Bentley Flying Spur V8 2021: Power, Poise, and Pure Luxury

The 2021 Bentley Flying Spur V8 stands as a pinnacle of automotive excellence, merging ferocious performance with the kind of sumptuous comfort that defines true luxury motoring. Powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 542 horsepower and 568 pound-feet of torque, this sedan catapults from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.5 seconds, rivaling its more powerful W12 sibling while shedding significant weight for sharper dynamics.

Engine and Performance: A V8 Symphony

At the heart of the Flying Spur V8 lies a Porsche-derived 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, delivering a broad powerband that thrusts the car forward with effortless authority across all speeds. Paired with an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, it achieves a quarter-mile in 12.0 seconds at 115 mph, showcasing seamless gear shifts and explosive acceleration without drama. Bentley quotes 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds, but real-world tests confirm 3.5 seconds, making it nearly as quick as the 626-hp W12 model.

This engine not only matches the W12’s sprint times but does so at a lower cost—saving around $24,400—and avoids the gas-guzzler tax, all while being 86 pounds lighter for improved agility. The all-wheel-drive system ensures prodigious traction, allowing the 5,137-pound behemoth to gobble highways with confidence. Fuel economy sits at an EPA-rated 15/20/17 mpg city/highway/combined, reasonable for its class.

Chassis Dynamics: From Spa to Sports Car

Bentley’s engineering prowess shines in the Flying Spur’s ability to morph from a serene cruiser to a corner-carving athlete. The adaptive air suspension, bolstered by optional 48-volt active anti-roll bars (Bentley Dynamic Ride, $7,730), keeps the body flat through bends, even on 22-inch wheels. It floats over imperfections like a yacht on calm seas, transmitting only faint road noise while isolating occupants from the world outside.

Steering is precise and communicative, borrowed from shared platforms with Porsche and Audi, offering a firm on-center feel ideal for tight roads. Braking inspires confidence with progressive pedal feedback, and the chassis—lightened by 100kg over the W12—yields better weight distribution for agile handling. Top speed reaches 198 mph, with 0-100 mph in 8.9 seconds, proving its grand touring credentials.

Design and Presence: Timeless Elegance

Externally, the Flying Spur exudes presence with its retractable Flying B hood ornament, massive puddle lights projecting the Bentley logo, and expansive stance (209.3 x 77.9 x 58.4 inches). The design, updated in 2020, retains classic proportions with a long wheelbase (125.8 inches) for rear-seat supremacy, while modern touches like matrix LED headlights enhance its road dominance.

Inside, the cabin is a leather-and-wood opus, customizable to whims. Rear passengers enjoy ambient lighting controls, vast legroom, and a spa-like atmosphere. Up front, the rotating display toggles between analog gauges, infotainment, or blank wood for purity. Every surface whispers quality, from knurled controls to massaging seats.

Luxury Features and Technology

Bentley prioritizes driver and passenger delight. The infotainment, while touchscreen-heavy like rivals, integrates rotating gauges for a tactile feel. Advanced driver aids, new electrical architecture, and recalibrated suspension (shared with Continental GT) elevate refinement. Naim audio, rear entertainment, and heated/ventilated seats come standard on higher trims like First Edition.

• Standout Tech: 48V active roll control for flat cornering
• Comfort: Air suspension absorbs massive impacts silently
• Convenience: Predictive gear shifts in traffic
• Customization: Mulliner options for bespoke luxury

Priced from $214,600 (tested up to $261,340), it’s expensive but justifies with emotional appeal—surprising onlookers with its drama.

Driving Experience: Dual Personality

Highway runs feel otherworldly: the V8 purrs distantly, wind whispers faintly, and the ride devours miles. In sport mode, it awakens—tires squirm on launches, revs hold to 4,000 rpm pre-shift for visceral thrill absent in EVs. Yet it remains composed, shocking passengers with speeds achieved sans fuss.

Compared to Porsche Panamera Turbo (similar power), the Spur cossets more while matching pace. Versus Rolls-Royce, it’s more engaging; against Mercedes S-Class, more dynamic.

Pros and Cons

• Pros: Blistering acceleration, sublime ride, luxurious cabin, agile for size
• Cons: Thirsty (12.7L/100km observed), high price with options, light steering feel

Ownership and Value

Base V8 undercuts W12, appealing to drivers over chauffeurs. Reliability from shared VW Group tech is solid; owners rate 4/5 stars. Maintenance is costly, but the experience—presence, power, poise—endures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the V8 Flying Spur faster than the W12?

No, but it matches 0-60 mph at 3.5 seconds and is lighter, quicker in some metrics without tax penalties.

How does the ride quality compare to rivals?

Superior isolation even on 22s; air suspension and active rolls make it unflappable.

What’s the fuel economy?

EPA 15/20/17 mpg; real-world around 12.7L/100km.

Can it be driven enthusiastically?

Yes—transforms via modes, with precise steering and massive grip.

Price range?

Starts $214k; loaded First Edition ~$260k+.

Verdict: The Driver’s Luxury Sedan

The 2021 Flying Spur V8 redefines luxury sedans: rapid, refined, and rewarding. Ideal for those craving W12 thrills with better balance. In a tech-obsessed world, its analog charm endures.

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Author

medha deb

 

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

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