2018 Bentley Flying Spur Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
byMark Takahashi
Senior Reviews Editor
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Strong power from either the V8 or W12 engine
- Predictably regal interior
- Extensive customization possibility
Cons
- Dated infotainment and safety systems
- Lacking rear-seat extravagance
What's new
- The Bentley Flying Spur returns unchanged for 2018
- Part of the second Flying Spur generation introduced for 2014
A Gulfstream G650 may be the most affluent way to travel, especially when you consider its top speed of 600 mph and a starting price of $65 million, but you're obviously limited as to where to park it. The 2018 Bentley Flying Spur can hit speeds just past 200 mph and costs a mere 3 percent of the Gulfstream and you can park it almost anywhere. What a bargain!
In all seriousness, the Flying Spur will likely be a prime candidate to shuttle you to and from your jet, whether you prefer to drive yourself or if you prefer to enjoy it from a passenger seat. It's luxuriously appointed with the finest materials and built by master craftspeople. It's an understated proclamation of wealth that can be tailored to fit your needs and aesthetics. It's elegant for sure, but it does lack some more modern conveniences and technologies.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
The 2018 Bentley Flying Spur embodies classic luxury with exemplary materials and craftsmanship. Unfortunately, classic also means it's lacking in the technology department.
Trim tested
Edmunds has not recently tested or driven this vehicle. The following is our first take on what's significant about it and what you can expect.
Driving
With gobs of torque and an all-wheel-drive system that biases engine torque to the rear wheels to improve handling, the Flying Spur promises a relatively sporty driving experience by segment standards. The keyword there is "relatively"; this is an amply sized, heavy sedan after all.
Comfort
This is the Flying Spur's raison d'être. Complete cocooning in real wood and leather, an adjustable suspension and a nearly silent powertrain enable passengers to feel almost completely isolated. But the rear seating isn't quite as posh as it is in other mega-buck luxury sedans.
Interior
If you're into the latest whiz-bang technology, the Flying Spur is not for you. Instead, focus on its craftsmanship and the get-down-to-driving nature of the cockpit layout. The Flying Spur is one of the few cars left that invite you to just drive rather than fiddle with the in-car electronics.
Utility
The only mission of the Flying Spur is to make its owner happy; utility is largely beside the point. Storage space for small items is limited, and the trunk can hold a respectable 16.7 cubic feet. It's lined in plush carpet, of course.
Technology
Yes, it's lacking compared to, say, a current-spec Hyundai, but the rear-seat remote climate control tablet is a nice touch, and there are no fiddly knobs or gesture control systems to get in the way. A simple touchscreen and buttons are all that's available.
Which Flying Spur does Edmunds recommend?
The anything-but-standard Bentley Flying Spur is our choice. The comfort-focused suspension does a better job of gliding down the highway than the sportier S model. We also recommend the W12 engine for the full effect, rather than the V8.
2018 Bentley Flying Spur models
The 2018 Bentley Flying Spur is offered in two main variants: Flying Spur V8 and Flying Spur W12. There are also sport versions: V8 S and W12 S. The V8 utilizes a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 good for 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque. On the V8 S, output is increased to 521 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. For the W12, a 6.0-liter W12 engine cranks out 616 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. The W12 S version has an incremental increase to 626 hp and 605 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive and an eight-speed automatic transmission are standard on all versions.