Bentley Flying Spur

Autocar's in-depth UK review of the Bentley Flying Spur focuses on its road manners and how it compares to native rivals like the Mercedes-AMG S-Class and the BMW 7 Series, while also positioning it against Rolls-Royce. The testers drove the high-performance Speed variant with its W-12 and were impressed by the sheer effortless acceleration and the way the car hides its 2.4-tonne mass. They praise the chassis for providing a remarkably comfortable ride, especially on long motorway cruises, with the air suspension absorbing bumps with aplomb. However, they note that on more challenging B-roads the Flying Spur exhibits a noticeable heft and can feel slightly less agile than the lighter V8 models or the more dynamically focused Porsche Panamera. The interior is judged to be beautifully made, with the finest quality materials and a choice of veneers that would make a yacht builder envious. Of particular note was the cabin isolation, which Autocar measured as whisper quiet. The infotainment and connectivity are considered adequate but not class-leading. The review concludes that the Flying Spur is a genuinely magnificent grand tourer, though it lacks the absolute rear-seat importance of a long-wheelbase S-Class, and it is sometimes a touch too heavy-footed for UK country lanes. It rates it four out of five, praising its exclusivity and character over pure compound figures.

Motor Trend's evaluation of the Bentley Flying Spur centers on the American luxury market, where competitors like the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class and the BMW M760i are common. The editors test the Flying Spur V8 and Speed versions and are struck by how much range there is in one model: the V8 is lighter and more agile, feeling almost sporty, while the W-12 Speed is savage in its acceleration yet calm and isolated at a cruise. Inside, Motor Trend praises the integration of modern technology with traditional handcrafted materials, especially the three-dimensional veneer and the tactile feel of the rotating air vents. They note that the 12.3-inch touchscreen is crystal clear and that the car offers a host of standard driver assistance features, though some safety tech (like adaptive cruise) is still not as refined as in a Mercedes. The biggest criticism on US roads is the ride quality: on rough, patched freeways the 21-inch wheels with the less-adjustable comfort mode can let some thumps through, so Motor Trend recommends smaller wheels. However, no other car offers this combination of handcrafted exclusivity, epic performance, and effortless cross-country ability. The reviewer concludes that while not as sharp to drive as a Porsche Panamera or as spacious in the rear as a Maybach, the Flying Spur is the best overall compromise, and it remains on the Motor Trend shortlist for luxury sedans. It receives four stars.

Edmunds' expert review of the Bentley Flying Spur highlights its dual personality as both a chauffeured limousine and a discerning owner-driver's express. The test team spent a week with a Flying Spur Speed and were consistently amazed by the acceleration from the twin-turbo W-12, recording a 0-60 mph time in the low three seconds, which is astonishing for a car weighing nearly 5,500 pounds. The review is especially positive about the interior quality: every surface is covered with high-quality leather or machined metal, and the optional 'Mulliner Driving Specification' adds scalloped seats that are among the best in the business. Edmunds also praises the generous rear-seat legroom and the availability of optional rear-seat entertainment screens, making it a suitable boardroom on wheels. Not everything gets a pass: the infotainment interface is shared with other VW Group products and feels a bit below Bentley's bespoke heritage; the boot, at an 11-ish cubic feet figure, is the smallest in class; and the fuel economy is predictably poor. Yet Edmunds concludes that for buyers who want absolute luxury without sacrificing the joy of driving, the Flying Spur is exceptional. The expert rating is 4.5 out of 5, with the only deduction being the sky-high as-tested price and the relatively compact trunk.

Car and Driver praises the Bentley Flying Spur as the quintessential ultra-luxury sedan, blending grand-touring capability with opulent comfort. The W12 engine's immense power delivers effortless acceleration despite the car's weight, while the air suspension isolates occupants from road imperfections yet maintains surprising body control. The interior is a masterclass in craftsmanship, though the infotainment system is dated compared to rivals. The rear-seat experience is first-class, and the car earns an Editor's Choice award for being the most emotionally engaging ultra-luxury sedan on the market.

Autocar focuses on the Flying Spur's dynamic duality, arguing it is best experienced from the driver's seat. The optional rear-axle steering adds agility for a car nearly 5.3 meters long. The W12 is a monument to internal combustion, while V8 and Hybrid versions offer sensible alternatives. Ride quality is 'pillowy' at low speeds, but there is a slight float over undulating roads. The cabin earns five stars for materials and build quality, but the infotainment lags behind rivals. The car is a 'terrifically talented' grand tourer, though its size and weight are felt in tighter corners and running costs are astronomical, earning a strong four-star rating.

MotorTrend evaluates the Flying Spur as the ultimate expression of personal luxury. The W12 provides a smooth yet savage surge of power, and the rear-biased all-wheel drive gives it a playful character. The interior is rated the finest in the industry, with diamond-quilted leather and knurled metal controls. Cabin quietness at 100mph is incredible. However, the infotainment is laggy and unintuitive, and fuel economy is poor at 14mpg observed. Despite these flaws, the car offers a blend of power, comfort, and craftsmanship unmatched in the segment, earning a strong 4.5-star rating.