- HIGHSHigh-zoot cabin, handles well for its size, available plug-in hybrid powertrain.
- LOWSExtraordinarily thirsty gas engines, none of the expected driver-assists are standard, palatial price tags.
- VERDICTWith a luxury-lined cabin and an expertly tuned chassis, the Flying Spur is satisfying for both the chauffeur and the chauffeured.
Overview
While many of its buyers may elect to be driven while they luxuriate—or close deals—in the rear seat, the 2024 Bentley Flying Spur is a luxury sedan that's rewarding to drive as well. When the day calls for it, the Flying Spur can carve up curvy stretches of road with aplomb without compromising its serene cruising attitude. Most models are powered by twin-turbo V-8 or twin-turbo W-12 gas engines, but a plug-in hybrid V-6 is also offered and that powertrain delivered 35 miles of electric-only driving in our testing. All models are dressed to impress, with cabins layered in leather, wood, and metal; amenities are plentiful too, including optional massaging rear bucket seats. All of this extravagance comes at an equally extravagant price though, placing the Flying Spur out of reach for all but the wealthiest buyers. If you're lucky enough to be in that tax bracket, however, the Flying Spur's blend of athleticism, comfort, and curb appeal can't be beaten.
What's New for 2024?
Bentley quietly added a new trim to slot below the Azure in the lineup this year. The new A trim shares some of that model's styling elements, including the waterfall grille. The Flying Spur's S and Speed models receive an updated mesh grille design for 2024 and all models receive plusher floor mats made from wool and updated carpeting made from recycled nylon. The Speed model also now comes with a dark gray exterior trim to set it apart from the rest of the Flying Spur lineup.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
The price of the 2024 Bentley Flying Spur starts at $217,625 and goes up to $327,425 depending on the trim and options.
Upgrading from the base hybrid and V-8 options to the more powerful Speed model is an easy choice if you ask us as it unlocks the 626-hp W-12 engine. Customers can choose from one of several curated themes, such as Cool Harmony, Storm Noir, or Alter Ego when ordering their Flying Spur, but we'd suggest going with a fully bespoke build to make it uniquely yours. A seemingly endless array of exterior colors and styling choices await you in the Bentley Mulliner customization program. The same goes for interior appointments, which can include several different types of wood, various types of leather, and polished metal accents.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
All Flying Spurs come with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, all-wheel drive, and a powerful twin-turbocharged engine. A 542-hp V-8 is standard, but we'd suggest upgrading to the Speed model which comes exclusively with the 626-hp W-12 engine. With 12 cylinders under the hood, the Flying Spur never wants for power. In fact, it can show its taillights to many top-tier sports cars in a drag race. At our test track, it leaped to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. The V-8-powered model delivered an identical 3.5-second zero-to-60-mph run, but the W-12 is slightly quicker to 100 mph and through the quarter-mile. A plug-in-hybrid powertrain is also available and combines a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V-6 with an electric motor for a combined 536 horses and 553 pound-feet of torque. At our test track, the PHEV snapped off a quick 3.9-second run to 60 mph, just a few tenths off the quicker V-8 and W-12 cars. When we took the Flying Spur for a brief drive near Monaco, we found it to be a far more athletic driver than we anticipated. The sedan's adaptive suspension and rear-wheel-steering system help on this front. Back in our home state of Michigan, the Flying Spur repeated its performance from our earlier drive and provided a much-needed respite from cratered roads.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The Flying Spur's fuel-economy estimates from the EPA look as though they're for a pickup truck rather than a sedan, earning 12 mpg city and 19 highway with the W-12 engine under the hood. Fuel-economy ratings for the V-8-powered variant come in at 15 mpg city and 20 highway. The Flying Spur's chief rival—the Rolls-Royce Ghost—doesn't fare any better at the pump. The Flying Spur plug-in hybrid is rated at 19 mpg combined, with an estimated electric driving range of 21 miles on a single charge. In our testing, the plug-in hybrid model far exceeded its estimated electric driving range by motoring on for 35 miles of highway before needing to activate the gas engine. For more information about the Flying Spur's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Sumptuous leather, genuine wood trim, and real metal accents line the Flying Spur's interior. In the front or back, there's plenty of space for adults to stretch out and enjoy the luxurious environs. Bentley's interior designers managed to preserve the brand's prim and proper styling while incorporating modern tech features. A remote touchscreen controller mounted to the rear of the center console allows rear-seat riders to adjust certain things without asking the driver for assistance. For instance, you can use it to open and close the window shades, adjust the cabin climate, and activate the rear-seat massagers. A generously sized trunk offers plenty of space for luggage, cases of champagne, or a day's worth of impulse shopping on Rodeo Drive.
Infotainment and Connectivity
A large 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen is situated between large swaths of wood trim on the Flying Spur's dashboard. For a price, Bentley will swap the static infotainment screen with a moving piece that rotates the screen into the dashboard and brings up a wood panel featuring three analog dials (an outside-temperature gauge, a clock, and a compass). Passengers can connect to the Wi-Fi hotspot, and those with compatible smartphones will enjoy the Spur's Apple CarPlay integration. Bentley provides a 10-speaker stereo system standard but will install one of two premium audio systems for more coin. Buyers may upgrade to either the 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen setup or the 19-speaker Naim system with illuminated speaker grilles.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
Bentley offers several driver-assistance features; unfortunately, many of them cost extra. For more information about the Flying Spur's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Available automated emergency braking
- Available adaptive cruise control and night vision
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Bentley offers a three-year warranty with the purchase of a new model, but unlike plans from more mainstream luxury brands, there's no mileage limit. Rolls-Royce offers a similar service but extends to its customers four years of coverage. Furthermore, Rolls-Royce offers four years of complimentary scheduled maintenance while Bentley covers only one.
- Limited warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers three years and unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for one year or 10,000 miles
