Revised Review of the Bentley Flying Spur: A Luxe Driving Experience

The public relations approach taken by Aston Martin has perplexed many, primarily focusing on celebrity endorsements such as Gordon Ramsay behind the wheel of their latest model, hoping for a splashy photo opportunity outside his restaurant. However, in the latest season of the much-acclaimed Drive to Survive, Aston Martin’s presence was surprisingly minimal. It seemed to be mostly overlooked when it could have highlighted its vehicles and racing endeavors.

This lack of visibility is puzzling. After investing heavily in a racing program to lend credibility to their road cars, Aston Martin’s absence from key promotional opportunities appears counterintuitive.

Regarding the latest Aston Martin DB model updates, I was intrigued by a recent image of one that looked quite appealing. Unfortunately, following a fair review of the DBX a while back, it seems Aston Martin has opted not to provide me with any vehicles for testing.

This raises questions about future collaborations, particularly with the upcoming Bond film that may seek to feature Aston’s vehicles. It’s conceivable that the company could respond with a casual, “No thanks,” leading to the return of 007 to his original luxury ride — a Bentley. Bentley’s PR machinery seems robust, as its vehicles regularly grace various TV shows and films, from Yellowstone’s Beth driving a Continental to Angela in Landman, and more recently, a four-door Spur in Reacher. It wouldn’t be surprising if they obliged a request from the BBC for a character like Noddy.

In fact, Bentley’s proactive PR team reached out to me to test out their new plug-in hybrid model. As my schedule lacked any Aston Martin engagements, I gladly accepted. This model replaces the previous V8, W12, and an earlier hybrid iteration that didn’t perform well. Now, the choice is straightforward with this impressive Spur.

The standout feature is its powerful 4.0-litre V8 engine, generating 591bhp, combined with an electric motor that adds another 188bhp, culminating in a staggering total of 771bhp for a luxury sedan. One might question the necessity of such power in a chauffeured vehicle, as typically, one might expect comfort over speed. However, the exhilarating pace of 0-62mph in just 3.5 seconds, followed by surpassing 100mph in 4 seconds, defies expectations for a vehicle of this size.

The sophisticated four-wheel drive, advanced electronic systems, and four-wheel steering allow this car to navigate corners impressively. While such agility is fantastic for Bentley’s sportier models like the Continental, it seems almost unnecessary in a four-door sedan.

During my experience driving through the scenic lanes of Oxfordshire, the thrill of the performance was exhilarating, but a shift to the back seat for a ride to London offered an entirely different experience.

In comfort mode, the ride is so serene and soothing that it can be described as a wheeled lullaby. The tuning of the throttle pedal ensures that even a firm press yields gentle responses, creating a glide-like experience in urban settings. Switching to electric mode feels akin to being enveloped in a climate-controlled, luxurious space. It’s like having two distinct vehicles: one that provides an adrenaline rush and another that embodies ultimate relaxation.

Upon closer examination, the technology in this vehicle isn’t overly complex by modern standards. While it may not have all the bells and whistles found in some competitors, it maintains simplicity with an impressive performance metric.

One of the pleasing aspects is the well-crafted interior, where the tactile joy of the controls is an unexpected delight. The sat-nav cleverly rotates to unveil both vintage dials and then conceals them entirely, enhancing the overall ambiance of the vehicle.

Exterior aesthetics also impress, although they come with potential drawbacks such as limited rear visibility and trunk space, making it less suited for extensive travel. This car is better for short getaways rather than long trips.

From a driving perspective, there aren’t any significant drawbacks. Occasional minor auditory cues from the propulsion system aren’t bothersome; in fact, they serve as a reminder of the performance capabilities at hand, allowing a commendable fuel economy of around 40mpg.

Regarding pricing, starting at £226,500, potential buyers should be prepared for additional costs for customizations, which can easily push the price over £300,000.

While this price tag may seem steep for a four-door sedan, it’s essential to recognize that the Bentley Flying Spur represents much more. It embodies a dual character: both luxurious and powerful, fitting seamlessly into both refined and exhilarating contexts. Competitors seem to fall short, with rivals like Rolls being too ostentatious and the S-Class from Mercedes lacking the same flair. Perhaps one day Aston Martin will realize this opportunity and reintroduce something like the Lagonda, but for now, Bentley stands alone in its unique offering.