What is it?
We know how this goes, don’t we? A big Bentley arrives and we like it a great deal. Then a big Bentley with a smaller engine arrives and we like it even more.
And thus we welcome the latest Bentley Flying Spur V8, the third generation of Bentley’s saloon that, with the demise of the Mulsanne, effectively becomes the flagship limo.
Fortunately, we already know it is a much, much better car than either of its previous iterations, which, charged with being both a luxury saloon and a car capable of 200mph or thereabouts, couldn’t do isolation well enough in the face of the physical demands placed upon them. In being fast, they were insufficiently luxurious.
This time, our experience of the early 6.0-litre car means we know it can do both, on account of it being based on the MSB platform developed for the Volkswagen Group (of which Bentley is a part) by Porsche, with heavy and early input from the brands that will use it.
We’ve already found that with vast arrays of active dynamic technology, including rear steer and 48V active anti-roll bars, the 6.0 W12-engined car is deftly sprung and quiet, despite a double-ton top speed and 626bhp.
But, as ever, the 4.0-litre V8 fitted here gives very little away. Power is ‘only’ 542bhp and torque a mere 568lb ft (rather than the 664lb ft of the W12) but it has 107kg lighter kerb weight to move around. The official weight here is 2330kg but we put a W12 on the scales at 2500kg exactly so let’s call it 2400kg, which means 226bhp per tonne rather than 240bhp per tonne.
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Wonderful car to delight. Flying Spur V8 is easily the best in the entire current Bentley range
Jeremy Clarkson bought the Bentley Flying Spur V8 brand new using his own money. He said that he now feels he has now made it with a Bentley. If he bought this car with his own money then it must be good.
Unless you are so rich that good taste has bypassed your psyche, this is a far better suit of clothes to wear than a Rolls Royce (of any flavour).
Ah, 289, as ever the self proclaimed arbiter of good taste. Owing to your wisdom I shall swap my Wraith BB for one of these.
As it happens, I probably will. But not for your approval you understand. More because I'm fed up getting my fat arse out of the car when the kids get in behind me.
You dont need my approval Liquidgold, But if Rolls-Royce styling floats your boat why not just turn in the Wraith against a Phantom to gain two extra doors.
You will have the extra joy of 'suicide' doors to amuse you and your children!