Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Speed
The Bentley Continental Flying Spur, introduced in 2005, extended the Continental GT concept into a four-door saloon that combined supercar performance with limousine-like rear passenger accommodation. Named after the legendary coachwork style created by H.J. Mulliner in the 1950s, the Flying Spur was designed to be both driven and driven in.
Powered by the same 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 engine as the Continental GT, the Flying Spur initially produced 552 bhp before being upgraded to 600 bhp in the Speed variant. The Speed was introduced in 2008 and became the fastest four-door car in the world at the time, capable of reaching 200 mph. All-wheel drive with a rear-biased torque split ensured the considerable power was deployed effectively, while the air suspension could lower the car at speed for improved aerodynamic stability.
The interior set new standards for luxury saloon cars. Rear passengers enjoyed electrically adjustable seats with heating, cooling, and massage functions, along with individual climate control, fold-down tables, and available rear-seat entertainment screens. The cabin featured cross-banded veneers, diamond-quilted leather, and chrome organ-stop ventilation controls that became a Bentley signature.
A second-generation Flying Spur arrived in 2013 on an updated platform, offering enhanced refinement, improved rear legroom, and the addition of a 4.0-litre V8 option alongside the W12. The third generation, launched in 2019 on the MSB platform, represented the biggest leap, adding a 48-volt active anti-roll system, all-wheel steering, and an interior dominated by a rotating display panel.
The Flying Spur Speed, available across all three generations, consistently offered the most powerful version of the W12 engine. In its final third-generation form, it produced 626 bhp from the enhanced W12 and could reach 207 mph, making it the fastest Bentley sedan ever produced.
The Continental Flying Spur successfully carved out a unique niche between the sportier Continental GT and the stately Mulsanne, offering buyers a compelling blend of grand touring performance and four-door practicality. Its combination of speed, luxury, and versatility made it a popular choice among enthusiasts who demanded rear passenger space without sacrificing driving excitement.
First-generation Flying Spurs offer remarkable value but check for air suspension failure (compressors and struts), which is the most common expensive repair. The W12 engine is robust but thirsty — fuel consumption around 15 mpg combined. Examine all electronic systems carefully, particularly the infotainment and climate control. Look for signs of neglected servicing, as maintenance costs are substantial. Brake disc and pad replacement is very expensive. Check rear suspension air bladders for leaks. Second-generation cars improved build quality significantly. Always insist on full Bentley service history. Avoid cars with aftermarket modifications. Check for corrosion around wheelarches and sills on earlier models.
First generation (2005-2013) built on VW Group D1 platform. Second generation (2013-2019) used updated platform with aluminium body structure. Third generation (2019-present) moved to MSB platform. Speed variant consistently offered the highest-output W12.