Introduction
The 2005 Bentley Flying Spur, unveiled at the 75th Geneva Motor Show in March 2005, is a full-sized luxury sedan that redefined the segment by blending high performance with opulent comfort.It was created to cater to both drivers looking for excitement and passengers wanting a limousine-like experience like the Bentley Continental GT’s four-door brother. The Flying Spur, which was mainly hand-built in Bentley’s Crewe plant in England, with 1,358 vehicles briefly manufactured at Volkswagen’s Transparent plant in Dresden, Germany, exemplifies Bentley’s dedication to quality craftsmanship. Its personalized appeal is somewhat muted by the fact that some of its parts are shared by the Volkswagen Group.
Historical Context
The first Continental Flying Spur, a four-door variant of the Continental R Type that was praised for its strength and elegance, debuted in 1957, which is when the Flying Spur moniker first appeared. A major turning point in Bentley’s contemporary history under Volkswagen’s ownership from 1998 was the 2005 resurrection. With a peak speed of 194 mph and 552 horsepower, the car’s launch established it as the fastest and most potent production saloon in the world at the time. With almost 4,000 sales in its first full year, its success contributed to Bentley’s comeback.
Design Philosophy
The goal of Bentley’s 2005 Flying Spur design is to provide a car that strikes a mix between luxury and performance. The Flying Spur offers a dynamic driving experience and a roomy, handmade interior that appeals to both drivers and passengers, in contrast to the driver-focused Continental GT. The vehicle emphasizes customization with a wide range of leather, wood, and stitching options, while drawing influence from Bentley’s racing history and subtly referencing the iconic Speed cars of the 1920s.
Exterior Design
The exterior of the Flying Spur has a strong yet refined appearance. Bentley’s recognizable mesh grille dominates its front fascia, and the sleek, rounded headlamps combine traditional and contemporary design elements. The sleek and aerodynamic side profile improves performance without sacrificing style. A sporty touch is added by the rear’s integrated spoiler and tapered contours. The 2006–2008 variants of the Flying Spur have a wheelbase of 3,065 mm and a length of 5,306 mm, which is a balanced size for both agility and presence.
Interior Craftsmanship
The Flying Spur’s interior, which includes wood veneers and handmade leather upholstery, is a luxurious masterpiece. Every occupant is guaranteed comfort thanks to the electrically adjustable heating and cooling features of the front and rear seats. Ideal for escorted rides, the back compartment is especially roomy and has reclining and individual climate control. Nevertheless, a few dashboard elements—like the hard plastic buttons—are purchased from the Volkswagen Group, which somewhat lessens the custom impression. Comfort is given priority over extra seating capacity in the four-seat arrangement.
Engine and Performance
At the heart of the Flying Spur is a 5,998 cc (6.0-liter) W12 twin-turbocharged engine, delivering 560 PS (412 kW; 552 bhp) at 6,100 rpm and 650 N⋅m (479 lb-ft) of torque from 1,600 to 6,100 rpm. This powerplant enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0–62.1 mph) in 4.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 314 km/h (194 mph). The engine is paired with a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters, allowing manual gear changes in sports mode. The all-wheel-drive system, featuring a Torsen differential, ensures excellent traction and stability.
Ride and Handling
The Flying Spur is equipped with an adaptive air suspension system with continuous damping control, offering five settings to balance comfort and sportiness. On smooth roads, it provides a serene, luxurious ride, but its secondary ride quality can feel unsettled at low speeds over rough surfaces, such as sunken manhole covers. The sport setting enhances body control but results in a choppier ride. Despite its 2,475 kg (5,456 lb) weight, the car handles with agility, aided by precise steering and all-wheel drive. Its cast-iron brakes offer exceptional stopping power, resisting fade even at high speeds.
Fuel Economy and Running Costs
Fuel efficiency is a notable drawback, with an average of approximately 15 mpg combined. The 23.8-gallon fuel tank provides a range of about 200–300 miles. Maintenance costs are high due to the car’s complex engineering and premium materials, and depreciation is significant, with a substantial value loss in the first year. These factors make the Flying Spur an expensive vehicle to own, though used examples are more accessible.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Fuel Economy | ~15 mpg (combined) |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 23.8 gallons |
| Range | ~200–300 miles |
| Maintenance Costs | High, due to complex engineering and premium materials |
| Depreciation | Significant, losing a five-figure sum in the first year |
Competitive Analysis
The Flying Spur competes in the ultra-luxury sedan segment against the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, and Audi A8. Below is a detailed comparison:
- Vs. Rolls-Royce Phantom:
- Price: Flying Spur (~$170,000–$200,000) is more affordable than the Phantom (>$300,000).
- Performance: Flying Spur is faster (0–60 mph in 5.0 seconds vs. ~5.7 seconds, top speed 194 mph vs. ~149 mph).
- Ride: Phantom offers a more refined, serene ride, while Flying Spur is sportier but less composed on rough roads.
- Interior: Both are luxurious, but Phantom’s cabin is more bespoke, with fewer shared components.
- Vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class:
- Price: S-Class (~$100,000–$130,000) is more affordable.
- Performance: S-Class offers strong performance but lacks Flying Spur’s power and exclusivity.
- Technology: S-Class is known for advanced tech, surpassing Flying Spur in this area.
- Vs. BMW 7 Series:
- Price: 7 Series (~$70,000–$120,000) is significantly cheaper.
- Performance: 7 Series is sportier but less luxurious than Flying Spur.
- Prestige: Flying Spur offers greater brand exclusivity.
| Feature | Bentley Flying Spur 2005 | Rolls-Royce Phantom 2005 | Mercedes-Benz S-Class 2005 | BMW 7 Series 2005 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | ~$170,000–$200,000 | ~$300,000+ | ~$100,000–$130,000 | ~$70,000–$120,000 |
| Engine | 6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo, 552 hp | 6.75L V12, 453 hp | 5.5L V8 or 6.0L V12, 493–543 hp | 4.4L V8, 325–438 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 5.0 seconds | ~5.7 seconds | ~4.8–5.5 seconds | ~5.8–6.0 seconds |
| Top Speed | 194 mph | ~149 mph | ~155 mph (limited) | ~155 mph (limited) |
| Fuel Economy (Combined) | ~15 mpg | ~13 mpg | ~15–17 mpg | ~17–20 mpg |
| Drive Type | AWD | RWD | RWD/AWD | RWD |
Cultural Impact
The Flying Spur 2005 became a cultural icon, symbolizing wealth, success, and sophistication. Frequently featured in music videos, films, and TV shows, it was a favorite among celebrities and business tycoons. Its imposing presence and luxurious interior made it a statement of prestige, reinforcing Bentley’s status in the luxury market.
Legacy
The 2005 Flying Spur set a benchmark for luxury sedans, blending speed, style, and craftsmanship. Its market success, with over 4,000 units sold in its first year, underscored Bentley’s resurgence under Volkswagen. The car paved the way for future models, such as the 2008 Flying Spur Speed (610 hp) and the 2012 Series 51 with enhanced personalization. Today, it remains a coveted classic for enthusiasts, despite its high running costs.
Additional Points
- Engine Details: 6.0L W12 twin-turbo, 552 hp, 479 lb-ft torque, ZF 6-speed automatic, all-wheel drive.
- Exterior Features: Iconic grille, aerodynamic lines, integrated rear spoiler.
- Interior Highlights: Handcrafted leather, wood veneers, four-seat configuration, advanced seat features.
- Ride Dynamics: Adaptive air suspension, five settings, smooth on good roads, less stable on rough surfaces.
- Running Costs: ~15 mpg, high maintenance, significant depreciation.
- Cultural Significance: Symbol of wealth, featured in media, owned by high-profile individuals.
- Market Impact: Over 4,000 units sold in first year, solidified Bentley’s modern luxury status.
- Design Heritage: Inspired by Bentley’s racing legacy, emphasizes personalization.
Conclusion
The Bentley Flying Spur 2005 is a remarkable vehicle that combines breathtaking performance with luxurious comfort. Its 6.0-liter W12 engine, handcrafted interior, and dynamic driving experience set it apart in the ultra-luxury sedan segment. While it faces challenges like high running costs and a less refined ride on rough roads, its blend of speed, style, and craftsmanship makes it a timeless classic. Compared to rivals like the Rolls-Royce Phantom, it offers a sportier alternative at a lower price, appealing to those who value both driving pleasure and passenger comfort. Its cultural impact and market success cement its legacy as a benchmark for luxury sedans.
