The Bentley Continental Flying Spur turned 20 this year, marking two decades of this luxurious sedan blending British opulence with potent performance. Examining its evolution reveals how the car has stayed true to its core identity while navigating a changing automotive landscape.
Launched in 2005, the original Flying Spur emerged as the ideal companion for those who craved the new-age Bentley experience but needed room for family and luggage. Its predecessor, the Continental GT, had captured hearts with its two-door elegance, and the Flying Spur offered a similarly potent four-door alternative powered by a turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine churning out 545 horsepower. This substantial power propelled all four wheels through a six-speed ZF gearbox, ensuring effortless acceleration.
Bentley didn’t shy away from catering to those who demanded even more. In 2008, the “Speed” variant arrived, boasting an impressive 600 horses for those perpetually running late to important meetings.
The original Flying Spur remained in production for eight years before being succeeded by a sharper-looking second generation in 2013. This model dropped the “Continental” prefix from its name and introduced a new powertrain option alongside the familiar W12: a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 that, while less powerful than the flagship engine, still delivered over 500 horsepower with an appealingly throaty growl.
A New Era of Electrification
The third generation arrived at the end of the 2010s, ushering in a new platform and design language with striking “B” rear lamps. This era saw Bentley explore electrified powertrains more seriously, replacing the V8 entirely and offering hybrid options alongside the existing W12. By this point, luxury SUVs had become increasingly popular, forcing Bentley to sharpen its focus on differentiating itself from established players like Rolls-Royce.
Today’s Flying Spur sits firmly in that evolution. The latest iteration boasts an “Ultra Performance Hybrid” system paired with a 4.0-liter V8 generating a staggering 771 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque, or less potent yet still impressive “High Performance Hybrid” setups for the core and Azure trims.
But this technological advancement brings a different kind of change: an unsettling quietude within the cabin. While previous Flying Spurs had a comforting hum from their engines, even in relaxed driving modes, today’s hybrid powertrains prioritize whisper-quiet operation. The experience is simultaneously luxurious and isolating.
A Legacy of Refined Power
Comparing the original Flying Spur to its modern counterpart highlights both the tangible progress made in automotive technology and the enduring spirit of Bentley’s flagship sedan. Where the first car was cutting-edge with features like heated seats, electronically adjustable everything, and a rudimentary navigation system (a far cry from today’s sophisticated touchscreens), the new model is an exemplar of opulent modernity: packed with screens, massage functions, climate control for your nether regions, ambient lighting, and more.
The original still holds charm though. Its W12 engine, while not renowned for its sonorous purr, offers a satisfyingly smooth power delivery, making it both comfortable and capable on the open road.
Perhaps most importantly, both generations share a common thread: they embody Bentley’s essence of refined thuggery. Powerful engines are paired with an air of effortless elegance, making them suitable for both cruising in style and spirited drives where immense performance can be unleashed discreetly.
While the Flying Spur’s landscape is more crowded now, its enduring combination of luxury and performance continues to set it apart. The car has evolved alongside the times while preserving its core character, proving that sometimes, evolution isn’t always about a radical shift but rather a series of sophisticated refinements on a winning formula.
