2025 Bentley Flying Spur: A Blueprint on Creating the Ultimate Executive Sedan

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Have you ever had a favorite poster of a sports car hanging on your wall as a kid? Maybe it was a Lamborghini Countach, Ferrari 360, or Porsche 911 Turbo. Regardless of the specific model, that image likely sparked your interest in cars and, if you were lucky, eventually led to owning one and parking it in your driveway.

It’s unlikely you’ve ever adorned your walls with such a spectacle: a high-performance hybrid, the Bentley Flying Spur Speed, in an eye-catching orange hue.

Last year, we had the opportunity to handle the Bentley four-door even before it entered full production, in the picturesque location of Aspen. From the very first glance, we were captivated by its sleek, imposing, and assertive design that exuded a certain “gangster” charm. The test car we drove was coated in a metallic black paint, with matching black accents and wheels, creating an almost flawless image for an executive ultra-luxury sedan at the time.

Finally, I managed to secure a roadworthy version of the Flying Spur, showcasing its twin-turbo V8 hybrid engine with a staggering 771 hp output. I had high expectations for the luxury and craftsmanship, but I didn’t foresee the bold orange paint job that left me blushing while driving through the Carl’s Jr. drive-thru! Clearly, this wasn’t my preferred color scheme.

We spent an action-packed week cruising through the Los Angeles and Orange County regions in the 2025 Bentley Flying Spur Speed. It boasts a heap of impressive features, but also has some areas for improvement. Despite these minor setbacks, it’s an excellent choice for car aficionados who have outgrown sports car roadsters and are now seeking a luxurious, full-sized vehicle. Here’s our take on this magnificent car.





The Ride

For Bentley, prioritizing comfort and luxury for both driver and passengers is their main focus, a contrast often noted when comparing cars like Maybach and Rolls-Royce, which are typically described as “cars to be driven in” rather than the reverse. However, what sets Bentley apart, especially with its four-door sedan Flying Spur, is that it provides a comfortable experience for all passengers, not just the driver.

Discussing the engine first, the 4.0L V8 with twin turbos equates to an impressive amount of power, just as one might anticipate. In sport mode, the Flying Spur’s engine accelerates swiftly yet smoothly from a still position, reminiscent of the thrust provided by the sportiest sports cars. The endless torque from the turbos delivers a persistent push, while the eight cylinders emit a powerful, muscular sound. One might compare its characteristics to a muscle car dressed in a Tom Ford suit, but do remember that this vehicle embodies a fresh philosophy – electric performance and efficiency.

Never underestimate the delight you’ll experience with a high-performance hybrid system, given that it offers an impressive 771 horsepower at your disposal.

Surprisingly, unlike expected, the electric-boosted engine didn’t cause a major disruption. When switched to Sport mode, the car’s impressive 771 horsepower and 737 lb-ft of torque felt seamless, as if the additional power from the electric motor wasn’t noticeable. A quick shift of the gear selector to “B” (for Bentley, the car’s default setting) or “Comfort” would shut off the engine, transforming the luxury limousine into a silent and still vehicle. The Flying Spur could accelerate at electric-only speeds up to 87 mph, moving smoothly although with less excitement compared to its ICE counterpart. This was acceptable, especially for cruising around suburbs or LA’s side streets where the inconspicuous Bentley (except for its color; more on that later) excelled. We ended up using the electric-only drive mode more than anticipated, as it complemented the smooth ride remarkably well, much like the Rolls-Royce Spectre we also tested.

The Flying Spur Hybrid offers the best of both worlds in luxury limousine status – it packs a powerful boosted V8 for highway driving, yet is efficient and exclusive for trips to places like Whole Foods. You won’t believe how much you’ll appreciate the hybrid system until you feel its 771 horsepower (in total) beneath your foot.







The Interior

What about a four-door Bentley without its usual opulence and comfort? The Flying Spur is the embodiment of our long-held dreams for the refined car lover who appreciates elegance in extended-wheelbase vehicles. It has all the basic features like soft-closing doors, quiet interiors with soundproofing, massage chairs, abundant leather upholstery, and so on. However, it’s the meticulous attention to detail that truly sets the Flying Spur apart, making it our preferred Bentley model over the Continental GT and Bentayga.

The seats were uniquely constructed, providing excellent cushioning and stitching that enveloped the user, much like sitting in a memory foam bean bag chair. Adjustable headrests and shoulder supports catered to three different body types we tested, while finding the ideal seating position for visibility was effortless. During our more forceful maneuvers with the accelerator and brake, the seats worked diligently to keep us secure, as the vehicle, weighing over 5,800 pounds, exhibited slight rolling in turns and tipping during hard braking.



We found a couple of small issues that were slightly disappointing: firstly, the dual sunroofs – although they may have been included for clear distinction between front and rear passengers, we felt they could have had more advanced features like an electrochromic moonroof or a permanently tinted panoramic skylight. Additionally, the unusual shape of the gear selector proved to be a bit of a hassle as it sometimes made us accidentally press the ‘P’ button for park when shifting into reverse. It didn’t cause any significant problems, but it did affect our comfort level.

We’ve encountered issues with the all-touch dashboard not just in Bentley models but across several manufacturers, and locating specific controls has led to moments of confusion such as “where is that option?”. The massaging seats were particularly troublesome; we might never have found the hidden button (it’s a small round one located on the edge of the seat) if we hadn’t stumbled upon it by accident. Apple CarPlay was problematic – successfully reconnecting after getting out to grab take-out is more luck than skill. Lastly, it was easy to spot who had used the car before us (greetings to fellow auto journalists), but we struggled to find a method for clearing previous Bluetooth connections from memory.

In a nutshell, the cabin’s opulence, comfort, technology, and seamless integration were quite delightful, indicating the impressive balance between price and value that comes with the Bentley Flying Spur.





The Price

It’s quite straightforward: The Bentley Flying Spur Ultra Performance Hybrid is not an affordable vehicle for most, as its price tag exceeds a quarter of a million dollars ($275,000 USD).

For an ordinary car lover, these costs may seem astronomical, but the choices become even more shocking. A top-tier Naim audio system costs $9,800 USD. Car floor mats can set you back $600 USD. The ‘Flying B’ radiator mascot in black gloss and illumination will cost you $4,000 USD. However, the most extravagant addition and its price tag is the Mandarin Orange exterior paint option – a whopping $22,000 USD. In essence, for the price of a used E46 M3 in its elegant Estoril Blue, you’ve just purchased a small home and painted it to resemble a traffic cone. While this might suit a Lamborghini, on a car like the Flying Spur, it transforms the most discreet and potentially threatening vehicle into an unexpected spectacle for drivers sharing the 405 with you.

The Bentley Flying Spur Speed is designed with a particular customer in mind: an individual who desires a regal driving experience and has distinct preferences, such as the unique orange paint. If you can’t imagine your life without a Bentley serving as your chauffeur to pick up your partner or children from their private school, then the Flying Spur is likely not the vehicle for you, as it was specifically crafted for those who fit this profile.




The Image

Are you cruising in a vehicle that costs more than most homes? It provides ample legroom for anyone on Earth, and its power and torque can match or surpass any four-wheeled counterpart. Would you call it the ideal car? Indeed, it could be, but with some qualifications.

Initially – ensure the appropriate hue. Upon arrival, our specimen graced us with its presence in a striking Mandarin metallic finish, and immediately sparked conversation. The Bentley Flying Spur, in our opinion, is designed for the affluent, business leaders, and those with refined taste. It’s NOT intended for the flamboyant, racing enthusiasts, or the car-obsessed crowd. It’s hard to justify any other color but black, white, grey, silver, perhaps a deep blue or maroon, and in some exceptional cases, purple. The exterior should subtly suggest elegance and sophisticated taste rather than shouting “look at me” or drawing attention from the multitude.

In our view, the Bentley Flying Spur caters to the sophisticated, high-end clientele, executives, and professionals with refined tastes. It’s not designed for those who seek flashiness, car racing aficionados, or individuals who are more interested in social gatherings like “cars & coffee.

Let me tell you, when it comes to comparing the Flying Spur with other luxury sedans such as the Mercedes-Maybach S580 and the Rolls-Royce Ghost, it’s quite intriguing. Each vehicle has its unique characteristics that set them apart.

The Mercedes-Maybach, while being subtler in its design, might be too subtle for some. Its price point is lower than expected, starting at approximately $200,000 USD, though potential buyers probably won’t mind a difference of $80,000 USD. We find the styling less flamboyant compared to the Flying Spur, even with the distinctive two-toned paint scheme. However, we acknowledge that it’s an outstanding offering for a luxury limousine, but it doesn’t quite take the top spot among our preferred trio.

Despite its competitors, the Rolls-Royce Ghost holds its ground impressively. For over a century, a “double-R” has been synonymous with luxury on the road, and this tradition continues with the latest models. Even under BMW’s management, modern Rolls-Royces turn heads and spark envy due to their bold design and imposing presence. The opulence inside mirrors that outside, featuring top-tier craftsmanship, while the technology is state-of-the-art. The comfort is indescribable, and scrutinizing the cabin’s construction would be challenging. In a fair comparison with vehicles like the Flying Spur at similar price points, choosing between the Ghost and Spur could prove quite a challenge.

Perhaps this is the intention: The consumer who can afford to buy a Flying Spur is making a distinctive statement about their image, one that sets them apart from the usual Rolls-Royce buyer. In an image-conscious society like ours, or on a site like TopMob, we recommend the Bentley Flying Spur Speed as the ideal ultra sedan choice. You can customize it to your liking, but if you really want to make a bold statement, paint it black.

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2025-04-01 16:27