2014 Bentley Flying Spur Review: Luxury and Performance

Bentley Motors and Habtoor Motors officially launched the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur in the UAE at J.W. Marquis Hotel, Dubai. The launch was attended by media and socialites from Dubai. Soon, the covers were off, and the new iteration was unveiled. Sadly, we weren’t allowed to drive it just yet; we had to wait for the next day to test it out.

The following day, we returned to the same hotel for a relatively long overview of the car. After some time, we were asked to pair up with fellow journalists and choose one of the many different colored Spurs present in the parking lot. The plan was to drive from the hotel to Hatta Fort, have lunch, and then head back.

Feedback on the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur

Style

At first glance, there is no significant difference observed in the exterior compared to the previous versions. The only noticeable difference is the tail. From the side, it closely resembles the older Audi A8 with a mix of Maserati Quattroporte, which also recently launched in the UAE. Like all Bentleys, this model comes with a bespoke paint job as per the customer’s requirement. However, bespoke paint will obviously take longer to deliver than the available stock colors. Additionally, Bentley offers customers a variety of alloy options.

Interior

The Bentley Flying Spur delivers luxury without question. It is designed for individuals who want no compromise and are ready to pay for their desired specifications. Like the exterior, the interior color is bespoke per the customer’s demand or can be selected from preset colors. It features a mix of leather and wood throughout, exuding luxury and refinement the moment you enter and observe the plush surroundings. There is also the Mulliner trim option for those wanting to stand out.

You have all the usual amenities, such as massage seats, seat coolers, and a high-definition touchscreen. We all know that such features are expected from Bentley, and anything less simply won’t do.

One standout feature was a gadget for rear seat passengers. This gadget, shaped like a smartphone, serves as a remote control for various electronics in the car, such as seats, A/C, touchscreen, clock, and rear blinds. Moreover, it allows you to check vehicle data, including current speed and fuel economy. This eliminates the need for multiple buttons in the back panel, providing great convenience for passengers.

Drive Performance

Power

The 6.0 litre W12 engine delivers an impressive 616 BHP and 800 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, powering this 3-ton monster. One of the driving highlights was the unlimited torque available at any speed without delay. You don’t need to floor the gas pedal to accelerate quickly. In fact, while driving, we did not even push the RPM above 4000 as we were mesmerized by its smooth acceleration. We finally had the chance to floor it on one long stretch of road, and it instantly brought smiles to our faces.

Handling and Brakes

This seamless power was complemented by fantastic brakes and suspension, resulting in a car that truly wants to be driven—especially on winding roads. On the Sharjah-Kalba Road, where the advised speed limit is around 40 kph on the bends, this car easily cruised above 100 kph without any hassle. This is remarkable, especially considering the vehicle's weight.

Having Said That...

The only aspect we felt could be improved was the wind noise. For a car that costs nearly a million Dirhams, we expected less wind noise. Thankfully, the powerful engine is very quiet, contributing to a relatively serene cabin experience.

Verdict

The luxury car market in the Gulf Region is heating up, and Bentley aims to stake its claim. The new Flying Spur is the latest addition to their fleet, and our first impression indicates it’s definitely worth a test drive. It’s a joy to drive, and the interior is immaculate, deserving an in-depth look.