The Flying Spur shares body panels with the coupe forward of the windshield, but otherwise is marked by curvaceous styling inspired by the 1957 Continental Flying Spur.

The Flying Spur sits below the full-size Arnage sedan in Bentley's line-up. 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.

See specs of Bentley Continental Flying Spur variants

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 worktables 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 560 PS. 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.

See photos of Bentley Continental Flying Spur

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 cowhides are used to fashion each car's leather upholstery.

The Continental Flying Spur seats five, unless it's configured with a rear center console at no extra charge, which reduces occupancy to four. The console is designed for those being chauffeured and features switches for rear climate control, rear seat adjustment — including a lumbar massage function — and buttons that move the front seats forward for maximum rear legroom.

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. Window and side-curtain airbags for both rows of seats are standard.

Is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur for You?

Buy the Continental Flying Spur if	An Audi, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz isn't exclusive enough; you like to be chauffeured and occasionally drive yourself; Bentley's Arnage is appealing, but you prefer more modern styling or a lower price.
Keep Looking if	You'd just as soon drive a much less expensive vehicle and use the money you saved to buy a sports car.
Who Fits?	Four or five passengers (depending on seating configuration) will be coddled inside, with ample room for their belongings.
Closest Competitors	Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG Rolls-Royce Phantom
Did You Know?	The automaker's Crewe, England, plant manufactures only 4,500 vehicles each year — all made by hand. Buyers may have to wait a year for a custom-ordered Bentley.

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