After the first two Flying Spur generations being essentially the same cars, the 2019 Flying Spur was a much needed advancement. Everything except for the W12 engine is brand new but even the engine was redeveloped and is still hand built by Bentley. The new platform, shared with the Panamera is now much more rigid and lighter than the, now prehistoric, D1 Phaeton on which the first generations were built. The engine is now considerably more powerful, especially when it comes to torque which is the main reason behind the Flying Spur having such great performance results. But even if the 2019 Flying Spur still had the old engine and platform, it would still be generations ahead of the previous model thanks to an all new exterior and interior both of which now boast pioneering technologies besides being more luxurious and attractive than ever. Of course, that’s reflected in the pricing so the 2019 Flying Spur had a 16% higher starting price than the 2018 model, although it has depreciated nicely on the used market. You can also check out the ones currently for sale at Exotic Car Trader before we take this review further.
The name Flying Spur goes back to the 1950s when the R-Type Continental came out as the ultimate GT of its time featuring both ultimate levels of luxury while also being able to travel at over 100 mph comfortably. The R-Type was soon extended and given two extra doors to make the first Flying Spur. And that’s the same thing that happened in 2005 when the first Flying Spur was made by stretching the Continental GT. The third generation is no different and it’s just as big of a success as the 1950s Flying Spur, as well as the 2005 generation. Only now, the 2019 Flying Spur can sit comfortably at 155 mph all day long and reach speeds that would look good on the spec sheet of a supercar. Until 2020, Bentley had sold 40,000 examples, and then another 15,000 of the third generation until 2023. The 2019 Flying Spur marks the third generation’s first model year and together with those built until 2024, it’s one of the last model years to be offered with the iconic W12 engine which went out of production in April of 2024.
With a 130 millimeter longer wheelbase, and the car itself being longer, the rear passengers get more legroom than ever. And since the rear passengers are often more important than the driver in a Flying Spur, the rear seats are also cooled, heated, massaging and adjustable to the point where they almost fully recline. An optional rear panoramic roof opens up the already airy cabin even more while the passengers can use the rear touchscreen to adjust the AC and even control the infotainment system. Refrigerators, tables, foot rests, cushions and shades are just a few of the numerous options. However, Bentley puts a lot of emphasis on driving as well so the front of the cabin is even more interesting. One of the highlights is the rotating infotainment screen with three sides one of which features gauges and the third featuring just black wood trim to blend with the rest of the dashboard. That’s one of the unique features that made an appearance for the first time in the Flying Spur. Color splits and even wood trim splits are nothing short of gorgeous while bespoke details like knurled vent bezels are found in abundance. Regardless of where your eyes land in a 2019 Flying Spur, you are bound to be taken aback by the sheer beauty and craftsmanship.
That’s just what happened to me when I first saw a 2019 Flying Spur even though I had already seen numerous videos and pictures of it. The first thing you are struck by is the sheer size of the thing as it’s both wider and longer than the previous model, and then one was already wider than a Ford F350 and longer than an Escalade. Once settled down you start to notice all the details, like the huge front grille which surprisingly isn’t obnoxious as is the case with most modern cars following the big grille trend. It features enough metal to blind you at the right angle, and yet it’s not the highlight at the front. That title has to belong to the Swarovski crystal headlights which look like giant diamonds and are absolutely mesmerizing. The side profile still features masculine lines with haunches over the front and rear wheels while another piece of chrome trim wraps around the entire car. Huge 21 inch wheels fill out the wheel arches perfectly and the drooping roofline takes obvious inspiration from the 1950s Flying Spur, and so do those muscles over each wheel. The rear is elegant and without much fuss although the giant oval exhausts give the drivers behind you a hint that the Flying Spur isn’t just a pretty face.
All the luxury and all those bespoke details have to move and the 6 liter, W12 engine makes that possible, and much more. Now making 625 horsepower which is nearly 50 more than the previous model, and a massive 661 lb-ft torque representing an increase of around 100. And while the figures are impressive, they are nothing compared to the performance figures making it obvious that the W12 is an overachiever as it always has been. The 2019 Flying Spur gets to 60 in just 3.7 seconds thanks to all the power, an 8 speed transmission and its sophisticated four wheel drive system. The weight reduction helps make those numbers possible as well, given that at 5,373 lbs, the 2020 Flying Spur is more than 100 lbs lighter than the second generation. And then there is the top speed which at 207 mph makes the Flying Spur not only make it the fastest four door Bentley ever, but the fastest four door production car in general. To top it all off, the Flying Spur gets enormous 16.5 inch rotors up front gripped by ten piston calipers as well as the 48 volt active damping system found in the Continental GT. Overall, the Flying Spur is much faster and much more engaging to drive than ever before.
The starting price of $261,000 doesn’t represent much when it comes to the 2019 Flying Spur considering it bears a Bentley badge. The options are, as they say, where they get you and most of the Flying Spurs crossed the $300,000 mark very quickly after a few option boxes were ticked off. Despite that, the used prices have just dipped under $200,000. Considering that most of those examples have less than 20,000 miles on them and are in perfect condition, that makes for a nice discount.
At the moment, the 2019 Flying Spur is one of the greatest engineering marvels to be birthed by the automotive industry. And spiritually, one might even consider it a four door Bugatti being a part of the same parent company. But whichever way you put it, the Flying Spur is as unique of an experience as you can expect from a car. If you are looking to experience it for yourself, buying one through Exotic Car Trader is one of the easiest and safest ways to do it. With escrow protection, delivery and first inspection just to name a few of the perks, Exotic Car Trader eliminates all risks. The same applies if you are selling a car through Exotic Car Trader since the seller is protected in the same way.
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