FIRST DRIVE
2020 Bentley Flying Spur
BASE PRICE $217,000 (est)
VEHICLE LAYOUT Front-engine, AWD,
4-5-pass, 4-door sedan
ENGINE 6.0L/626-hp/664-lb-ft
twin-turbo DOHC
48-valve W-12
TRANSMISSION 8-speed twin-clutch auto
CURB WEIGHT 5,400 lb (mfr)
WHEELBASE 125.7 in
LENGTH X
WIDTH X HEIGHT209.3 x 77.9 x 58.4 in0-60 MPH 3.7 sec (mfr est)
EPA FUEL ECON Not yet tested
ON SALE IN U.S. Spring 2020Allow it to stretch its legs, tickling a
distant, gravelly snarl from the W-12,
and the Flying Spur serenely compresses
time and space, the three-chamber air
suspension shrugging off humps and
heaves even as the anti-roll system
keeps the big sedan as flat as a sports car
through the corners. The steering feel is
meaty and authoritative, and the massive
brakes—16.5-inch rotors up front and
15.0-inchers at the rear—are resolute in
their response.
For all that, though, the Flying Spur
does some of its best work schmoozing
around town. Which is probably just as
well, as this is how most will be driven.
Porsche’s eight-speed dual-clutch
transmission initially proved a headache
for Bentley engineers, as they couldn’t
match the smooth takeoff and gearshifts
of a torque converter under light throttle.
But a ton of development work has
eliminated the clunkiness evident in the
Continental coupe.
The Bentley offers a City Specification
package, which bundles hands-free trunk
opening, pedestrian warning, and reverse
traffic warning. Other available driver
assistance features include night vision, a
head-up display, a 360-degree overhead-
view camera, and parking assist, all
controlled via the intuitive Porsche-
developed 12.3-inch touchscreen.
The Flying Spur’s interior has all the
warm wood, rich leather, and sparkling
chrome you’d expect in a Bentley, but
it’s been executed with a subtly modern
twist. No fewer than 15 standard leather
colors are offered—mixing and matching
is allowed, as is contrasting stitching. In
addition, buyers can choose from eight
wood veneers and an optional etched
finish on the center console.
Three audio systems are available,
ranging from a standard 650-watt system
with 10 speakers to a 1,500-watt Bang
& Olufsen to a monster 2,200-watt
Naim with 19 speakers and active bass
transducers built into the front seats.
Rear passengers can control window
blinds, massage, climate control, music,
and mood lighting. Detachable tablets
allow them to use apps, including
those in the Google Play store. But
tall passengers might find themselves
peering out from their 14-way heatedand ventilated rear seats—the slitlike
windows an inevitable byproduct of that
rakish roofline.
To suggest the Bentley Flying Spur is a
limo best enjoyed from the driver’s seat
would be absolutely on brand. Bentleys
have always been luxury cars for people
who like to drive. Available only with the
W-12 for now—a V-8 is coming—expect
the 2020 Bentley Flying Spur to start at
about $217,000. It looks a bargain. QFEBRUARY 2020 MOTORTREND.COM 75