Like a tailored suit, a Bentley Flying Spur is an automotive equivalent of understated refinement, a discerning choice made in favour of the finer things in life. Like the suit, the beauty of the Flying Spur lies in its details.
The car, at first glance, could pass unnoticed in a crowd, until your eyes catch a flash of detail. It could be the car's upright mesh grille, its defined lines accentuated by a muscular stance, or the brand's heritage emanating from the winged badge. Like the tailored suit, it's the details that stand out - distinctive yet alluring.
Complementing the Flying Spur flagship, the W12, the new V8 powered Flying Spur enters the lineup with the versatile Audi-sourced 4.0-litre V8 engine to widen the luxury sedan's appeal. Exterior
Save for that change of heart, the W12 and V8 Flying Spurs are almost identical. At 5,299mm long, 2,208mm wide and 1,488mm tall, the V8 Flying Spur is as stately as its 12-cylinder sibling with no difference in dimensions.
The car, at first glance, could pass unnoticed in a crowd, until your eyes catch a flash of detail. It could be the car's upright mesh grille, its defined lines accentuated by a muscular stance, or the brand's heritage emanating from the winged badge. Like the tailored suit, it's the details that stand out - distinctive yet alluring.
Complementing the Flying Spur flagship, the W12, the new V8 powered Flying Spur enters the lineup with the versatile Audi-sourced 4.0-litre V8 engine to widen the luxury sedan's appeal. Exterior
Save for that change of heart, the W12 and V8 Flying Spurs are almost identical. At 5,299mm long, 2,208mm wide and 1,488mm tall, the V8 Flying Spur is as stately as its 12-cylinder sibling with no difference in dimensions.
Visually, the same subtle cosmetic differences between the W12 and V8 Bentley Continental GTs have been accorded to the Flying Spur V8. The red enamel finish on Bentley's famous winged badges on the car's bonnet, boot lid and wheels remain the main tell-tale giveaways of the difference, while the eagle-eyed will also notice the figure-of-eight chromed exhaust pipes at the rear.
Those in favour of a sportier finish could opt for the Bentley Mulliner specification, which includes details like a lowered front bumper grille in black, 20-inch alloys and jewel fuel and oil caps.
On the road though, these visual nuances hardly mattered as the two-tone Tungsten on Onyx contrast finish and 21-inch alloys (both available options) on our test car allowed it to cut a distinguished figure on the road, turning heads as we cruised along on our drive.
Those in favour of a sportier finish could opt for the Bentley Mulliner specification, which includes details like a lowered front bumper grille in black, 20-inch alloys and jewel fuel and oil caps.
On the road though, these visual nuances hardly mattered as the two-tone Tungsten on Onyx contrast finish and 21-inch alloys (both available options) on our test car allowed it to cut a distinguished figure on the road, turning heads as we cruised along on our drive.
Interior
With electrically adjustable seats, a massage function, a detachable touchscreen remote control unit, ample amounts of plush leathers and fancy wood veneers handpicked specifically for their symmetrical grain patterns, the inside of the V8 Flying Spur is an extremely pampering place to be in, especially on long cross-country drives. Thanks to the car's 3,066mm long wheelbase, it's possible to even stretch out for a nap while the well-insulated cabin keeps road noise to a minimum.
For those who'd prefer to be behind the wheel, the driver's seat has a classic touch to it. From the analogue Breitling clock on the centre console to the push-pin air-con vents, the car has a classic feel that's accentuated by dashboard dials that resemble a luxury watch chronograph.
With electrically adjustable seats, a massage function, a detachable touchscreen remote control unit, ample amounts of plush leathers and fancy wood veneers handpicked specifically for their symmetrical grain patterns, the inside of the V8 Flying Spur is an extremely pampering place to be in, especially on long cross-country drives. Thanks to the car's 3,066mm long wheelbase, it's possible to even stretch out for a nap while the well-insulated cabin keeps road noise to a minimum.
For those who'd prefer to be behind the wheel, the driver's seat has a classic touch to it. From the analogue Breitling clock on the centre console to the push-pin air-con vents, the car has a classic feel that's accentuated by dashboard dials that resemble a luxury watch chronograph.
But while the car's fit and finish is one of the best around, we did notice an infotainment system that's been left a little too similar to those found in other models within the Volkswagen Group, and with the same tacky, hard plastic touch.
While there's nothing wrong with that, it feels a tad underwhelming; especially when, at $760,000 before options and taxes, the car sits right at the luxury end of the segment.
While there's nothing wrong with that, it feels a tad underwhelming; especially when, at $760,000 before options and taxes, the car sits right at the luxury end of the segment.
The Drive
With a staggering 500bhp and a mountain-moving 660Nm of torque, the V8 Flying Spur is more than capable of holding its own on the road. Only marginally slower than its larger W12 sibling, the V8 clocks the 0-100km/h sprint in a very respectable 5.2 seconds (compared to the W12’s brisk 4.6 seconds).
Despite weighing in at just under 2.5 tonnes, the V8 Flying Spur isn't at all sluggish. Gun the throttle in a straight line and your heart could just skip a beat as the V8's tremendous pull, with a deep throaty growl, brings the car to speed. And as a testament to the car's refinement, we hardly noticed the speedometer climbing dangerously close to the speed limit as we cruised along the highways.
Specifically, cruising is where the V8 Flying Spur stands out against its larger sibling. Thanks to intelligent cylinder deactivation, which closes off four of the engine's eight cylinders under light throttle loads on the long highway runs, the V8 is able to return an exceptional 9.2km/L fuel economy compared to the W12's 6.8km/L.
On our roads though, the car is an effortless drive, with accurate steering and grip from its four-wheel drive letting the driver negotiate corners with easy confidence. But while the car is capable of spirited driving, passenger comfort is its priority and its adaptive air suspension, with varying levels of damping across the strata of comfort to sport, offers a comfortable ride throughout.
However, if you are expecting the air suspension to insulate your bum with the bumps on the road like an indeterminable pillow, it'll be better to taper such expectations as you'll still be able to feel some tarmac imperfections.Conclusion
The Bentley Flying Spur V8's distinctive good looks, luxurious handcrafted interiors, immense pace and efficiency make it a compelling alternative from run-of-the-mill luxury limousines like the Mercedes Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8.
It may cost significantly more, but with a whole raft of customisable options and Bentley's coach building heritage, it is money well-spent for a car that's uniquely yours.
However, if you are expecting the air suspension to insulate your bum with the bumps on the road like an indeterminable pillow, it'll be better to taper such expectations as you'll still be able to feel some tarmac imperfections.Conclusion
The Bentley Flying Spur V8's distinctive good looks, luxurious handcrafted interiors, immense pace and efficiency make it a compelling alternative from run-of-the-mill luxury limousines like the Mercedes Benz S-Class, the BMW 7 Series and the Audi A8.
It may cost significantly more, but with a whole raft of customisable options and Bentley's coach building heritage, it is money well-spent for a car that's uniquely yours.
