Bentley Flying Spur The Continental GT, launched in 2003 as the first all-new model of the Volkswagen AG era, pressed the reset button for Bentley and brought the brand to a new global audience. The Continental Flying Spur, which followed closely in 2005, was the next step, offering customers similar...
Bentley Flying Spur
2005 - Present
The four-door grand tourer was introduced in 2005 equipped with a 6-litre twin turbocharged W12 Engine. The Continental Flying Spur had a formidable presence on the road and a top speed of over 190mph. We are currently on generation three of the Flying Spur and it continues to be a benchmark for luxury sedans, offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and exclusivity. The interior is a cathedral of leather and wood, a testament to Bentley's craftsmanship. The W12 engine is a masterpiece, offering effortless power and a refined driving experience, and now you can opt for the V8 or even hybrid.
Overview / Model & Variant List / Models In-Depth / Image Gallery / More Updates
Overview
The Bentley Flying Spur has evolved through several generations, each marking a step forward in luxury, performance, and technology. The model has consistently been reviewed as one of the premier luxury sedans in the world, blending Bentley's traditional craftsmanship with modern amenities and driving dynamics. Here's an overview of the Flying Spur generations and general sentiments from reviews for each:
Introduced in 2005, the first-generation Bentley Flying Spur (then known as the Bentley Continental Flying Spur to denote its relationship with the Continental GT coupe) was a grand tourer that offered a unique combination of luxury and performance. It was powered by a 6.0-liter W12 engine, providing formidable power.
Critics praised the first-generation Flying Spur for its impressive performance, luxurious interior, and excellent build quality. The W12 engine's power delivery was smooth and abundant, making the Flying Spur one of the fastest sedans in the world at the time. However, some reviews mentioned that its handling was not as sharp as some of its sportier rivals, and its weight could be felt during spirited driving.
The second-generation Flying Spur, introduced in 2013, marked a significant improvement over its predecessor in terms of technology, design, and performance. While still equipped with the 6.0-liter W12 engine, a new 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 option was also offered, providing a slightly more fuel-efficient yet still powerful alternative.
This generation received acclaim for its more refined styling, improved handling, and advanced in-car technology. The interior was noted for its even higher levels of craftsmanship and bespoke options. Reviewers often highlighted the car's dual nature, capable of both spirited driving and offering limousine-like comfort when required. The addition of the V8 engine was also well-received, offering a different character and slightly more dynamic handling due to its lighter weight.
Launched in 2019, the current generation of the Bentley Flying Spur showcases further advancements in luxury, performance, and technology. It features a bold new design, an even more luxurious interior, and state-of-the-art technology. Initially available with the W12 engine, a V8 version followed shortly after, and a hybrid variant has been introduced, aligning with Bentley's move towards electrification.
The latest Flying Spur has been universally praised for setting new standards in luxury sedan segments. Reviews often mention its exquisite interior, cutting-edge technology, and improved driving dynamics. The car's ability to blend opulent luxury with exhilarating performance is frequently highlighted. The addition of the hybrid model has also been viewed positively, offering a more environmentally conscious option without significant compromises in performance or luxury.
Across all generations, the Bentley Flying Spur has been celebrated for its exceptional build quality, luxurious appointments, and powerful engine options. While each generation has its unique traits, the model has consistently delivered on expectations for what a luxury sedan should offer. Bentley's dedication to craftsmanship, combined with its willingness to embrace new technologies, has ensured that the Flying Spur remains a coveted vehicle among those seeking the ultimate in luxury and performance.
1st Generation
Production: 2005-2013
Model Years: 2006-2013
Body style: 4-door saloon/sedan
Engine: 6.0L Twin Turbo W12
Transmission: 6-speed auto
2nd Generation
Production: 2013-2019
Model Years: 2014-2019
Body style: 4-door saloon/sedan
Engine: 6.0L Twin Turbo W12
Engine: 4.0L Twin Turbo V8
Transmission: 8-speed auto
3rd Generation
Production: 2019 - Present
Model Years: 2019 - Present
Body style: 4-door saloon/sedan
Engine: 6.0L Twin Turbo W12
Engine: 4.0L Twin Turbo V8
Engine: 2.9L Twin Turbo V6 PHEV
Transmission: 8-speed PDK
"The Flying Spur delivers effortless performance and a luxurious cabin, but its size and fuel economy hold it back."
Car and Driver (On 1st generation Flying Spur)
Bentley Flying Spur Models & Derivatives
A quick summary of all three generations and some of the specific variants during those times.
Bentley Flying Spur (2005-2018)
1st Generation
The Bentley Flying Spur was created to be a superlative four door sedan - for drivers and passengers alike. With enough space for four adults to travel in extraordinary comfort, the Flying Spur offered surging power combined with agility. Its acceleration, handling and all-wheel drive capability all contributed to an exceptional drive experience, taking both performance and luxurious interior craftsmanship to a new level.
Launched in 2005, the first generation Continental Flying Spur was launched as a four-door saloon sibling to the 2003 Continental coupe, retaining the performance values of the GT, while offering the space, convenience and refinement that only a luxury grand touring sedan can offer. Available in both a Speed version, where performance was amplified and the design echoed its sporting character, and Series 51 - where design values were paramount and for the first time a three-tone interior was offered, making personalisation almost limitless.
In 2013, the second generation of Flying Spur was launched: a more sporting, muscular design than first generation Spur with a sharply defined body shape, distinctive upright grille, large jewel headlamps, sharp fender wing vents and athletic design lines. The interior built upon the design DNA of the first generation, but offering new veneers, new materials and new design elements which continued the Flying Spur story for the next generation.
Additionally, new technology was offered: specially designed for Bentley, audio, telephone, navigation system and ride and comfort settings were touch controlled, including the offer of a Touch Screen Remote to control comfort and infotainment settings from the rear of the car. The signature W12 Flying Spur was followed by an agile V8, a V8 S for the most sporting offering, and the final Flying Spur for the second generation was the Flying Spur W12 S.
Launched in 2016 the Flying Spur W12 S balanced a sportier character to the powerful W12 engine with the a high specification interior including both design and comfort specifications and exclusive design elements.
Flying Spur (2005)
Introduced in 2005 to great acclaim, the Continental Flying Spur was characterised by flowing lines, understated style and formidable presence. With 552bhp delivered by a 6-litre, twin-turbocharged, 12-cylinder engine, Continental Flying Spur delivered awesome levels of torque. Featuring a top speed of over 190mph (at time of launch), its steering, suspension and chassis all work in absolute harmony, controlled by a 6-speed transmission and all-wheel drive. The interior of Continental Flying Spur was created using the finest handcrafted leather hides and wood veneers.
Flying Spur Speed (2008)
The Flying Spur Speed was inspired by our legendary Speed models that first appeared in 1923. Its lower stance and subtle design changes gave it a darker, more competitive feel, while a host of new low friction engine components meant the Continental Flying Spur Speed utilised an improved engine management system to raise its torque output by 15 per cent and its power by 9 per cent. With an uprated 600bhp (610PS) version of the Continental Flying Spur’s acclaimed 12-cylinder engine, Continental Flying Spur Speed offered uncompromising performance synonymous with every Bentley to have borne the revered ‘Speed’ name. 0-60mph sprint time of 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 200mph.
Flying Spur Series 51 (2008)
Created especially by the styling team at Crewe, Series 51 allowed customers to commission ‘off the peg’, from Bentley Styling’s unique choice of colours, features and options for the interior of the Continental Flying Spur. Series 51 features a distinctive interior two tone colour split with a third accent colour. Striking colour combinations have been personally selected by our stylists from the extensive Bentley colour archive, lovingly built up since 1951. Exquisite contrast stitching, piping and binding, embroidered headrests, diamond quilting and unique Amboyna veneer express precious attention to detail.
Bentley Flying Spur (2013-2018)
2nd Generation
Launched in 2013, the second generation Flying Spur featured a more sporting look compared with its predecessor, with crisp lines and an eye-catching dynamic roofline.
Over the life of this second generation model, Bentley launched a Flying Spur with the iconic W12 engine, followed by a Flying Spur V8, even faster V8 S and the pinnacle Flying Spur W12 S.
All of the models within this second generation range featured spacious, modern hand-crafted cabins focussed on comfort and front and rear technology.
For its time, the technology available in Flying Spur featured remarkable levels of control over luxurious features such as air conditiioning, massage and seat position and control over rear seat entertainment.
The large boot offered on all Flying Spur second gernation models means you can easily pack golf clubs and other large luggage – something generally unheard of in cars capable of such exhilarating performance.
All of these elements combined seamlessly to create a car that was, and remains, far, far more than the sum of its many high quality parts. Which is what made the Flying Spur the finest of luxury sedans.
Flying Spur (2013)
Over the years that this second generation model was available styling and performance improvements were offered. By 2016 it featured chrome matrix radiator grille, 20” alloy wheels, with black painted callipers, and black brand logos and W12 C pillar badges. The 6.0 litre twin-turbocharged engine had 616 hp by 2016.
Flying Spur V8 (2014)
With its red ‘B’ Bentley badge and figure eight styled exhaust, Flying Spur V8, introduced in 2014, was created to be distinctive. With the Flying Spur V8 a powerful 4.0 litre V8 twin-turbocharged engine was introduced, which, by 2016, good for a 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds and top speed of 183 mph. Driven in either in auto or manually via paddles.
Flying Spur W12 S (2016)
The first four-door Bentley to achieve a top speed in excess of 200 mph, when it was launched the pinnacle Flying Spur W12 S set new standards in the world of luxury cars. It featured sporting details in evidence inside and out: including gloss black metal details, along with W12 S badging on the rear pillar and stainless steel W12 S branded treadplates.
Flying Spur V8 S (2016)
Flying Spur V8 S was launched in 2016 with luxury and performance at its heart. It brought an enhanced sporting edge to the already dynamic Flying Spur V8. The exterior featured Beluga Gloss front matrix grille and rear diffuser, with a unique body-coloured bumper, dark tint lighting and – unique to the V8 S – 20” open spoke painted wheels. It got a 4.0 litre twin-turbocharged engine with 521 bhp.
Bentley Flying Spur (2019-Present)
3rd Generation (Current)
The third generation Bentley Flying Spur, unveiled in 2019, represents a significant leap forward for Bentley's luxury sports sedan, blending state-of-the-art technology with traditional craftsmanship. This generation marks a departure from its predecessor in terms of design, technology, and performance, emphasizing its role as a standalone model rather than just a four-door version of the Continental GT.
The third-generation Flying Spur showcases a more dynamic and modern exterior design while maintaining the elegance and presence that Bentley is known for. Its body features more sculpted lines, a longer wheelbase, and a lower roofline, contributing to a sleeker, more aggressive stance. The front grille is larger and more upright, flanked by new LED matrix headlamps. A standout feature is the retractable Bentley "Flying B" hood ornament, a first for the Flying Spur, signaling its luxury status.
The interior of the third-generation Flying Spur is a showcase of Bentley's unmatched craftsmanship, featuring exquisite leather, wood, and metal finishes. It offers a blend of traditional luxury with modern technology, including a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and a rotating display which can switch between the touchscreen, three analog dials, or a plain veneer panel. Rear passengers enjoy generous space and luxury, with available features like a rear entertainment system, touch screen remote, and electrically operated picnic tables.
The third-generation Flying Spur incorporates advanced technology for performance, comfort, and safety. It features all-wheel steering for improved maneuverability and stability at high speeds, and Bentley Dynamic Ride system, an active anti-roll system that ensures a smooth ride. The car is equipped with a range of driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, night vision, head-up display, and lane assist.
The third-generation Bentley Flying Spur has received acclaim from automotive journalists and luxury car enthusiasts alike. Critics have praised its remarkable blend of performance, luxury, and cutting-edge technology.
The W12 version, in particular, has been lauded for its extraordinary power and refinement, offering a driving experience that is both exhilarating and supremely comfortable. The interior is often highlighted as the pinnacle of automotive luxury, with unmatched attention to detail and material quality. The inclusion of modern technology and connectivity features has been well-received, bringing the Flying Spur in line with contemporary expectations without compromising its classic appeal.
Flying Spur First Edition (2019)
The Bentley Flying Spur First Edition, launched in 2019, was a limited-edition (12 months of production) run built to commemorate the Elton John AIDS Foundation Gala. It offered a unique combination of exclusive features and design elements while retaining the core strengths of the second-generation Flying Spur.
Flying Spur (2019)
The third-generation Flying Spur was unveiled in June 2019. The car has been completely overhauled and is built on a brand-new platform, resembling the current Continental GT. The front received a new grille while the rear features new taillights that incorporate a B motif. The bonnet mascot is now illuminated at night, electrically deployable. The interior gets an optional rotating display and new Touch Screen remote.
Flying Spur Mulliner (2021)
Bentley Flying Spur Mulliner sits at the pinnacle of the Flying Spur range, offering the ultimate in luxury, performance, and exclusivity. The pinnacle of the Flying Spur Range, the Flying Spur Mulliner can be commissioned with your choice from two advanced powertrains: a 4.0 litre V8 petrol engine or a 2.9 litre V6 Bentley hybrid featuring a 100 kW electric motor. The Flying Spur Mulliner has an array of handcrafted details.
Flying Spur Azure (2022)
The Flying Spur Azure is a luxury sedan offering unrivalled comfort and elegance. Available as a 4.0 litre V8 or a 2.9 litre V6 luxury hybrid, it is truly effortless to drive. The 2022 Flying Spur Azure presents a compelling option within the luxurious Flying Spur lineup, focusing on enhanced comfort and wellbeing for all occupants.
Flying Spur S (2022)
The 2022 Flying Spur S injects a sportier vibe into the luxurious Flying Spur lineup, appealing to drivers seeking a balance between performance and comfort. It gets black trim replaces chrome elements like the grille and wheels, creating a bolder and more aggressive look. Adds side skirts, a rear diffuser, and a bootlid spoiler, as well as upgraded suspension and steering tuning for a more responsive and dynamic driving experience. Engine, gearbox, and suspension settings and changed for more precise handling and quicker response. Choice of a 4.0L V8 petrol engine delivering 542 hp or a 2.9L V6 hybrid with 536 hp.
Flying Spur Speed (2023)
The 2023 Flying Spur Speed represents the pinnacle of performance and luxury within the Flying Spur lineup. Delivers a monstrous 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, capable of reaching a staggering 207 mph top speed. 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans in the world. It got rave reviews for its unparalleled performance, luxurious interior, and advanced technology.
Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 (2023)
Launched in 2023, the Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 was a limited-production run of just 120 units, marking the end of an era for Bentley's iconic W12 engine. This powerful engine delivers a whopping 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.7 seconds and on to a top speed of 207 mph.
Our Favorite Bentley Flying Spur Images
"The Flying Spur continues to be a benchmark for luxury sedans, offering a unique blend of comfort, performance, and exclusivity."
Motor Trend, 2024 Flying Spur review
