Overview & Reviews

The Bentley Continental GT is one of the best ultra-luxury coupes on the market, though it's only comfortable for two adults. For luxury car buyers who desire the option to share the opulence, there's the Bentley Continental Flying Spur, a four-door version of the GT with adult-sized rear seats. Just as with the GT, the Flying Spur provides meticulous craftsmanship, near flawless leather covering almost every interior surface and rich wood trim.

Naturally, the Continental Flying Spur also perpetuates the company's reputation for performance. Power is provided by a massive W12 engine and handling is surprisingly composed. For the rare individual who demands even more, the Flying Spur Speed, with its narrower focus on performance, should satisfy. Whichever Bentley Flying Spur wealthy buyers may choose, it's unlikely they'll find it lacking in any significant area.

Current Bentley Continental Flying Spur
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is an ultra-luxury sedan available in a base version and the higher-performance Flying Spur Speed variant. Both versions of this ultra-luxury sedan are powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine attached to a six-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is also standard. The base Flying Spur produces 552 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, which takes it from zero to 60 in 4.9 seconds.

The Flying Spur Speed features 600 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque, getting to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. In addition to the bigger engine, the Speed version gets bigger wheels, bigger brakes, a retuned suspension and consequent improved handling dynamics. Despite these performance upgrades, the Speed retains every drop of Bentley civility.

Naturally, standard equipment is generous. Nineteen-inch wheels, an adjustable air suspension, four-zone automatic climate control, navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity and leather everywhere are all part of the package. Options include adaptive cruise control, front-seat lumbar massage, a full-length center console (that reduces seating capacity to four) and a 15-speaker Naim audio system. A Mulliner Driving Specification package includes special 20-inch wheels, alloy foot pedals, diamond-quilted leather and a choice of exclusive veneers. A further range of customization is provided via 17 leather color choices and an almost endless selection of exterior paints.

With its adjustable air suspension and sophisticated engineering, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur can float along the freeway, enveloping its occupants in quiet comfort, or just as easily zip through corners like a sport sedan that's half a ton lighter. In fact, in our testing it bettered the slalom speeds of the BMW 7 Series and matched the Bentley Continental GT coupe. Although hardly a sports car, the Flying Spur's steering is rock solid at speed and light when you need it to be around town -- exactly what most ultra-luxury sedan buyers are looking for. The Flying Spur Speed ups the performance ante considerably, but still retains its status as a posh luxury cruiser.

Used Bentley Continental Flying Spur Models
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur debuted as an all-new model for 2006. That original year featured an antiquated CD-based navigation system that was updated to a slightly more up-to-date DVD-based system the following year, along with Bluetooth and the Mulliner Driving Specification package. Satellite radio became standard the next year, while a rearview camera joined the options list.

The Continental Flying Spur Speed was added to the lineup for 2009. At the same time, the regular Flying Spur received sound insulation, retuned suspension and steering, and minor styling updates. The Naim audio system and an improved iPod interface were also added. Even so, these older Flying Spurs (prior to 2012) were fitted with an outdated infotainment interface that didn't match the level of luxury expected in this class.

User Reviews:

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  The most fun you can have with a 4 door - 2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By cuircaleche - May 9 - 5:36 am

  Having owned a variety of high performance sedans over the years, and tired of being nickled and dimed to death by my 600SEL, I thought Id try something FAST with AWD. For not so much more than its Audi sibling, the Bentley fit the bill. While it does have some electrical issues, none have been disabling. The ride is a bit noisy due to the high tire pressures and high performance tires. That said, the car is fairly quiet on the road. The 2009 models will be quieter. Acceleration is amazing, the interior is a wonderful place to be, and the car is quite easy to drive. The bluetooth is useless for Verizon customers.

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  After 4 yrs I still LOVE to get behind the wheel.. - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By davidhart - December 5 - 12:31 am

  In my lifetime Ive owned some pretty special cars but my Flying Spur is in a class alone and far above any of the others. After 4 yrs. I still anticipate with excitement my next drive. Its a head turner (95 % favorable but a few truly nasty and envious remarks shouted out) and a delight in all ways from remarkable comfort, performance, uncompromising quality of construction and materials, and understated elegance inside and out. The only comment I can make even slightly negative is that I noticed a improvement in ride, quietness, and handling when I changed from the factory-installed Dunlap tires to Michelin Sport A/S Plus 275/35 ZR20s. I feel its not hyperbole to rate it 5 stars.

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  Sheer Luxury, Built to Last - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By BobS - September 20 - 7:50 am

  Having owned quite an array of luxury vehicles over the past 30+ years I thought Id become quite jaded. I loved my Jaguar XJs but then moved on to the Mercedes S-class, owning 4 over the years (including a new 2007 for my wife). The time had come for something different--something which looks and feels superior. The Flying Spur is IT! No Mercedes sedan can compare with the WOW factor of this Bentley. And, the beauty, quality and craftsmanship of the interior places this car head and shoulders all others. While I have no doubt the 2007 S-class is the true standard of the world, there is a certain satisfaction in driving the much more exclusive Flying Spur. It is a JOY!

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  Two Thumbs Down - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Robert C. - September 2 - 1:10 am

  Parple Lossh knows what hes talikng about! I dont like my Bentley either. Its extremely uncomfortable. I would rather have a Mercedes-Benz S600. Everyone has their own opinion, of course.

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  Surprisingly Affordable - 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By sebring101 - March 17 - 1:32 am

  The dealer made this very easy to buy. Very nice buying experience-I was able to negotiate and pay my price. I was a little dubious about buying this vehicle but when you put your foot on the accelerator and feel the movement the exhilaration is more than rewarding. Handles like a dream. You are in control every step of the way. Plenty of room and easy to adjust settings. Everything is intuitive. You do not need the owners manual. Nothing is hidden. It is all up front and works like a charm. No MBA required. Comfort is unbelievable. Interior is first class as is the fit and finish. Its a very German car without all the quirkiness and regimentation of a Mercedes. Loose and fluid. Easy.

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  Special Car - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By bb - December 1 - 6:13 am

  I am very happy with this car. Compared to my previous cars, the S55 CL65 and S550, this car is the best and gives you everything, like performance, looks, and ride quality. To sum it up I find myself looking for reasons just to drive it. The car has a way of making you feel special. I see a lot of comparisons to the BMW 760Li and the S600, these are great cars but check out what they sell for only a year old. They lose a lot of value very quickly. Im speaking from experience, I traded my 06 CL65 on the Bentley.

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  Beats BMW 7s & MB600 Hands Down! - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By MichaelF - September 5 - 6:13 am

  The Flying Spur replaced our Mercedes V12 and BMW 7 series. There is no comparison. Power and handling in the Bentley is superb, however, the quality, craftsmanship and design is unbelievable. The electronics and navigation is intuitive, making the BMW "I-Drive" look far more complicated than it needed to be. Acceleration pins you to the seat. Because of all wheel drive in the Bentley, our recent snow/rain vacation trip was far more relaxing because road handling was exceptional. This will be the first of many Bentleys!

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  The Car is Amazing ... YEAH, RIGHT! - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Bentley Owner - May 22 - 3:26 pm

  O.K. So everyone might think that Bentley has a good name, and they do. I love my Continental GT, but my Flying Spur is a joke. In other words, Its garbage. I bought it, spent a week with it, then returned it. I bought myself a BMW 760Li and now, because of my Flying Spur, am thinking of swapping it in for a Mercedes Benz SLR McLaren or a Mercedes Benz CLK 55 AMG, or maybe a SL 65 AMG. I dont know. Despite its "luxury" name, I find my Audi A6 to be more luxurious. Everyone, though, is subjected to their own, personal opinion.

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  Flying Spur is a Pleasure - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By jeff - January 4 - 6:03 pm

  The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is absolutely the best vehicle I have ever driven. My Arnage is in the garage more now than ever before. I drive it almost every day and look forward to many years of enjoyment. Thank you Bentley for this vehicle.

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  Behind the Times - 2010 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Anonymous - August 16 - 2:00 am

  All in all its a good car, but the car just isnt up to par with the competition. For starters, the technology just does not belong in the 21st century. All the competitors are far more advanced. The rear seat is a big drawback to, as the seat to low to the ground and lacks thigh support. The car has also been in the shop alot, and the repairs take a long time.