Driving Experience of the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur in the UAE
Official Launch
Bentley Motors and Al Habtoor Motors officially launched the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur in the UAE at the JW Marriott in Dubai. The event was attended by media representatives and officials from Dubai. The car was unveiled, but we had to wait until the following day for a test drive.
Our Experience
The next day, we gathered at the same hotel where we were given an overview of the car. Shortly after, we met with our fellow journalists to select one of the Flying Spurs for our drive. The plan was to drive from the hotel to a lunch spot and then return.
Elegance
At first glance, I noticed no change in the car's exterior. The only difference is in the rear design. From the sides, it resembles the Audi A8, combined with elements from the recently launched Maserati Quattroporte. Like other Bentley models, the exterior color is customizable according to customer preference, although it may take longer than choosing from existing colors. Bentley also offers a wide range of alloy wheel options.
Interior Design
There is no doubt that Bentley is luxurious. This car is for those who want to personalize their vehicle and are willing to pay any price for it. Like the exterior, the interior can also be customized or chosen from available colors. It features a combination of leather and wood. You'll notice how luxurious it feels once you sit inside. There is also the "Mulliner" model for those who want something distinctive. It includes all the luxury features: massage seats, cooled seats, a high-tech touchscreen, and more. However, we expect nothing less from Bentley.
One feature we appreciated for the rear seats is a device resembling a smartphone that controls various electronic functions in the car, such as the seats, air conditioning, screen, and clock. It also allows you to check some vehicle information like speed and fuel consumption. This reduces the number of buttons on the dashboard and is very practical for passengers. Take a look:
Driving Performance
Power: Its 6.0-liter W12 engine produces 616 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque with an 8-speed automatic transmission, all for a car weighing 3 tons. What impressed us most during the drive was the immediate torque available at any speed without delay. You don't need to press the pedal hard to accelerate. We didn’t even let the RPM exceed 4,000. We accelerated on a long road, which brought smiles to our faces.
Handling and Brakes
This incredible power comes with excellent brakes and suspension systems. The result is that the car feels like it wants you to drive it, especially when the road begins to curve. On the Sharjah-Kalba road, where the recommended speed is around 40 on the curves, the Bentley accelerated to 100 effortlessly. This is impressive, especially given its weight.
In Conclusion...
The only thing we believe could be improved is the wind noise. For a car priced at around a million dirhams, we expected less wind noise or none at all. However, the engine is quiet, which helps maintain a serene cabin.
Summary
There is significant competition in the Gulf among luxury cars, and it seems Bentley is ready. The new Flying Spur is their latest addition, and based on our experience, we can say it is exceptionally enjoyable. It offers a thrilling driving experience, a magnificent interior, and certainly deserves a closer look.
