New Bentley Flying Spur V8 review | 2021's best luxury limo? | Autocar

The 2021 Bentley Flying Spur is a thing of loveliness. The 6.0-litre W12 version of Bentley's luxury saloon has already been launched and we already think it's fabulous and has little to fear from the luxury rivals like the Rolls-Royce Ghost.
But Bentleys often get better when they receive the smaller, lighter, 4.0-litre V8 engine instead. And this is that version.
The Flying Spur V8 is cheaper than the W12 but barely any slower. It costs from £156,130 in the UK and because it has 542bhp and 568lb ft, it's still capable of 0-60mph in 4.0sec and a top speed of 198mph.
Join Matt Prior as we discover just how competitive the new Flying Spur V8 is. Is it this year's luxury sedan to beat?
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[@amangupta7755]

This is a dream car for how many of you?

[@rajjy1976]

11?

[@jonlyons1033]

Many many of me. All of my alternate personalities and alter egos.

[@jonlyons1033]

@@rajjy1976 wrong. Guess again..😆

[@pseudonym6642]

This car is why I bought my C8 RS6... the brains trust of the VAG group is unmatched.

[@amangupta7755]

@@pseudonym6642 and what about BMW & Mercedes?

[@27jerry27]

5 years to 10 years This Design still gonna hold.

[@blarkdexture8899]

No

[@27jerry27]

@@blarkdexture8899 Yes

[@keith5801]

Idk

[@soch3418]

15/20 years

[@fullydetta5859]

@@jurretiel7391✔ he's not✔ See what I did there

[@paulbobby7955]

Bentley has lane keep assist which makes longer journeys more comfortable, RR doesn't. Bentley has a rotating display to hide screens, whereas in the ghost the screen is always in sight, and has the same UI as a BMW. Bentley has a 48V anti-roll system for comfort and stability. Rear seats in the flying spur can be adjusted with 5 in the back because the controls are on the door, but for rolls you need the middle armrest down to adjust the rear seats. TV in the Bentley is at an ergonomic height and is a removable tablet where apps such as netflix can be downloaded, in the Rolls the tv can only be viewed when the tables come out, which limits rear legroom and is an uncomfortable viewing angle as you have to look down. Also, the screen in the back of the ghost is not "smart" so applications cannot be downloaded on to it, nor can it be removed. Ambient lighting in the rolls has no colour variation and is only on in limited areas (especially dim if you take panoramic roof because then there is no starlight headliner then) but the bentley has 64 different colours to choose from and is much more vibrant at night. Also the Flying B hood ornament is illuminated, which cannot be done for the rolls. Bentley is faster too and costs significantly less than the rolls. For me, it would be the Bentley any day mainly because they’ve thought through the little details better, and the steering assist is also a deal breaker. The rolls might be more plush and have more customisation options, but would still go for the Bentley objectively.

[@stuartsmith5308]

I would take the advice of the professional road tester, who has years of real experience driving cars like this. It wasn't a hard decision for him. Over all ,the Rolls Royce is on another level, the best luxury car to choose. If you want a car which is not the fastest and not the most luxurious buy the cheap Bentley.

[@IAn0nI]

@@stuartsmith5308 you are granted your subjective opinion.

[@michaeljordan7119]

I agree, but I'm biased.., Bentley is my favorite Auto, perhaps also, for many of the reasons you mentioned.

[@michaeljordan7119]

@@stuartsmith5308 expensive doesn't mean better, as less expensive doesn't mean cheap. You will find more plastic in the RR, than B... While I prefer the details over price. Plus, I love to drive.., , not to be driven. Regardless of either way, tho.., to each his own...

[@andreigheorghiu7364]

@@michaeljordan7119 the least plastic you will find in a Dbx (aston martin). That thing is full of leather, more leather than on a Rolls Royce and a Bentley. But the interior isn t better than them. So the leather isn t everything. Plastic, if it’s a quality one, isn t a very bad material. When we are talking of the interior design, bentley is the most extravagant, this is why, in my opinion and in the most people opinion it s the best interior. It s about what are you looking in a car s interior. In fact of comfort, speaking of silence/suspension softness the RR is the best of the best. Bentley it s even worse than a maybach s class, speaking of this terms. This is because, bentley, it s not just for comfort, it s more sporty, it s s gt type of car. Do not compare them.

[@dxutube]

Muscular with fantastic proportions between rear wheelarch & door

[@kingphiltheill]

I just love how this thing has a chrome delete on the outside but is stuffed with super shiny chrome surfaces on the inside. Classic VW brand.

[@ChadWilson]

My favorite feature: The damned computer screen can be hidden so as to present a nice interior.

[@shrivenkatesh9898]

It looks better than any rolls Royce

[@sugarsaint]

its a stunning, but the Rolls Royce Wraith is satan incarnated

[@joaquinpaul8205]

Not with that front end it doesn't. The new Ghost is way more cohesive and regal

[@kostinarain7373]

@@joaquinpaul8205 yup, best looking luxury car

[@simon8089]

Bentley are absolutely killing it across the board 😍

[@BronchoGillespie]

That car in that colour combination is just simply stunning!

[@adityarai5367]

It looks so beautiful. Edit: the only time I'll sit in the rear seats of a car calmly it'll be a Bentley.

[@DonLee1980]

I'd have this over a Ghost, no question. That front end on the Ghost is horrible.

[@adityarai5367]

I can't agree enough.

[@snakeeyes9246]

I don't dislike the new Ghost, but there is no comparison against the Flying Spur. Bentley all day.

[@sunnythind8574]

Am I the only one who thinks the rolls royce interior is boring. The bentley interior blows it out of the water

[@snakeeyes9246]

@@sunnythind8574 the Bentley has a better layout. Also, that infotainment system is taken straight out of a Porsche Panamera.

[@96leRoi]

Also in the bentley you don't look like either an oil-sheiks spoiled son or a second class dictator.

[@RobertPreeti]

This must be the most beautiful car ever built

[@BaruKz]

It's a real Masterpiece they really went to town on this one, just shows the big step from the older version. It's by far my favorite 👌

[@BurtSampson]

I'd take the Bentley over the Rolls at this point. That's a really great looking car. All blacked out with a white 8 on the grill. Maybe British Racing Green.

[@chitownhustler3372]

My dream Bentley will have a dream W12.

[@aicuni4439]

Unmatched exterior,excellent work 👏

[@thedragonofechigo7878]

Bentley have done something special this generation Even their new face-lifted Bentayga looks good

[@mikiyosangyo1627]

Excellent review. Finely, someone talks more about engines options V8 against W12, something I haven't seen in other reviews.

[@bismarchiavelli]

B roll was beautiful 👏🏽

[@noonvisualfilms]

Nice review. The scenery is awesome! Where was this shot please?

[@boogboog8097]

Great our man is here, ive been suffering from insomnia.

[@beachboy0505]

Wow amazing colour scheme, that red with chrome delete. Must buy a lottery ticket 🎟 🤔 this afternoon.

[@Kofi.86]

I like this style of the Bentley

[@Neotheone001]

im sitting in my 2020 bentley flying spur get my words : BUY IT ,BUY IT ,BUY IT .

[@honguenloh4612]

Bewtiful mate

[@sugarsaint]

diabolically good looking straight out or the box

[@hisham806]

Thank you for delivering the right, message in honest way ! All respect

[@robertlloyd7493]

Yes please ☺️

[@livhuhanishirinda3952]

Bentley is the best and the Rolls Royce just holds a big price tag for no reason so will definitely go with the Bentley flying spur.

[@jim99west46]

How far do the front seats recline?

[@limpunsing224]

Many reviewers prefer the V8 but I think people who buy the W12 doesn't really care they it primarily for prestige

[@pseudonym6642]

Not only is the Bentley more sporting, but to be fair, its build quality/Fit and Finish is so much higher than the BMW owned RR... the dashboard on the Rolls is pretty cheesy by comparison... much more driveable too.

[@Dangerous_Drivers_of_CA]

I am a huge fan of those flat areas around the wheel wells. LOL They're literally on every car mfg since 2010.

[@dxutube]

AWS-wise it sounds like they've got the rear steer angle right for the length of wheelbase

[@carszoomsecond8554]

Perfect car

[@MarcoPiperr]

What a car.

[@rameshhansaravendra]

This costs about USD 500k in Singapore.

[@borjastick]

So what was the colour of this particular car you were testing and why no exterior walk-around? Nice car though and when I win the lotto tonight I will add this to a very short list of possibles...

[@zzhughesd]

Solomandrin was blown away by his loaner.

[@fuhrerpolizei86]

The final question should be this Flying Spur or the M5 CS???

[@empireaussie8103]

@3:55 what are the creak/crackle noises?

[@armaankang2882]

Sounds kinda like a plastic water bottle

[@jjdundas3496]

Feckin’ annoying. Autocar should do better.

[@jjayallan]

Less HISTORY more CAR TALK

[@gavshields83]

Totally agree re V8 vs W12. Any chance of a review of new Alpina B3/D3S Touring?

[@hdahir545]

W12 is more powerful

[@gavshields83]

@@hdahir545 yes it is

[@Sonrique1]

my dreaming car

[@wannabedal-adx458]

Nice, honest review. I would take a Bentley over a Rolls Royce (personal preference for reasons in line with the reviewer). However, I would take the Bentley Continental GT coupe over the Bentley Flying Spur. Why? If I get a car this expensive and beautiful, I want to drive it myself and sometimes take a date. Also given engine choices, I would get the V8 over the W12. I have heard that the W12 is notorious bad on maintenance.

[@user-er8cc6mm3k]

Which is quicker svj or gt2rs in drag and on tracks?

[@snakeeyes9246]

The SVJ beat the GT2 RS around the Nurburgring if that helps. I haven't seen any stats on 1/4 mile times for the 911, but the Aventador did a 10.4 in one drag race.

[@user-vr1so9hd1g]

V8 👍 💙 💚

[@jamespink4202]

Why would you embos "Air Bag" on that beautiful leather horn push?

[@cvi.lanell_2438]

Would you guys please remake the Corvette ZR1 vs Lambo SV, using the C7 ZR1 and Aventador SV? I’d pay to see that.

[@billbligh4547]

Funniest marriage of Bentley supplied footage and a different colored car for the interior review.

[@Stevieboy130664]

The looks would sell the Bentley to me - gorgeous but butch - typical Bentley, proportions are wonderful despite the size and looks like its hunkered down on the road - and the more dynamic approach would be the icing on the cake.

[@richardmosley4676]

Quietness in that car is unbelievable 😳

[@martinmcdonald4207]

The V8 is the better choice over the W12 i think. Must check my lotto numbers!

[@adriandeb2710]

I would have the Bentley all day long

[@abymathew295]

Its such a shame that they axed the Mulsanne...🤕🤕🤕🤕🤕🤕🤕🤕

[@TheRacecarX]

It looks better than a Ghost sure, but in terms of capabilities, the Rolls Royce over this anyday!

[@ayushmore4820]

Bentley is mafia car

[@ayushghosh8068]

Not sure if it was a Bentley review or an invisible Ghost review . Oh this makes sense right as you can't see Ghost .

[@krugmeup2162]

Why is this video so dark ?

[@paulbobby7955]

Flying Spur or Ghost?

[@keith5801]

Ghost

[@KizzleDawg]

I would take this over a Ghost any day of the week unless.... I’m being driven.

[@jamespink4202]

2 door Continental in Mulberry and deep purple quilted please... no need to wrap it...

[@zzhughesd]

Bet 90% buy the roller. Better Depreciation Kudos. Bentley astute choice for driver who cares less about image. That must sum it up. Also the Bentley driver must accept that extra 8% wind intrusion annoyance over the imperilous Roller. Oh what choices for the super rich

[@enwins]

I worked at Rolls Royce/Bentley at Crewe many years ago, and it saddens me to see how badly they've been hit with the ugly stick. THAT is NOT the right shape for a Bentley grille. It should be curved at the top corners... and the lights??? Who signed this entire range off?

[@sanchezking6188]

My experience is that the Flying Spur doesn't quite cut it as a luxury car compared to its competition. The interior just isn't as nice as in proper Bentleys or Rollers, the space is not very generous and dual clutch gearboxes are just hopeless in this type of car. It drives well, but if that's what you want why not get its younger sister, the Panamera? The previous Spur was much more luxurious, vastly more spacious, very calm and relaxed, and was super comfy (as a V8 with small wheels at least).

[@achilleconte4385]

If you like to drive it will be Bentley, if you like to stay in the passenger seat then Rolls Royce.

[@jamespink4202]

V8 Continental GT in dark green with biscuit leather please, no need to wrap it...

[@Tony-hj7bm]

bro why don't you do all the reviews we just want to see your reviews

[@williammccarron5718]

Lottery win car.

[@bismillahmashallah]

How is this a step below the ghost everything in the new flying spur is brand new redesigned.. while the ghost was just a face lift and a few upgrades Bentley’s do it all and look much better in my opinion

[@kipsome45]

A slightly unfair comparison between a mid-specced diesel S Class and the top spec W12 Flying Spur. That said, I’d take the Bentley. I don’t think anyone does better interiors.

[@mikeyshanghai9801]

Realistically, Bentley and Rolls Royce shouldn’t be compared in the same class, as they have such a price difference (the difference can get you a Merc S Class).

[@zzhughesd]

Bit British Brute. Not for me a B, too much. But this is a lovely example. Twenty times more acceptable than the original 2005 Continental

[@gudalawrence3746]

Bentley flying spur or school bus (Rolls Ghost) ? 🤭🤭🤭

[@GCars258]

what so crackles all the time?

[@thegreatafrican3367]

The dashboard

[@smaykqykbafvunqm462]

kinda like the asthetics

[@davidhuysmans67]

Red exterior with a black pack combined with a blue/brown interior ???? Is there a contest configuring the ugliest Bentley possible.

[@AR-rs2dy]

Get someone with a better delivery. It should be interesting, not send you to sleep.

[@lumaprince8309]

Bruh, he also said a lot crap during the video

[@ivarmarkusson382]

there is quite allot of meat left on the bone in the story of rolls and bentleys separation, the aviation motor part of rolls actually owned the rolls brand, and did for some reason not play with vw when they purchased the rolls roys automobile company, and ended up leasing the rights to use the brand to bmw. an interesting fact about this is that the company we all knew as roll royce, is todays bentley. the rolls royce of today have nothing to do with rolls of old but the name, and are a bmw product not that its anything wrong with that.

[@stuartsmith5308]

Rolls Royce is the worlds most luxury car maker, not once in the past did Bentley take Rolls Royce crown. I keep thinking rear, and rear 3/4 view of the Bentley, just looks like a big Cadillac. I love the Bentley rear space, incredible. I feel sad looking at the 50 pence spent on the front plastic grille (i do understand it is because of saving pedestrains from getting hurt). i'd have the Rolls everytime.

[@girishshivshankar6339]

Amazing car😍! Useless presenter 😐

[@paulbunyan9436]

~~ Look up the word "dry" and you'll see a picture of this guy...lol

[@ben4373]

Look up the words “proper automotive journalist” and you’ll see a picture of this guy. He knows what he’s talking about and doesn’t have to over-dramatize like an ‘influencer’. Perhaps you’re at the wrong channel.

[@petergarner1971]

Agreed. He's absolutely terrible. The most boring man in the world. edit. actually not a bad review this time. He's still boring af tho.

[@polattanoglu756]

Brilliant review as always.

[@GalaxyAddict15]

That frond end reminds me of mercedes

[@rico4you]

The GHOST is just ghastly compared to this BENTLEY Flying Spur. Period.

[@SamirChopra.]

I’m surprised to see how autocar can’t hire a better host. This guy makes everything seem so boring.

[@malhotraroger9106]

We’ll done Volkswagen 👏👏👏👏

[@adennehy]

Call me a pleb but Id prefer the Rolls.

[@justinassobieskis]

:P

[@rajjy1976]

Well done 😒

[@bikemike1118]

And I swore to myself I will never watch a car review again produced while it’s RAINING. This will be the very last time EVER! Can‘t you reviewers check the forecast upfront? Or does it ALWAYS rain where you tend to make your recordings? Then move to another place….I don’t get it 🤷🏻

[@AM4project]

those wiper arms look so cheap

[@carboncitizens]

We release Copyright Free Music every Sunday & Wednesday for all content creators to use + our 24/7 live radio!

[@MiniEggs1999]

Yeah but is it as good as a Skoda Superb 😂 More seriously I would love to see a top spec Superb Estate compared to a base/mid spec 5/A6/E as they are both about 40k Does the Skoda hold up in the NVH department or is it significantly more ‘tinny’ Thanks

[@JDStoneCreations]

I can't help but look at this rebadged Audi and say its a shame it has to exist... because one day you're going to see a Mulsanne with its bespoke engine, frame and interior and you're going to feel a bit hard done by emissions regulations pointlessly subjected to these luxury and rare cars.

[@QwikAdDotCom]

It definitely makes a statement. If I had the money, I'd get the Bentayga instead.

[@kostinarain7373]

At this level, W12 is better

[@mohamedilyaskapadia7883]

Autocar, seriously, is that the best presenter you could find from your whole office? I do not want a wise-cracking, sweary, shouty, model, just someone who is, at the very least, happy to be alive and just remotely pleased to be driving an amazing car. STAND CLEAR!!!...I am just about to apply the defibrillator pads to my own chest as I fall into a coma of boredom!

[@kishan.d.perera8161]

He sounds like he's had a massive breakfast and is about to burp every 10 seconds. Sorry, but it's very annoying listening to him.

[@lilsaint256]

I reeeeally don’t like this presenter, he’s sooo annoying!!

[@mortenberg2897]

Absolutely no carisma. Henry Catchpole, Chris Harris and a lot more over this joyless dude. He doesn’t love cars ....

[@eswaramoorthy782]

Car is so great,But not review😊!!

[@Mike-1000]

F uck it, I'll keep my Toyota Corolla.

[@avinashchandran7597]

Very boring anchor.