Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) Review
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=640&height=426&rmode=crop)
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) At A Glance
Big on presence, style, comfort, luxury and performance, so everything a Bentley should offer.
The Flying Spur is not so big on space or adjustment for the driver.
Launched in 2013, this second generation Flying Spur with a choice of 6.0-litre W12 or 4.0-litre V8 engines immediately delivered the classy, retrained drive that Bentley’s customers demand. While sharing much with the GT coupe, the Flying Spur is a true four- or five-seater depending on how it’s configured and is a car to be savoured from the back seat as much as from the driver’s chair. Running one isn’t cheap, but it rewards with supreme comfort.
Few brands hold the same eminence as Bentley. That famous winged badge has always been associated with opulence and performance - an image the brand continues to enjoy. Few manufacturers have such a rich heritage and very few brands make cars in the same way Bentley does.
The new Continental Flying Spur is unmistakably a Bentley, with large, round twin-headlights and purposeful yet understated styling. It’s got the power it needs to be a true Bentley, too – the 6.0-litre W12 produces 625PS and 800Nm of torque. That’s sufficient for a 200mph top speed and a 0-60mph sprint of 4.3 seconds.
All models have all-wheel drive and are fitted with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission. Improvements have been made to fuel economy over the outgoing model, but don’t expect frugality – combined cycle economy is 19.2mpg and emissions are 343g/km.
The cabin is as sumptuous as you’d expect – there’s soft leather, seat heating and ventilation for all occupants and there’s lots of seat adjustment to maximise comfort. All of the wood veneer – almost ten square metres per car - is hand crafted and seven variations are offered.
The Flying Spur is offered in four or five-seat form. The former features an extra storage area with a stowage case trimmed in veneer to match the interior of the car. There are electronically operated rear privacy blinds fitted as standard to both four- and five-seat models.
It’s not all traditional, though – there’s an eight-inch touch screen with sat nav, voice control and Bluetooth. Rear seat passengers can control the touch-screen with a remote, while hard workers can specify a Bentley Connectivity Unit, which adds 10-inch screens to the rear headrests and web-connectivity.
The Flying Spur really is a special car and one that's a pleasure to drive or be lucky enough to be driven in. With prices starting at £140,900 it is of course a very expensive luxury and it's easy to add much more onto that. The cars we were driving had £40k of options fitted. Sure there are plenty of less expensive limousine-like models out there, but nothing can hold a candle to the Bentley. It really is in a class of its own.
Reviews for Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019)'s top 3 rivals
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
.jpg?width=240&height=160&rmode=crop)
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) handling and engines
- Engines range from V8 to W12 S
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Handling and ride quality
Bentley was always keen to emphasise the driver focus and performance of the Flying Spur and it's certainly no cumbersome lump on the road.
The ride is generally impeccable thanks to independent computer-controlled air suspension. The Flying Spur also gets new springs which are softer in the standard driving mode but have stiffer settings for cornering which means less body lean.
The standard wheel is a 19-inch design with a tyre that was specifically designed for the Flying Spur. It has a bigger sidewall than before for extra ride comfort. Bentley actually tried 12 different tyre compounds before choosing this one, so be sure any car you consider has the correct rubber fitted.
From behind the wheel of the Bentley, you never forget that you're driving a big car, yet it does surprise you with how nimble it is considering its size. The steering has a good weight to it and is light when parking.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Engines
The W12 produces a massive 625PS or you could opt for the S version from late 2016 with 635PS. This later development was enough to push the Continental Flying Spur past 200mph.
The W12 makes a discreet noise when pushed hard, but it’s also supremely smooth as it builds revs, so you won’t be disturbed by it as you drive along.
The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine can be a touch more vocal when stretched but it tends to keep itself hushed and gets on with the job of powering the Bentley in a delightfully understated manner.
Both engines are coupled to a near seamless eight-speed automatic gearbox that demands no effort from the driver other than to snick it into Drive through gear lever mounted on the centre tunnel.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Safety
Rear parking sensors are standard and every Bentley Continental Flying Spur has all-wheel drive as standard, giving this large saloon plenty. Inside, the Flying Spur comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, as well as side airbags for the rear seat passengers. All of the occupants get a three-point seat belt, including the centre rear passenger in five-seat models. There are no Isofix child seat mounts.
al on a car of this size, but it seems odd that Bentley then charged a hefty premium for cruise control to be added as an option. Also, there’s no full-size spare wheel as standard.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| V8 | 26 mpg | 4.9–5.2 s | 254 g/km |
| V8 S | 26 mpg | 4.9 s | 254 g/km |
| W12 | 19–19 mpg | 4.3–4.6 s | 343 g/km |
| W12 S | 19 mpg | 4.5 s | 335 g/km |
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) interior
- Boot space is 475 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5299 mm |
| Width | 2207–2208 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3066 mm |
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Practicality
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a huge car, so it is a disappointment to find it doesn’t offer as much headroom for the driver as you would expect. The amply padded seat provides superb comfort and support, but it would be even better if it could adjust down further so taller drivers don’t feel their hair brushing the headlining.
We also find the steering wheel doesn’t have as much movement for depth as we’d like. On top of this, the rear window is quite small, so keeping an eye on what’s behind needs a longer glance. Or perhaps this is to deter the chauffeur from seeing what’s going on the back seat…
The rear seat area was offered with a three-seat bench as standard, though many customers opted for the two individual rear chairs with electric adjustment. This offers two adults all the space and comfort they could ever need in a car and it’s more akin to first class airline travel.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Quality and finish
All of the leather, and there are swathes of the stuff, is softer and better than you’ll find anywhere else other than a Rolls-Royce. Along with the real wood trim and solid metal used for the air vents and elsewhere, it imparts the feeling of a car that has been carved out of a solid billet of Britishness.
However, and it’s an important point, all that hand-crafting cannot mask some of the joins between panels is not as consistent as you’ll find in a Mercedes S-Class cabin.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Infotainment
Choose a Bentley Continental Flying Spur from earlier in the car’s production life, you get an infotainment system that is practically from the Palaeolithic period next to the latest offerings. The 8-inch touchscreen is lifted from the Volkswagen Group parts shelf but does not feel in step with the Bentley’s upscale cabin due to its slow-witted responses. Thankfully, this was improved in 2015 with a much better system.
Rear-seat passengers get a better deal thanks to the Touch Screen Remote display that is a hand-held device and much more responsive to inputs than the earlier infotainment screen in the front cabin. It allows them to control settings such as sat-nav, ventilation, multimedia and seat heating.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) value for money
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Prices
Entry to the Bentley Continental Flying Spur ownership experience starts from around £38,000 for one of the first second-generation models. This will be for an eight-year old W12 with around 40,000 miles under its wheels and a full service history, which is essential.
If you’d rather have a V8, they start from around £50,000 for a five-year old example, though it will have more miles as these models tend to get used more by their owners. So, expect to see 50,000 miles on the clock.
A four-year old model with the W12 engine is likely to set you back around £70,000 for one with 30,000 miles under its prow. Take the more numerous V8 version and not only do you have more cars to pick from, the price will start at a more reasonable £60,000 or so for a 40,000-mile car.
A late model second-generation Flying Spur can still command £90,000 for either engine type and with only a handful of miles to its name. However, that represents good value compared to the latest Flying Spur that will double that number by the time you’ve added a couple of choice options to the standard price.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019): Running Costs
The 4.0-litre V8 Bentley Flying Spur offers an official combined consumption of 25.9mpg versus the W12’s rather more costly and wallet-draining 19.2mpg figure.
It won’t raise any eyebrows to read that every model of Bentley Continental Flying Spur from this second generation of the model sits in the highest group 50 band for insurance. While that means cover will never be cheap compared to a family hatch, it’s need not be as expensive as you might imagine. Most Flying Spurs belong to owners with more than one car, so they use the Bentley for fewer miles per year than many more mainstream luxury models like a Mercedes S-Class or Jaguar XJ.
As most versions will have been registered before 31 March 2017, a V8 model will cost you £555 and the W12 comes in at £570.
Cars registered from 1 April 2017 onwards will attract a VED bill of £475 as they attract the £375 penalty for vehicles with an original list price of more than £40,000 when new.
Satisfaction Index
What is your car like to live with?
We need your help with our latest Satisfaction Index, so that we can help others make a smarter car buying decision. What's it like to live with your car? Love it? Loath it? We want to know. Let us know about your car - it will only take a few minutes and you could be helping thousands of others.
Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowBentley Flying Spur (2013 – 2019) models and specs
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur was offered in a single, highly equipped specification to which almost every buyer would add their own options.
The V8 Beluga Specification came with 20-inch machined alloy wheels, gloss black radiator grille, and piano black dash inserts. The V8 S came with an extra 21PS over the standard model’s 507PS, while the W12 S gained an additional 10PS to deliver 635PS from its 6.0-litre engine.
The Flying Spur has 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, climate control, sat-nav and the Touch Screen Remote for rear-seat passengers.
There’s 14-way electric front seat adjustment and the option of two individual seats in the back. Buyers could choose from a palette of more than 100 exterior colours, two-tone colour schemes, and larger 20- or 21-inch alloy wheels. For the interior, options included quilted stitching, greater choice of upholstery colours and five more wood veneer finishes.
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 5299 mm |
| Width | 2207–2208 mm |
| Height | 1488 mm |
| Wheelbase | 3066 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 2417–2492 kg |
| Boot Space | 475 L |
| Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £134,615–£171,925 |
| Insurance Groups | 50 |
| Road Tax Bands | L–M |
| Official MPG | 19.0–25.9 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until June 2020
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 Auto 4dr | £134,615 | 25.9 mpg | 5.2 s |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 Mulliner Driving Specification Auto 4dr | £147,415 | 25.9 mpg | 5.2 s |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 S Auto 4dr | £144,615 | 25.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 S Mulliner Driving Specification Auto 4dr | £151,915 | 25.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| Saloon 6.0 W12 Auto 4dr | £157,025 | 19.2 mpg | 4.6 s |
| Saloon 6.0 W12 Mulliner Driving Specification Auto 4dr | £165,750 | 19.2 mpg | 4.6 s |
| Saloon 6.0 W12 S Auto 4dr | £171,925 | 19.2 mpg | 4.5 s |
On sale until April 2017
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 S Auto 4dr | £143,740 | 25.9 mpg | - |
| Saloon 4.0 V8 S Mulliner Driving Specification Auto 4dr | £150,970 | 25.9 mpg | - |
| Saloon 6.0 W12 S Auto 4dr | £170,975 | 19.2 mpg | - |
On sale until October 2015
| Saloon | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 4.0 V8 Mulliner Sedan 4dr Auto | £153,710 | 25.9 mpg | 4.9 s |
| 6.0 W12 Mulliner Sedan 4dr Auto | £164,380 | 19.0 mpg | 4.3 s |
Model History
- February 2013: Bentley unveils the new Flying Spur
- February 2014: New V8 engine added to Flying Spur range
- June 2015: Beluga Specification introduced for Flying Spur V8
- February 2016: Flying Spur V8 S launched
- September 2016: Bentley Flying Spur W12 S introduced
February 2013
Bentley unveils the new Flying Spur
Sharp feature lines complement muscular rear haunches, while LED day-time running lights, dipped headlights and taillights characterise the front and rear profiles. The interior designers have created a luxurious, spacious cabin that dresses advanced acoustic and electronic technologies in exquisite hand-crafted leather hides and wood veneers.
Driver and passengers alike interface with the car and the outside world through touch-screen infotainment, mobile connectivity including Wi-Fi, a Rear Seat Entertainment suite and a new hand-held Touch Screen Remote which allows rear-cabin occupants to control an extensive range of features from the comfort of their seat. An eight-channel, eight-speaker audio system with Balanced Mode Radiators provides high quality sound clarity, with the 1100W Naim for Bentley premium system available as an option.
Powering the new Flying Spur is Bentley’s renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine, coupled to a ZF eight-speed transmission. Developing 625 PS (616 bhp) and 800 Nm of torque, the new Flying Spur features more power than any other Bentley four-door in history. A 14 per cent improvement in the power-to-weight ratio over the outgoing model delivers a breath-taking 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds and a top-speed of 200 mph (322 km/h). In the modern Bentley tradition, power is delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for a sure-footed, engaging drive in all road and weather conditions.
The new door structures are completely redesigned with fewer individual parts for improved quality and refinement. An optimisation of the doors realised through efficient use of materials contributes to much improved door kinematics and feel. Meanwhile, further weight savings are achieved through the crafting of the bootlid in a polymer composite material that also integrates the main antennae for the car’s electronic systems.
The exterior design, manufacturing processes and carefully optimised materials selections combine to provide a bodyshell that is not only muscular and clean, with minimal shutlines, but also one that performs exceptionally well on the road. With a torsional stiffness of 36,500 Nm/degree, a 4% increase over the previous generation Flying Spur, the new bodyshell provides an extremely rigid platform for the chassis components and a stable foundation for NVH reduction. The sleek shape also has outstanding aerodynamic properties for a large sedan, with an overall drag coefficient of just 0.29 and ensuing benefits to emissions performance.
Weight savings in the body structure and throughout the car mean that the new Flying Spur is 50 kg lighter than the first generation car, despite the additional refinement measures, enhanced technology specification and stronger structure.
February 2014
New V8 engine added to Flying Spur range
Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine develops 507PS and 660 Nm, powering the Flying Spur V8 to 60mph in 4.9 seconds (0-100 km/h in 5.2 seconds) and on to a top speed of 183 mph. This impressive performance comes with a fuel range of 520 miles, thanks to the highly efficient engine that includes cylinder deactivation, intelligent thermal management and electrical recuperation.
As in the Flying Spur W12, the engine feeds power through a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission to a continuous all-wheel drive system that provides reassuring stability and traction in all road and weather conditions. With ride comfort of vital importance, the independent computer-controlled air suspension of the Flying Spur V8 maximises impact absorption and isolation.
Subtle styling differentiates the Flying Spur V8 from its flagship W12 sibling. Figure of eight chromed exhaust finishers signify the alternative powertrain, while the famous Bentley winged badge receives the usual red centre to denote the V8 engine. The front bumper grilles are finished in black, with a black “wing” insert.
The Flying Spur V8 comes complete with a suite of on-board technology to make it an ideal place for work or relaxation on the move. An innovative Touch Screen Remote, deployed from the veneered rear centre console at the touch of a button, allows control of the car’s climate and infotainment systems from the comfort of the rear seat, while the optional Multimedia Specification brings an extensive Rear Seat Entertainment system.
The Flying Spur V8 has a monotone interior colour split, Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus wood veneer, a single-piece three-person rear seat, single front armrest, 19” Classic alloy wheels in a painted finish and a choice of seven exterior paints and four interior colours.
Customers wishing to upgrade their Flying Spur V8 can opt for the Flying Spur V8 Mulliner. The Mulliner Driving Specification adds diamond quilting, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals, an indented leather headlining, “Jewel” fuel and oil filler caps and embroidered Bentley wings to all headrests. 20-inch five-spoke painted alloy wheels are fitted as standard, as is the 4+1 rear seat system including fully adjustable seats with lumbar support and seat heating. The standard veneer range is extended to include luxurious Dark Stained Burr Walnut and Piano Black finishes, while the full range of 17 hide colours and four additional colour splits is available.
June 2015
Beluga Specification introduced for Flying Spur V8
The contemporary trim level affords the Flying Spur sedan a more athletic stance and purposeful visual appeal. Featuring exclusive 20-inch Black and Bright machined alloy wheels, a gloss black radiator matrix and a body-coloured lower grille bar, the Beluga specification is the perfect enhancement for a modern performance saloon that perfectly blends craft and comfort.
Inside the Flying Spur V8’s sumptuous handcrafted cabin, buyers will find swathes of 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.
When customers also specify the highly popular Mulliner Driving Specification, in combination with Beluga specification, the striking 21” 6-spoke Extrovert wheel is included. The Mulliner Driving Specification includes features such as diamond quilted hides, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy pedals and an indented hide headlining.
In 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 guise it develops 507 PS (500 bhp), sprinting from 0-62 mph in just 5.2 seconds while at the same time offering a single-tank range of 500 miles. The athletic design of the Flying Spur combines traditional Bentley styling cues with a dynamic stance and contemporary details, further enhanced in the Beluga specification.
Designed for comfort and refinement, the Flying Spur has benefitted from a suite of upgrades and enhancements for 2015. The exquisite cabin gains modern and tactile new features (as well as onboard WiFi) to maintain Bentley’s reputation for interior style and usability.
February 2016
Flying Spur V8 S launched
The Flying Spur V8 S features a number of sporting styling cues which hint at its new and improved sporting capabilities. A black radiator grille and rear diffuser along with a unique grille insert give the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.
Tuned for power, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S engine develops an additional 21PS, delivering 528PS. A mighty 680Nm is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 S to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds).
The increased performance is achieved without detriment to the V8 engine’s impressive fuel economy and CO 2 emissions, or its ability to cover more than 837 km (520 miles) between fill-ups. The new Flying Spur V8 S returns a combined cycle fuel economy of 25.9 mpg and emissions of 254 g/km.
Complementing these power upgrades, a new responsive suspension tuning for the Flying Spur V8 S improves handling and body control, while the aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control ensure that the Flying Spur’s legendary refinement is maintained.
The Flying Spur V8 S receives dark and sporting exterior highlights. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille is black as standard and together with a Beluga gloss rear diffuser give the Flying Spur V8 S a dramatic on-road presence.
The V8 S is clearly defined with a new and exclusive front grille treatment; a combination of black grille with a body-coloured insert. V8 S badging on the rear haunch, V8 S treadplates and 20” open-spoke painted wheels further reveal the model’s identity, mirroring those of its Continental GT V8 S stablemate.
For those wishing to display an even more extreme look, the Flying Spur V8 S can be specified with an array of aggressive, dark styling elements. Dark-tint lights (front and rear), black gloss exterior mirror covers and a unique Mulliner Driving Specification 21” black and bright machined six-spoke wheel can all be specified to menacing effect.
Inside the cabin, changes are perfectly matched to the sporting exterior. Piano-black wood veneers and a three-spoke sports steering wheel are standard, while a knurled gear lever and gear shift paddles add tactility to the driving experience. A colour split unique to the V8 S features stunning two-tone seats with a contrasting roof centre bow. V8 S headrest stitching is also offered.
September 2016
Bentley Flying Spur W12 S introduced
The new model is the first four-door Bentley to have a top speed in excess of 200 mph, and offers a more sporting experience for owners looking for increased power, torque and responsiveness.
The Flying Spur W12 S features a number of dark styling cues which hint at its new and improved dynamic capabilities. A suite of blackware detailing – including Beluga gloss radiator grille and light surrounds – a rear diffuser and optional carbon fibre veneer gives the new model a dramatic and purposeful appearance to match its enhanced performance.
The Flying Spur W12 S features enhanced power and torque outputs from the mighty 6.0-litre, twin-turbo W12 engine. Through precise calibration and tuning, engine power is increased from 625PS to 635PS and torque from 800Nm to 820Nm for a more dynamic drive. Full torque is available from just 2000 rpm, making for a totally effortless driving experience.
This increase in power means that the Flying Spur W12 S achieves a top speed of 202 mph – the first four-door Bentley to exceed the 200 mph performance barrier. The initial sprint to 62mph is dispatched in 4.5 seconds.
The wheels offered on the Flying Spur W12 S are 21-inch 7-spoke with a new gloss-black finish, or a new optional 21-inch Sports 5-spoke directional wheel finished in either gloss black or a dark tint.
Inside, the Flying Spur W12 S boasts styling cues designed to enhance its sporting luxury aesthetic, with the exquisite handcrafted interior offering a wider palette of colours, a new fascia finish and unique stitching.
New standard interior features include a unique black engine-spin finish to the fascia and waistrails (a satin carbon-fibre finish is an option); a W12 S headrest emblem in contrast or blind stitching; W12 S treadplates for the front and rear; a three-spoke Sport Plus steering wheel and knurled gearshift paddles, which are only available as options on other models.
A new colour split unique to the Flying Spur W12 S model is created using a single-tone interior with accents in one of 17 hide colours, and unique contrast stitching to the diamond quilting, the Sport Plus steering wheel and the interior.
