Bentley Continental Flying Spur
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Recommended. Huge prestige, towering performance - but rather bland looks.
Review
Vastly powerful, enormously fast and merely very expensive - the Continental Flying Spur is a whole new kind of Bentley saloon. Based on the same mechanical underpinnings as the Continental GT coupe, the Spur is meant to broaden Bentley's appeal to people who would have otherwise have chosen a top-end Mercedes or BMW saloon.
Styling is similar to that of the Conti GT - meaning a slightly bland front end but strong, confident lines as your eyes move backwards. We've no argument with the interior - it's brilliant. The cabin combines the traditional Bentley wood 'n' leather finish with modern design and - it has to be said - far better build quality than traditional, hand-built Bentleys managed. It's spacious and comfortable front and rear - well worth becoming a millionaire for.
Performance is towering. The Flying Spur is the fastest production four-door car in the world, using its twin-turbo 6.0 litre W12 engine to propel it to a maximum speed that's been confirmed as being slightly over 200 mph. A rear diffuser element under the boot floor helps to keep it stuck to the road at these kinds of speeds. Handling is surprisingly agile for something so large - grip levels are high and the Bentley behaves predictably as the limit approaches. But refinement is the Spur's most impressive trait - pliant air springing and outstanding noise insulation helping the cabin to remain calm at well over 100 mph.
The only real question remains that of how well the Flying Spur will do - buyers in the six-figure segment of the market traditionally prefer coupes to saloons.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
The Flying Spur's sheer size gives it plenty of road presence but its hard not to feel slightly disappointed by the bland styling.
Handling
4 star
Safe and composed - adaptable dampers help to combine good ride quality with a surprising level of enthusiasm for the corners.
Comfort
5 star
One of the best places in the world to while away a long journey. Brilliant cabin combines craftsmanship with an impressive toy count.
Quality & Reliability
5 star
Far more modern-feeling and better built than the older Arnage - while still offering the sort of hand-build quality you'd expect from a Bentley.
Performance
5 star
The 6.0 litre W12 engine gives vast, seamless urge - all the way to the 205 mph top speed. The fastest production saloon in the world.
Roominess
4 star
Decent space for front and rear seat occupants - although Bentley's emphasis on owner-drivers means there are fewer of the rear seat toys you'd expect of a car in this class.
Running Costs
2 star
Enormous thirst, expensive servicing and what's likely to be steep depreciation mean only those with the deepest pockets need apply.
Value for money
2 star
Compared to the Arnage, the Flying Spur looks like compellingly good value. But next to the Mercedes S-Class it seems very expensive. Depends on what you reckon the Bentley
