Seat Time2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur British Heritage, German Refinement; Can It Get Any Better?Life is good behind the wheel of a Bentley Flying Spur. It's a mood-altering experience. Bad day at the office? No matter. Just step into the sumptuous interior of an F-Spur and at once your crummy day is somehow better. Take a nice leisurely drive and you'll forget about the day entirely. Fact is, this car has the uncanny ability to do many wondrous things-cradling its passengers in complete luxury at speeds more characteristic of a Porsche Turbo or Ferrari F430 listed among them.
Unlike other ultra-luxo brands, Bentley has captured a widening audience. Rich, poor, young and old, everyone seems fascinated by its appeal. During our recent test drive, the car garnered more attention than any other single vehicle we've tested in recent memory. Even the magazine's somewhat jaded administrative staff solicited impromptu rides, or at least a closer look: "What a beautiful car, take me for a ride?" and "Oh, I noticed you're driving the Bentley. Free for lunch?"
Becoming instantly popular is something the Flying Spur owner will have to get used to. Like winning the lottery, soon everyone will want to be your friend. Then again, with a $165,000 sticker you just may have to win the lottery to afford one. Still, providing a high-end luxury sedan sandwiched between the less expensive S-Class and 7 Series and the pricier R.R. Phantom and the Maybach is part of the car's overwhelming success. Since its world debut in 2005 at Geneva, the F.S. has completely sold out. If you want one, you'll likely have to wait for the 2007 model due later this year.
Designed simultaneously alongside the Continental GT, the Spur shares similar styling and is virtually identical from the front half. However, the foot-longer sedan, with its two additional doors, provides a spacious rear seat and a sizeable trunk, complete with the Phaeton's elaborate hinge setup. As with the front, rear passengers ride in complete comfort, surrounded in soft, hand-sewn leather upholstery throughout, including the headliner. The car we tested featured the standard bench seat, which offered plenty of leg, head and elbow room. Although it was equipped with fully adjustable front and rear heated and cooled seats, separate climate controls and other luxury features, at this price point the car should come with dual monitors in the headrests with wireless headsets as standard. Regardless, the back seat is pure elegance and a nice place to be. An optional "executive jet" package offers individual rear seats separated by a leather-wrapped, walnut console that spans the entire length of the interior.
This is a car that could be chauffeur-driven, but most owners will opt to drive-and for good reason. With an ungoverned top speed of 198 mph, the Spur carries the elite distinction as the world's fastest production sedan. Its ability to reach triple digit speed in roughly 11 seconds makes for a surreal experience. You don't expect a car of this size and heft (5,400 pounds) to accelerate even half as fast, unless it really did have wings (and a pair larger than those found on the hood crest). Its sub-five-second zero-to-60-mph sprint is utterly mind boggling, as is the mere 4.6-seconds between 30 and 70 mph. For that matter, so too is its incredible stopping power. The world's fastest four-door aptly carries the world's largest passenger car brakes with massive pizza pan-sized rotors (15.9 and 13.2 inches).
While the Spur isn't the most agile car, it makes up for it with better than expected steering response and a favorably nimble overall ride for its size. Still, its acceleration through locomotive-force torque is clearly what impresses most. At the heart of the matter lies the twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine that produces an impressive 552 bhp. Sporting a six-speed paddleshift Tiptronic-style gearbox that allows either auto or manual modes, power is directed to the pavement via a full-time all-wheel-drive system. The combination, based on Volkswagen Group's D1 chassis, proves exceptionally effective and an ideal pairing. Many people argue whether or not the car is British or German. In the end, it doesn't really matter. What does is that the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is the best all-around luxury sedan in the world. It does so many things remarkably well. And it's not bad for one's ego either.
Continental Flying Spur By The NumbersPeak power (bhp): 552Peak torque (lb-ft): 479Peak torque available at (rpm): 1600Number of cylinders: 12Displacement (liters): 6.0Displacement (cc): 5998Number of turbos: 20-60 mph (sec.): 4.9Top Speed (mph): 198Front brake rotor diameter (in.): 15.960-0 mph stopping distance (ft): 117Passenger capacity: 5Cowhides used for interior: 11Number of airbags: 8Curb weight (lb): 5,400EPA fuel economy (city/hwy): 11/22MSRP: $164,990