With the third generation Flying Spur being just around the corner in 2017, the second generation’s prices dropped virtually as soon as it was unveiled. And they continued drawing back to the point where a 2017 Flying Spur is no longer a six figure car in most cases. For potential buyers, that’s nothing but great news as the second generation Flying Spur is still among the fastest production sedans ever made. Moreover, the 2017 Flying Spur includes updates of the second generation which unlock more power, better efficiency and cosmetic improvements both inside and out. And as all other Flying Spurs, the 2017 model is very unique as it's not a sports sedan by any means. Its luxury levels rival Rolls Royce but at the same time it will outrun the Aston Martin Rapide or a Panamera Turbo. No other car on the market pulls that off making it somewhat of a modern engineering marvel. And with prices being lower than ever before, we invite you to take a look at the examples currently for sale at Exotic Car Trader before we dive deeper into all the more details.
Although Bentley had built ultra fast sedans before VW took over, the first new model built entirely under VW took things to a whole new level. That was the Continental GT which would be turned into the four door Flying Spur just a year later. Both the Continental GT and the Flying Spur turned out to be two of the most successful models to bear the Bentley badge with the Continental selling 80,000 examples by 2020 and the Flying Spur 40,000. Despite the pair being built on the VW D1 Phaeton platform, none of the Bentley spirit was lost, but rather improved. Even the second generation, including the 2017 Flying Spur would continue with the D1 platform, remaining in production until 2018. And even though it was nearing the end of its production and being built on a 15 year old platform, the 2017 Flying Spur was sold in 2,295 examples. The demand barely ever dropped and it’s the same story even today. Again, that’s largely thanks to the unique experience a Flying Spur provides and the fact that the experience was kept so consistent over years.
Besides the 2015 update, the interior of all Flying Spurs is filled to the brim with leather, wool and wood. The symmetrical dashboard is tall and features two of the biggest single pieces of wood trim found in virtually any modern car. It continues through the center console and the rear part of the cabin wasn’t spared either. Leather, which can be had in numerous different colors including different color splits, covers virtually everything else that isn’t a screen or a button. Even just glancing inside a Flying Spur is enough to make the average person feel poor. Then, the 2015 update brought a new gauge cluster graphics which reaches 210 mph, while the seats got smaller diamond stitching patterns which increase the visual complexity. A two tone sports steering wheel with bigger shifter pedals was added as an option, and so was a black shifter bezel. Rear legroom is as plentiful as ever and allows the rear seats to recline almost fully horizontally. Massaging function was an option with both a four seat and a five seat configuration, and so were different exclusive options such as refrigerators, screens, and infotainment controls. A great thing about the Flying Spur is that it can be optioned out as driver oriented which makes it work better as a family car, or as rear passenger oriented making it better if you are looking to hire a chauffeur.
Although we all love a good sports sedan, there is no denying that with their enormous intakes, aggressive bumpers and numerous badges, they can be a bit in your face. And while no one will think the 2017 Flying Spur is anything short of a six figure car, it doesn’t scream and draw attention, rather it displays itself. The side profile features muscular lines that kick over the front and rear wheels ever so slightly making a clear connection to the Continental GT. Giant 21 inch wheels fill out the wheel arches of an already giant 209” long car, while the flying B wing vents are a beautiful and expensive looking detail. The Bentley grille sits tall and proud up front, and yet it’s dwarfed by the modern grilles we are slowly getting used to. Round LED headlights still look modern and interesting, and while the bumper is obviously hiding a monster behind it, it doesn’t feature any aggressive or sharp lines. The roofline droops down, reminiscent of the 1950 Bentleys, while the two giant oval exhausts coming from inside the bumper once more give a hint of the sheer power hiding under the hood. Overall, the 2017 Flying Spur looks like a 2000s concept car with clean lines, big wheels and modern lighting elements, and that’s a look that will remain beautiful for decades to come.
The giant 6 liter W12 engine found in a 2017 Flying Spur had gotten even more power after 2015. With 582 horsepower and a massive 531 lb-ft of torque, the Flying Spur’s acceleration feels light and effortless. That’s despite its 5,456 lbs of weight which is on par with full size modern SUVs and less than 100 lbs less than the W12 Bentayga. Not only that, but with a 4.5 second 0-60 time, it’s faster than most sports cars of its generation. And most impressive of all is its top speed of 199 mph putting it behind only a handful of sedans even today. The 2015 update also brought cylinder deactivation to the W12 engine making it more efficient than ever with a 5% lower fuel consumption. The power goes through an 8 speed dual clutch transmission which brings the W12 to life unlike the old 6 speed. And the sophisticated four wheel drive system with a 40/60 front/rear torque split makes the Flying Spur both engaging to drive and extremely safe.
With a starting price of $225,000 in 2017, the Flying Spur was one of the most expensive sedans money could buy. Furthermore, even a few options could easily add tens of thousands to the starting price pushing it well over $250,000. That said, the prices have deflated quite a bit and you can find a 2017 Flying Spur in great condition and with less than 30,000 miles for around $80,000 to $90,000. That makes it one of the best value for money Bentleys currently as the 2017 model looks nowhere near as outdated as the first generation, while at the same time being half the price of a used third generation Flying Spur.
Although the 2017 Flying Spur is still not exactly cheap, especially when we account for the running costs and maintenance, hardly any car will offer so much for so little. With a record breaking top speed, utmost luxury, a ton of bespoke details and more comfort than a private jet, the 2017 Flying Spur is one of the greatest all around cars ever made. And buying one through Exotic Car Trader makes the entire process temptingly easy and convenient. With escrow protection, delivery, and first inspection, Exotic Car Trader ensures everything goes as smoothly as possible. Selling a car through Exotic Car Trader works in much the same way, only in that case you get a professional photographer at your door so you don’t even have to upload the car to our website.
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