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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  Bently Continental Flying Spur - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Texas driver - July 16 - 11:16 am

  I had less than 1,000 miles on this car and it had to be taken in for service twice. The wheels were not balanced properly for the first visit. The air conditioner went out in 100 degree temps on a road trip. It is a lovely car other than those problems, but it makes one wonder what is next. There is a fabulous sound system on the car. But the interior storage space is not large enough. If I put in an XM radio, I would lose my one ashtray. There is nowhere for change if that is gone. It drives beautifully. I cant wait to get out on the open road with this car.

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  Exquisite - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By craig29 - July 4 - 12:30 am

  Im totally excited about this car. Ive had and driven just about everything luxury and they all pale in comparison. The Continental Flying Spur has plenty of room, power and styling. My only complaint is that the bluetooth only works with Nokia phones and my Razer doesnt work on the system.

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  snakes in paradise - 2007 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By lovecars11 - June 11 - 4:15 pm

  Fast, smooth, comfy,and commodious, we loved this car until Bentley US refused to correct a speedo off by 7%, failed to correct peeling paint (on a $200,000+ car???!!!), and failed to ethically address additional issues with this vehicle. After 4 years with this car, we wish wed never purchased it. It often throws codes on startup, which will get expensive when the extended warranty expires. Poor warranty service/aftercare is a nightmare on any item. On a vehicle at this price point, it is an outrage. It can be great fun to drive for such a huge sedan, but, without proper, kind, and ethical factory support, its nothing more than atarted up piece of garbage we wish wed never purchased

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  Amazing experiance - 2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By luvwater - May 22 - 2:00 am

  That 552 HP engine will leave you breathless, great sedan, comfort and performance are second to none, my two daughters 2 and 3 yo in their car seats have plenty of space watching their DVDs while I enjoy this magnificent ride, if you are thinking about buying one, I say do it today.

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  Upgraded Volkswagen - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By robert annenbaum - January 6 - 12:06 pm

  I was treated better at the Mercedes and BMW dealerships than I was at the Bently dealer. This car has exhilarating performance but lacks the technology that Mercedes or BMW have. I needed to add satellite radio and I had to buy a special phone to work with the "optional phone system" to integrate with the car system. Bentley you should be ashamed of yourselves nickel and diming your customers like that. It has panache and if that is worth $40,000 more to you than owning the other cars that I described, then buy it.

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  Spur vs. Arange - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By WJR - November 30 - 9:03 am

  I traded in my Arnage T for the Spur and never looked back. The Spur has everything I wanted (except no MP3 hook-up) in an auto. Although the Arnage T turned more heads (who cares) the Spur outdoes it in every way, especially the interior! The Arnage felt like getting into a space capsule (Im 61") and was in the shop a good amount...the Spur on the other hand, not a hiccup! It delivers flawless performance, comfort and design (although the back end is a bit odd to me). I believe to have finally found that love match between man and machine with the Spur.

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  Great All Around Car - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By mikemgm - March 31 - 6:36 pm

  The windshield cracked and the console display system went out in the first few months I had it. Other then that, its a great all around car. It has excellent power (though there is some turbo lag at the bottom), a smooth ride, it corners very well for a 5,500 lb. car, the AWD is great in the rain, and it is far more of a head turner then a MB or BMW. The interior is luxurious. If money is no option then what the heck, you cant take it with you!

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  I Am Disappointed - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Parple Lossh - March 3 - 7:46 am

  Never a Bentley Again! Ive had it for a while now, and I think its awful. It is so uncomfortable and heavy. I could have saved $40,000 and gotten a 2007 Mercedes Benz S600 and have been happier than I am with the vehicle that I purchased. For those who are looking for a luxury vehicle, look at the S600 or the Audi A8 W12 L more carefully. Everyone has their own opinion, though.

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  Its great, but... - 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Treo - February 15 - 11:13 pm

  The cars performance rocks, it is just that now they have the Chrysler 300 with the exact same front grille (am I the only one that notices it?). The garage door opener is a disgrace, since its not standard. The radio and navigation are great, and the comfort is great as well. Its a gas guzzler, alright (how does the 760Li get 22 mpg and S65 AMG 18 mpg?) Even though I love my Bentley a lot and probably would recommend this car, Id recommend a Mercedes-Benz S600 or S65 more.

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  Great car, love it - 2009 Bentley Continental Flying Spur
  By Libra_2009 - February 7 - 4:16 am

  This is my third Bentley and this one has to be my favorite! It has amazing handling as it should. The headrests dvd systems make the car more lovable! I will definitely be keeping this one for a while.