Bentley may have re-invented itself with the popular two-door Continental GT, but the new four-door Flying Spur is an essential part of Bentley’s luxury collection.
The older Continental Flying Spur was really just a stretched out version of the coupe, and wasn’t really refined enough to be classed as a super-luxury limousine. But by dropping the ‘Continental’ affiliation, the 2015 Flying Spur has now moved the focus to the rear seats. With subtle styling differences, a re-engineered chassis, softer springs, anti-roll bars and bushes, and wider front and rear axles to give it a more confident stance, the team from Crewe have produced a car that is not only distinguishable from its sporty siblings, but has a character all of its own.
Inside the tastefully rendered cabin, filled with muted details of wood and butter-soft leather, the hand-laid stitching and attention to detail creates the ultimate luxury environment. In the back you can choose between a three-seat bench, or two individual seats with fully adjustable heat, cool and massage functions. The pop-out, smartphone-like Touch Screen Remote gives you access to the Internet and entertainment systems via the on-board Wi-Fi, and you can even stream dashboard dials to keep an eye on the Sat Nav and speedo.
The front seats are beautifully crafted with the same functions as the rear seats. The fully adjustable steering wheel has all the usual controls available at your fingertips and a large LCD screen in the centre console caters for all your infotainment needs.
The 6Ltr W12, makes 616bhp and 590lb ft of torque (making this the most powerful four-door Bentley), and can achieve 0-60mph in 4.3secs, with a top speed of 200mph (320kmh). The 4Ltr V8 isn’t much slower with 500bhp and 487lb ft of torque and a 0-60mph of 4.9secs and top speed of 183mph (295kmh). Both are driven through ZF’s eight-speed auto transmission to all four wheels and the suspension has four modes ranging from Comfort to Sport. Unless you’re standing on the brakes or attacking a corner, the Spur feels quite balanced for a 2.5-tonne car, which is perhaps its greatest achievement.
The Flying Spur may not be as grand as the Mulsanne, but it is still a compelling symbol of status and wealth, and not only brings this classic British marque in line with its rival, Rolls-Royce, it is a cut above your average German boat.
Call Manish Roy on 04-2944492, 055-1738736 or visit www.bentleymotors.com.
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