2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Review
2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Opulent interior, serene ride, 552-horsepower twin-turbocharged W12 engine, respectable handling ability.
Cons
- Somewhat cramped rear seat, outdated infotainment interface.
What’s new
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur returns in 2009 with minor cosmetic revisions, added sound insulation, retuned suspension and steering, adaptive cruise control, enhanced seat comfort, an optional Naim audio system and iPod connectivity.
Edmunds says
With German bloodlines and British decor, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur ultra-luxury sedan offers the best of both worlds at a relatively reasonable price.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$410/mo for Continental Flying Spur Base
Continental Flying Spur Base
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Plastic surgery is no stranger to Beverly Hills, nor is it to the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. Like the legion of biological revisionists roaming the palm-tree-lined streets of Rodeo Drive, this four-door Bentley has had some work done. Nothing major, though -- it's more of a touch-up for the nose, chin and headlights, and maybe a little lipo for a more slender tail.
Keeping up appearances is paramount for the Flying Spur, especially considering the formidable competition in the form of the stratospherically priced Maybach 57 and Rolls-Royce Phantom. It's likely that buyer seriously contemplating ownership of any of these ultra-luxury sedans wouldn't offer so much as a raised eyebrow at their multi-$100,000 stickers, but there's no doubt some satisfaction to be gained from knowing that the Bentley Continental Flying Spur costs about half as much.
It's been said that Rolls-Royces are meant to be driven in, while Bentleys are meant to be driven. The Continental Flying Spur maintains that tradition with some truly impressive numbers. With 552 hp, a 0-60-mph time under 5 seconds, stopping from 60 mph in only 116 feet and a top speed of 194 mph, you would think there was a supercar underneath. On top of those figures, the Flying Spur blew through our instrumented slalom test at speeds that rival its two-door Continental GT coupe stablemate. This beauty is definitely more than skin-deep.
Inside, the Continental Flying Spur bathes occupants in sumptuous wood and leather that covers nearly every surface. Since Bentley operates under its parent company of Volkswagen/Audi, the switchgear is much more functional than the fussy knobs and buttons from previous models -- though it must be said that the controls lack a bit of the panache and romance from the past, and they aren't the most intuitive, either.
Stacked up against its Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach 57 competitors, the 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur definitely has its work cut out. Given that all three of these ultraluxury sedans feature the best of German engineering, there is really no loser among them. Even with the significantly lower cost of admission for the Bentley, the decision comes down to which interpretation of luxury you prefer.
Performance & mpg
The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12 that produces an astounding 552 hp and 479 pound-feet of torque. Just as impressive as the output numbers is the fact that peak torque is reached at an incredibly low 1,600 rpm. 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 5,379 pounds of this Bentley to 60 mph in a scant 4.9 seconds. Equally impressive is the top speed of 194 mph. Fuel economy, should anyone care, is EPA-estimated at 10 mpg city/17 highway and 12 combined.
Safety
The Flying Spur comes standard with side and side curtain airbags 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. The Flying Spur's stability control has been further enhanced over last year's "sport traction" mode to be less intrusive. Optional carbon ceramic brakes are also now available.
Driving
The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, with its silent cabin, adjustable suspension and near-supercar top speed, is capable of delivering the sensation of low-level flight rather than cruising down a long stretch of highway. Improbably, it also tackles back-road curves like a much smaller car. Among the Maybach 57 and Rolls-Royce Phantom, the Flying Spur feels spritely in comparison and nearly as sporty as the less opulent Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG. It is unlikely that anyone would need additional power from the W12 power plant, but should the need arise, Bentley also offers the Continental Flying Spur Speed with 600 hp.
Interior
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur's leather- and lumber-lined cabin won't win any awards from environmentalists or animal rights activists, but it's still one of the most exquisitely constructed automotive interiors on the market today. There's a charming old-world feel to the whole affair, highlighted by push-pull vent controls, a Breitling timepiece, and switches and levers constructed of real metal. Unfortunately, the infotainment system is old-world as well -- it's a bit dated, and it shows in the undersized display screen and nonintuitive interface. The rear seats lack the adjustment and advanced features (such as cooling) available in competing sedans. Rear legroom, too, is comparatively scarce.
2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur models
The 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a high-performance ultraluxury sedan that is offered in one very well-appointed trim level. Standard features include 19-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, bi-xenon headlamps, four-zone automatic climate control, heated rear seats with lumbar massage, 16-way power front seats with heating, cooling and lumbar massage, keyless ignition and entry, and a sunroof. Also standard is a 12-speaker sound system with six-CD changer, satellite radio, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and leather upholstery that requires a herd-thinning 11 cowhides.
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 rear seat, 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, nostalgic seat piping, drilled alloy sport pedals, twin LCD screens for the rear passengers, a rear-seat bottle cooler and lamb's-wool carpeting. 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 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
5 star(64%)
4 star(22%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(11%)
36 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 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, so we've included reviews for other years of the Continental Flying Spur since its last redesign.
2009 Continental Flying Spur Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $191,500 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 12 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $410/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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