Flying Higher

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is a more practical four-door version of its popular grand touring sibling, the Continental GT.

The Flying Spur sits below the full-size Arnage sedan in Bentley’s lineup. Although it too is a full-size sedan, the Flying Spur’s lower price and modern styling are meant to appeal to younger buyers than those who might consider the Arnage.

The Continental Flying Spur is 20 inches longer than the Continental GT. The extra length — 13 inches of which is between the wheels — significantly improves upon the pudgy-looking coupe's looks, and is more in line with the stretched-out style of classic Bentleys. The longer sedan also has improved aerodynamics for better stability at high speed.

Updates include an optional Mulliner Driving Specification package, named for Bentley's Mulliner division that handles custom-built orders. Adding a dash of passion to this posh “saloon” (as four-door cars are known in England), the package includes large alloy wheels and performance tires; drilled alloy pedals; a leather-and-chrome-trimmed gearshift lever; and special leather upholstery and headliner treatments. Either Burl Walnut or Piano Black trim can be specified at no additional cost.

The Bentley Continental Flying Spur comes with a Bluetooth-enabled, hands-free wireless phone as standard equipment. A rear-seat telephone is optional. The car’s standard navigation system has been upgraded to use maps stored on a DVD, rather than on several CDs, which had to be changed too frequently in previous years. Other options include fold-down work tables for rear-seat passengers, a new Chestnut wood trim finish, and a wide assortment of exterior colors.

As in the Continental GT, a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine (named "W" because it's akin to two V6 engines joined side by side) generates a heady 552 horsepower. The only available transmission is a six-speed automatic that can be shifted manually using paddles behind the steering wheel.

The Continental Flying Spur has a compliant ride and agile handling for a car of its size, thanks to a sophisticated chassis and suspension.

Standard all-wheel drive and myriad electronically controlled suspension and braking systems improve safety and handling.

As with every Bentley, the Continental Flying Spur’s interior is trimmed with leather, wood, and aluminum. Depending on your point of view, it is either a model of British elegance or ostentation. The symmetrical dashboard mimics Bentley’s flying wing logo. Classic gauges and controls mingle with a modern video display in the center of the dash, and 11 cow hides are used to fashion each car’s leather upholstery.

As expected of a car in this price range, the Bentley Continental Flying Spur is laden with features and amenities, including a handsome analog clock on the center console made exclusively for Bentley by high-end watchmaker Breitling, and heated/cooled front and rear seats. Side and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are standard.