Bentley Continental Flying Spur

   The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is produced since 2005. It is available as a sedan.

   This car is available only with a 6.0-liter W12 twin turbo engine, delivering 552 horsepower. This engine is also used on the Bentley Continental GT. Such power is enough to scare supercars, as the Flying Spur hits 100 km/h mark in under 5 seconds. It's maximum speed in excess of 300 km/h makes it one of the fastest sedans in the world. The Flying Spur has a rapid acceleration in any gear. This car comes with a six-speed automatic transmission as standard.

   The Bentley Continental Flying Spur has an adjustable air suspension, which can be switched between sporty and comfortable ride. Only the worst bumps can be felt on the comfort setting. The Flying Spur handles really well for a car that big and heavy, but do not provoke it on the fast corners.

   It is a very refined luxury tourer, which is the best place to be for wearing motorway miles. It's engine growls when pushed to the limit, but remains quietly hushed at the motorway pace. Less inviting is a slight wind noise appearing at higher speeds.

   The Continental Flying Spur costs fantastic amount of money, but it sticks to it's value better than the German posh executive cars. Furthermore there are a couple of things that justifies it's price tag. If you can afford to buy Bentley, it's appetite on petrol or hefty insurance and other down-to-earth practical things probably do not bother you. Many of it's mechanical parts are shared with Audi and Volkswagen, so reliability isn't a concern.

   Currently Bentley belongs to Volkswagen, which invested a lot to make the build quality up to scratch, so the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is built up to much higher standard than the previous models. Interior panel gaps are tight and only the highest-grade materials are being used. Luxurious comfort and attention to details blinks everywhere you look.

   The only serious disadvantage in front of the wheels are a large windscreen pillars, obstructing visibility around corners.

   The Bentley Continental Flying Spur originally comes as a five-seater, however the rear bench can be replaced with two individual armchairs with their own electric adjustments and climate control, what is very comfortable on longer journeys. Both front and the rear seats provide cavernous accommodation. Unfortunately car's boot could be slightly larger and better shaped, but it can still take all the luggage.

   The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a very safe car to drive. There are plenty of electronic safety systems to keep you out of trouble, while there are eight airbags in case the worst has happened. There is also a list of security equipment, however even if the car has been stolen it is going to be hard to sell.

   The Flying Spur comes with all imaginable luxury equipment, as you probably expect from car with such a price tag. It's top-notch standard equipment list includes full leather interior, four-zone climate control and satellite navigation. Actually there is only one model offered but various additional equipment can be installed on buyers request.

   Production of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur still continues.

   Advantages: This real luxury grand tourer offers spirited performance and superb build quality, combined with sleek looks and plenty of space for the passengers.

   Disadvantages: Expensive to run, while the ride quality occasionally becomes crashy.

   Verdict: Don't invest in real estate and buy Bentley instead.

   Also consider: BMW 7-series, Mercedes-Benz S-class.