2020 Bentley Flying Spur: Luxury Sedan Review

Bentley’s reimagined flagship four-door sedan represents a watershed moment in luxury automotive design and engineering. The 2020 Flying Spur stands as a testament to how traditional craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology can converge to create an exceptional driving experience that transcends conventional expectations for vehicles in its class.

Engineering Foundations and Platform Architecture

The modern Flying Spur builds upon a sophisticated platform architecture that shares DNA with high-performance sports sedans, a decision that fundamentally influences its driving characteristics. This shared engineering foundation allows Bentley to integrate advanced handling systems while maintaining the spaciousness and comfort expected from a full-sized luxury sedan.

At nearly 2,500 kilograms, the Flying Spur carries substantial mass, yet engineers have implemented sophisticated systems to manage this weight effectively. The vehicle stretches 209.3 inches in length with a 125.7-inch wheelbase, creating an imposing presence while maximizing interior room for passengers and cargo.

Powerplant Performance and Efficiency Considerations

The beating heart of the Flying Spur is a hand-assembled 6.0-liter W-12 engine that produces 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. This powerplant, identical to the Continental GT variant, delivers acceleration that defies the vehicle’s considerable heft, enabling 0-60 mph runs in approximately 3.5 to 3.7 seconds. The top speed reaches 207 miles per hour, surpassing comparable high-performance competitors in its segment.

The engine incorporates intelligent cylinder-deactivation technology that allows operation on six cylinders under light throttle conditions, rendering the powertrain nearly imperceptible from 30 to 40 mph. This engineering refinement prioritizes driver and passenger comfort during typical urban driving conditions. However, this sophistication does not translate to exceptional fuel economy—the Flying Spur consistently achieves approximately 15 miles per gallon in combined driving scenarios. The 90-liter fuel tank compensates by enabling extended driving ranges between refueling intervals.

Transmission and Drivetrain Integration

An eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission manages power delivery with seamless precision, translating the engine’s substantial output into controlled acceleration and smooth gear transitions. The transmission pairs with an all-wheel-drive system that intelligently distributes power according to driving conditions and vehicle dynamics.

Under normal circumstances, the all-wheel-drive architecture favors front-wheel drive, directing power primarily to the front wheels. Only when the rear tires approach their adhesion limits does the system actively engage all four wheels. This calibration optimizes both efficiency and dynamic response, allowing the hefty sedan to maintain composed stability during aggressive maneuvers while minimizing unnecessary power distribution.

Suspension Technology and Ride Quality

Perhaps most notably, the Flying Spur introduces a three-chamber air suspension system to the lineup for the first time. This represents a significant technological advancement that fundamentally transforms the driving experience across varied road surfaces and driving scenarios.

The air suspension operates in conjunction with continuous damping control systems that monitor suspension performance with exceptional precision. These systems automatically adjust damping characteristics in response to road surface variations, wheel movements, and driving inputs. This technological integration occurs with such rapidity that the intervention remains imperceptible to occupants, maintaining a sense of natural driving dynamics rather than artificial intervention.

The suspension manages the substantial curb weight with remarkable effectiveness. On smooth highways, the Flying Spur glides with serene composure, absorbing undulations and imperfections with grace. However, when traversing urban streets with compromised pavement conditions, low-speed ride quality can occasionally transmit pothole impacts with noticeable thuds, particularly when equipped with the larger 22-inch wheel packages.

Steering and Agility Systems

Rear-wheel steering technology fundamentally alters the flying spur’s handling characteristics despite its considerable length. This system allows the rear wheels to steer up to 4.1 degrees in the opposite direction at parking speeds, dramatically reducing the turning radius. At higher speeds, the system contributes only 1 degree of correction in the same direction as the front wheels, enhancing stability during spirited driving.

The net result transforms a 5.3-meter-long sedan into something approaching the maneuverability of vehicles substantially smaller in footprint. Parking and navigating tight residential streets requires far less trepidation than dimensions would suggest. The pure and tactile steering delivers genuine feedback through the wheel rim without artificial enhancement or artificial heaviness.

Dynamic Performance Capabilities

Cornering limits reach approximately 0.98 to 1.0 g on a 300-foot diameter skidpad, an extraordinary achievement for any vehicle approaching 2.5 tons in mass. This capability stems from integrated technology working harmoniously: rear-wheel steering improves turn-in response, while 48-volt active anti-roll bars adjust stiffness dynamically to minimize body roll during cornering.

Braking performance demonstrates equal competence, with 70-to-0 mph deceleration requiring 159 feet, while 100-to-0 mph emergency stopping demands 324 feet. These figures reflect the sophisticated brake system’s ability to manage the substantial mass while providing the confident deceleration expected from the luxury sedan.

Perhaps unexpectedly, the Flying Spur possesses sufficient power delivery and rear-biased all-wheel-drive calibration to enable controlled drifting around corners. This unexpected capability underscores the engineering focus on genuine driving engagement rather than sterile isolation.

Driving Mode Customization

Engineers developed configurable driving modes that permit drivers to adjust suspension stiffness, throttle response, steering weight, and numerous additional parameters. Preset Sport and Comfort modes provide convenient starting points for different driving scenarios.

Sport mode activates stiffer suspension settings and heightened throttle responsiveness, transforming the character into something approaching a high-performance executive express. Comfort mode relaxes suspension compliance, allowing the Flying Spur to settle into long-distance touring comfort while maintaining composed stability. This versatility enables the vehicle to function as both a spirited driver’s car and a refined traveling companion without fundamental compromise.

Interior Refinement and Luxury Appointments

The cabin represents Bentley’s interpretation of contemporary luxury, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology. Exquisite detailing and meticulous attention to material selection throughout the passenger compartment reflect the brand’s commitment to refined sophistication.

The 21-speaker Naim audio system delivers acoustic refinement that transforms the cabin into a concert hall on wheels. Engine sound at speed is virtually inaudible, with wind whispers and tire noise over road surface variations representing the primary acoustic intrusions. The serene atmosphere fosters relaxation for passengers while maintaining the sense of forward motion and purpose.

Extensive customization options allow owners to personalize their vehicles according to individual preferences and aesthetic sensibilities. Available leather selections, wood trim finishes, and ambient lighting configurations enable each Flying Spur to reflect its proprietor’s distinctive taste.

Technology Integration and Control Systems

The Flying Spur incorporates a sophisticated touchpad control interface, complemented by intuitive digital display systems. The control interface incorporates tactile elements and responsive feedback mechanisms that minimize distraction while driving.

One notable consideration involves lane-keep assist technology, which activates by default and engages with somewhat aggressive intervention. The combination of this assistance system with heavier steering input requirements necessitates driver engagement to deactivate or modify assistance parameters according to personal preference.

Performance Benchmarking Against Competitors

The Flying Spur demonstrates sufficient acceleration and dynamic capability to maintain competitive pace with benchmark vehicles including the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63. The luxury sedan achieves this parity while prioritizing refinement and craftsmanship to a degree that exceeds traditional performance-oriented competitors.

Key Specifications Overview

Frequently Asked Questions

What distinguishes the 2020 Flying Spur from previous generations?

The redesigned Flying Spur introduces advanced suspension technology, rear-wheel steering, and enhanced powertrain calibration that fundamentally improve handling dynamics while maintaining luxury-focused refinement.

How does the Flying Spur compare to its Continental GT counterpart?

While sharing the W-12 engine and many technological systems, the Flying Spur prioritizes passenger comfort and sedan practicality, achieving a top speed of 207 mph compared to similar performance in the GT. The sedan configuration provides enhanced passenger accommodation and rear legroom.

Is the 2020 Flying Spur a suitable long-distance touring vehicle?

Yes, the 90-liter fuel tank, comfortable seating, and sophisticated suspension systems make extended journeys feasible and enjoyable. Comfort mode settings optimize the experience for highway cruising.

What ownership considerations should potential buyers understand?

The Flying Spur demands premium fuel and regular maintenance typical of high-performance luxury vehicles. Fuel consumption remains relatively high at approximately 15 mpg, and insurance costs reflect the vehicle’s substantial value and performance capabilities.

How does the rear-wheel steering system improve practical usability?

By allowing the rear wheels to countersteer at parking speeds, the system reduces the turning radius significantly, making a nearly 17-foot sedan approachable for tight urban environments and parking situations.

Comprehensive Assessment

The 2020 Bentley Flying Spur achieves an exceptional balance between competing automotive objectives. It functions simultaneously as a refined luxury cruiser capable of transporting passengers in serene comfort and as a genuinely engaging driver’s car responsive to spirited inputs. This dual-natured character stems from engineering sophistication that prioritizes genuine driving dynamics rather than artificial isolation.

The technical execution demonstrates meticulous attention to integration and calibration. Assistance systems, suspension responses, and powertrain delivery work harmoniously without overwhelming the fundamental driving experience. The result stands as a remarkable achievement in managing substantial mass while delivering composed stability, impressive performance, and genuine enjoyment across varied driving scenarios.

Whether evaluating the Flying Spur as a statement of automotive achievement, a practical executive transportation solution, or an expression of personal luxury preferences, the vehicle presents compelling attributes. The synthesis of performance capability, refinement, and sophisticated technology establishes the Flying Spur as a benchmark achievement in the ultra-luxury sedan category.