth performance, and it handles in ways that belie entirely its enormous size and weight. There are almost unlimited modification options, and the inside is as opulent and spacious as you would anticipate. Of course, getting one will cost you (very) considerably, and getting the most excellent driver-assist equipment and paying a lot at the pump are also added costs. However, nobody is perfect.
