2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Review
2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Opulent interior
- serene ride
- potent twin-turbocharged W12 engine
- respectable handling ability.
Cons
- Outdated infotainment interface
- aging style.
What’s new
The 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is unchanged from last year.
Edmunds says
The 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur remains a strong choice among ultra-luxury sedans, but with a possible model refresh in the works, it might make more sense to wait for a 2012 version.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.02 per gallon for premium unleaded in Texas.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Texas
$355/mo for Continental Flying Spur Base
Continental Flying Spur Base
vs
$199/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
It is hard to find fault with anything as finely crafted as the 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. From its sumptuous interior to its brawny 12-cylinder engine, this ultra-luxury sedan has little in the way of competition. Yet we would caution interested buyers that a likely forthcoming model refresh should address its few faults.
The upcoming 2012 Continental GT is the first to get the new treatment, with a minor styling update, sharper handling and more rear-seat legroom and an improved infotainment display and interface. We expect the larger Flying Spur to follow suit, so prospective owners may want to postpone their purchase until the next model arrives.
If waiting isn't an option, however, buyers can still rest easy knowing they possess a truly fine automobile. Exclusivity is all but guaranteed with the Flying Spur's $180,000 starting price and for that considerable sum, owners will likely enjoy the Bentley's understated styling and old-world charm just as much as the next version's.
But for now, those seeking a bit more modernity should check out the upper-echelon models of the 2011 Audi A8, 2011 Jaguar XJ and 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class. The 2011 Aston Martin Rapide and 2011 Porsche Panamera are also worth consideration. The 2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost is also within the Bentley's price range and offers even more prestige. Fortunately for the well-heeled buyer, there's not a bad choice in the bunch, as none of these ultra-luxury sedans will disappoint.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is powered by a twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 that produces 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. Power is channeled through a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. These features, along with the Flying Spur's all-wheel-drive system, combine to propel all 5,567 pounds of this Bentley to 60 mph in a scant 4.9 seconds. Fuel economy is expectedly low, at an EPA-estimated 11 mpg city/18 mpg highway and 13 combined.
Safety
Standard safety features on the 2011 Flying Spur include side and side curtain airbags in both front and rear. A passenger-sensing system in the rear seats automatically raises the rear headrests to ensure the best possible protection against whiplash injuries. Antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control are also standard equipment. Optional carbon-ceramic brakes are available.
Driving
The 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, with its nearly silent cabin, adjustable suspension and turbine-like W12 is capable of delivering the sensation of low-level flight rather than merely that of cruising down a long stretch of highway. Improbably, it also tackles back-road curves like a much smaller car. But compared to other large luxury sedans, the Bentley's bulk is undeniable, and it's just not as energetic to drive as cars like the Jaguar XJ or Porsche Panamera. If you're looking for transport that's more stately than energetic, though, the Flying Spur should certainly deliver.
Interior
Of all the luxury cars on the market, few can challenge the Bentley Continental Flying Spur's exquisite interior. Only the finest leathers and wood veneers are selected, while time-honored craftsmanship shows in every detail. Push-pull vent controls, a Breitling timepiece and real metal switchgear give the cabin an old-world charm. So, too, does the outdated infotainment display, and this is not a good thing. It has many of the high-tech features one now expects in a luxury car, but using those features is a pain since it lacks the functionality of newer systems.
2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur models
The 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a high-performance ultra-luxury sedan that is offered in one very well-appointed trim level.
Standard features include 19-inch wheels, a sunroof, keyless ignition/entry, an adjustable air suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, front and rear parking sensors, four-zone automatic climate control, heated and ventilated front and rear seats, 16-way power front seats with lumbar massage, rear-seat lumbar massage, and leather upholstery that requires a herd-thinning 11 cowhides. Also standard is a 12-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, a navigation system and Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Options include power-adjustable rear seats with a full rear center console, flip-down wooden picnic tables for rear passengers, a full-length three-passenger backseat, a heated steering wheel, a back-up camera, a rear-seat entertainment system with twin display screens, a power-opening and -closing trunk, adaptive cruise control, a refrigerated bottle cooler, a 15-speaker Naim sound system and iPod integration.
The Mulliner Driving Specification package includes special 20-inch wheels, diamond-quilted leather, contrasting stitching, special seat piping and drilled alloy sport pedals. Buyers of non-Mulliner models can choose from 17 different leather hues, seven wood veneers and a dizzying array of exterior paints.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
5 star(65%)
4 star(21%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(11%)
37 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
SAVE A BUNDLE - BUY ONE USED, SOLID PERFORMER
2TimeBentleyOwner, 01/04/2017
2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 6A)
Bought our 2007 used in 2016. Car was in great shape with 51,000 miles on it. Paid $1,600 for Dealer to do maintenance of oil & filter change, and total review of car (more than a standard oil change at dealer, but did more as to changing out fluids, batteries in keys, etc. - was worth it to find out exactly what the car really needed) Had about 10% left on Brakes. Replaced Brakes AND … Tires (got them from Tire Rack) and went to independent mechanic to get things done (ABOUT HALF what Dealer would have charged) The Trick with these cars is that you DON'T go to the Dealer - you go to good mechanic who knows Bentleys. Had an 1989 Bentley Eight for 20 years and traded it in for this one. This car is SUPER fast and is comfortable. Better gas mileage than the 1989 BUT, you don't buy one for the Gas Mileage. After putting on about 7,000 miles in a half-year, I would say it was a great buy. No way could we afford a new one (total price w/tax about $240,000) but getting this car at $62,000 was a good deal. Oil Change is once every 10,000 (Synthetic oil, 14 quarts - YES 14) It is a racing engine on a luxury platform. So much better than a Mercedes, BMW, or other High-end car. Repairs? So far just put on Brakes and Tires to insure we had solid traction. Have had it up to 120MPH and it's like you are driving 55MPH. I am surprised at some of the other negative comments. Maintenance is not bad if you DON"T go to the dealer.(and that is true on ANY car!!) Find a good mechanic. Join the Bentley Club and the Rolls-Royce Owners Club and you will get great tips in maintaining the car and not overpaying for service. Bottom line - You're driving up in a high-performance Bentley and that makes everyone's Lexus, BMW, Mercedes, and Audi pale in comparison. No one asks what year it is - it's a Bentley!
UPDATE: At 61,000 miles on the car. Great car that gets a lot of notice. Had a sensor problem with the Parking Brake warning going on. Very minor replacement (sensor). Looking forward to entering it into the Rolls-Royce Owners Club's Regional Concours. Glad we bought it. If you buy one - DRIVE IT. Don't let it sit in the garage. These cars were built to be driven hard.
UPDATE: At 62,300 miles on car. Still great driving. Had the air struts start losing pressure in the front. (this is the BIG repair that scares anyone from buying some of the exotics - not just Bentley, but high-end Mercedes and others as well). The air struts are like $2,800 apiece and the compressor is $1,100 PLUS installation at the dealer. You're looking at about a $10-12K repair. If you shop-around like I did, you can beat that price AND get quality parts (NEW - NOT refurbished) for a LOT LESS. I bought a total kit for about $2,500 - BOTH Air Struts AND the Compressor. Even my mechanic said I got a steal on it. I did not need to replace the compressor so I am saving that for the future but my total bill with installation was around $3100 (and I still have the new compressor in a box for the future). That is the way you can afford running a high-end exotic and not worrying about maintenance costs. That is the biggest repair on the car. By a quality used car and learn how to be a "shopper" and you can pull up in a true luxury performance car that originally cost $230,000 next to the guy who paid the same price for a mid-level, nothing spectacular BMW new.
UPDATE - Have had car for a little over 2 years now. Going for an oil change. Great ride.
UPDATE - 72,000 - Driving it and enjoying it. Not everyday but every weekend. Car runs well and is super fast. Have to take it in for scheduled maintenance. YES, it will cost some money BUT, it is more than a performance car - it is a race car with a luxury body on top. You need to check everything and make sure it is tight and working well. YES - I would buy another but the way these cars last, it will be 20 years before I go looking.
UPDATE (01/08/2022) - About 74,000 on it. Did not drive it much but need to go in for major service (for maintenance). You need to get regular maintenance on this car (and EVERY car really) if you want it running at peak performance. You cannot just "let it sit" - I always get the oil changed (even more than I need to) but the engine and car run fine when you maintain them. You need to maintain any performance car- Ferrari, Porsche, Lamborghini, etc - So if you want one, realize it is a car that needs care.
You only live once. If you get a Bentley, chances are, you will keep it for 20+ years. Get the best. It will serve you well. Otherwise, buy those cheap cars and keep flipping them every five years - when you look at all the money you lost across 20 years - a Bentley is a bargain.
UPDATE (01/10/2023) - A little over 76,600 miles on it. Everything running fine. Looks like I will be going in for service on it - oil change, etc in about 1200 miles. No complaints. It still drives very well. Running it over the winter just when it is cold out but no snow or salt on the road. After seeing how bad EVs performed in cold weather, I will NOT be looking at any EVs.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Still good
bobbyo, 07/08/2010
2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 6A)
I agree with all the positive comments, which you'll note hint at some flaws in the design and operation of the car but do not in any way detract from the experience of owning one. I didn't see much substance in the negative reviews- was it the same guy writing them all? This car is fantastic, fast comfortable and smooth. Garners a lot (repeat, a lot!) of stares and comments. True luxury … that mass-produced BMW's and MB's can't begin to match (Mercedes had to come out with the Maybach line to even try). My biggest complaint is the rear seat area, it squeaks rattles and shakes whenever you hit a bump, due to a suspension that is quite active and "vocal" over bumps. Reliability has been great.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Flying Spur is in a Class by Itself
SAEarly, 09/12/2006
2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 6A)
A super luxury sedan with 4 wheel drive, 0 to 60 acceleration in 4.8 seconds, and a top speed of 195+ mph (magazine reviews) is not available anywhere currently in this price range except from Bentley. Austin Martin is planning something in next 2+ years. The super huge trunk is great for trips but the acceleration at any speed makes it fun to drive even though it weighs about 5,500 … pounds. Our Beluga exterior with chrome wheels and Cognac/Beluga interior looks stunning. Other drivers have actually backed from other lanes at red lights to do a double take. While drivers going the other way have stared or even turned around to get a better look. This car is very roomy, has stunning looks, and has great acceleration and speed!
4.13 out of 5 stars
The most fun you can have with a 4 door
cuircaleche, 08/13/2008
2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur 4dr Sedan AWD (6.0L 12cyl Turbo 6A)
Having owned a variety of high performance sedans over the years, and tired of being nickled and dimed to death by my 600SEL, I thought I'd try something FAST with AWD. For not so much more than it's Audi sibling, the Bentley fit the bill. While it does have some electrical issues, none have been disabling. The ride is a bit noisy due to the high tire pressures and high performance … tires. That said, the car is fairly quiet on the road. The 2009 models will be quieter. Acceleration is amazing, the interior is a wonderful place to be, and the car is quite easy to drive. The bluetooth is useless for Verizon customers.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, so we've included reviews for other years of the Continental Flying Spur since its last redesign.
2011 Continental Flying Spur Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $181,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Flex-fuel (ffv) |
Combined MPG | 13 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $355/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 16.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / unlimited miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Continental Flying Spur include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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