If you’re in the market looking for a full-sized luxury sedan, then the three prominent options available are the Mercedes Benz S-class, BMW 7-Series and the Audi A8. However, there is also a British offering in the form of the Bentley Flying Spur, which was always overlooked, until now, that is. The Flying Spur gets a complete makeover for 2020 and what a solid package it is.
For those who are unaware of this luxury car, it is the entry level model from the stables of Bentley and gets its styling heavily derived from the Continental GT Coupe. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the Flying Spur is a 4-door version of the Continental GT.
EXTERIOR
The Flying Spur gets a heavy revision compared to its previous generation model and is stately in appearance. The new design architecture adopted by Bentley surely works in its favor. It is a sharper looking sedan than its predecessor.
Up front, you will notice Bentley’s signature gargantuan grille with 23 chrome slats mounted on arousing grandeur. What it retains is a section still housing the congruent rotund head lamps with blue accents in them and several LED bits illuminating the car brightly. There has been extensive use of aluminum in the car for weight reduction and decoration. The front end flaunts massive air intakes with aluminum outlining the bumper giving it a premium feel. Bentley’s signature element, the Flying B mascot too, has been overhauled as the marque celebrates its centennial and has wings which illuminate in dim light. It is electrically operated this time around. The hood has been crafted in such demeanor as is typical of a high-end luxury car; long, simple yet having a hue of understated elegance.
When viewed from the side, what gets noticed are the flared front and rear fenders, small wheel arches and the gigantic 22” rims. The rest of the side profile is clean except for a heavy shoulder line and a broad strip of aluminum outlining the car.
At the back, changes are the most conspicuous. As expected, Bentley has eschewed the boxy design and have included a more proportionate flowing layout for the windshield and the boot. Albeit the tail lamps receive minor tweaks, they look more flamboyant than its previous gen. There is a crease running across the boot integrating into the taillights and thankfully, Bentley hasn’t incorporated an LED strip like the Audi A8. The oval exhaust tips are a nice touch given to the car. The car measures 5316 mm, 1987 mm, 1484 mm in length, width and height, respectively and brags of a wheelbase measuring 3194 mm making it a whole 130 mm longer than the car it bids adieu to.
INTERIOR
Step on the inside, you will find everything screaming of luxury. There’s tons of wood finish everywhere and two-tone leather nicely covering the cabin. The instrument cluster is simple looking with analog gauges for the speedometer and tachometer and a digital drive computer showing the time, cruise control settings, car temperature, etc. In the center console, what truly deserves appreciation is the 12.3” infotainment screen which can be flipped according to your choice, one layout houses in a chronometer, compass and a temperature display. Second layout shows the tablet with controls for the stereo, navigation, AC, Automatic Climate Control and also a reverse parking camera. The third layout is clean with plentiful use of wood. The AC vents have been nicely finished in aluminum. The seats and doors are tautly wrapped in dual tone leather. There are two AC vents electrically operated via a screen. Unlike its German rivals, the transmission tunnel doesn’t intrude extensively in the second row which allows the third adult to sit comfortably.
ENGINE AND PERFORMANCE
At the heart of the car, we are likely to get a 6-liter V12 motor churning a thumping 626 hp and 900 Nm of torque and will mostly be assisted by an 8-speed automatic dual clutch transmission. Such figures are colossal for a car its size and should definitely provide a smooth and exhilarating driving experience. The car is on par with its rivals in terms of performance, or on paper at least.
VERDICT
As we all are aware, the eminent German rivals have dominated this segment with all of them having a party trick to lure buyers. The recently launched Audi A8 can be truly described as an impressive paradigm of luxury owing to the tech and the gorgeous looks it has on offer. The BMW 7-Series has always been a driver’s car with performance being the priority and with every iteration, the experience of getting behind the wheel has been more exciting. The Mercedes Benz S-Class in 2014 was crowned as the ‘Best Car in the World’ and it wasn’t without a reason. It offered a perfect balance of practicality, performance and comfort. So, will the Bentley Flying Spur give all its rivals a run for their money? While we are unaware of its price, it has certainly got all the quintessential requisites one would look for during a luxury car purchase. It is no longer an understated machine; it has a welcoming interior boasting of opulence and comes loaded with amazing punch.
