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Some things in life are meant to be extravagant; weddings, first loves, Hollywood, Miley Cyrus performances at the MVAs... and Bentleys. The latest from the bespoke British Motor Works company, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur, is no exception and is as opulent and extravagant as you'd expect to come from Crewe, UK.

With a more modern mug, a cabin full of amenities you might not expect to find in a vehicle, and a drive that's as sublime as the price tag, the 2014 Bentley Flying Spur is nothing less than spectacular; which is just right for the marque.


What is the Bentley Continental Flying Spur?
Essentially, the Flying Spur is the longer wheelbase, four-door version of the Continental GT. The first Flying Spur to appear from Bentley was in 1957. All Flying Spurs have been made, and are still made, in Crewe, UK.

The Flying Spur is rather like a hotel on wheels, with amenities you may think to only find in a suite (mini fridge, footrests, personal entertainment systems, privacy curtains). There are two different versions of the Flying Spur available: W12 and W12 Mulliner. The latter is a “special edition” in line with the company's history of Mulliner as their coachbuilder in the 1950s.

2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner Price and Specs
Starting north of $200,000, this isn't your average vehicular purchase. This is as bespoke a vehicle as any, and since each one is handcrafted in jolly ol' England, you can bet your bottom dollar you'll get precisely what you ask for when you place an order with Bentley.

Beneath the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's gloriously proud hood is a 6.0L W12 engine, this that will have you hitting 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds thanks to its 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. The New Flying Spur also comes with all-wheel drive (in a 40:60 front to rear split) so you can rest assured this beauty can handle it all. The seamless 8-speed automatic transmission always keeps things silky smooth.

Beneath the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur's gloriously proud hood is a 6.0L W12 engine, this that will have you hitting 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds thanks to its 616 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Driving the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
Oh, to drive a car like this on a daily basis. I always breathe a sigh of contentment whenever I get the chance to drive a Bentley. From the feel of the steering wheel in my hand (heavy, stitched leather) to the weight of the throttle beneath my eager foot (take-offs are always gentle in a Bentley, even with all that torque), I adore every moment.

Sure, the 2014 Flying Spur is a large vehicle (5,451 lbs with a 208.5” length), but it feels gloriously light thanks to the twin-turbo W12. Rarely do I feel power delivered so smoothly, so exactly. Press your foot to the floor and the car goes like butter on hot corn. There's no lag, no hesitation; the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur simply tips its hat, says “Right away ma'am” and does as it's told.

While I'm not a big fan of the paddle shifter location (rather high up on the steering wheel and awkwardly large) I rarely felt the need to use them since the 8-speed is so well-sorted. And while there was also an “S” option on the gear lever, I chose to keep the vehicle in drive, as well. Power and dynamics are aplenty as-is.

Cornering in the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is, as you'd imagine, not the same as doing it in a MINI Cooper S. This is a long, heavy car, however, don't be fooled it can still handle the twists.

While I'm not a big fan of the paddle shifter location, I rarely felt the need to use them since the 8-speed is so well-sorted. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Inside and Out of the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
I know there are those of you out there who don't see the point in a Bentley or the attraction. To you I say, “Look again!” This New Flying Spur is a gorgeous iteration of an already quite attractive vehicle. Some may say it looks more modern, but I think it looks perfectly traditional in the way Bentleys are meant to be. From the quad LED headlights up front to the long, sweeping rear, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is sophistication incarnate.

Sitting atop 21” five-spoke wheels (specific to the W12 Mulliner trim), the New Flying Spur can look intimidating, and it should. That intimidation (and opulence) continues inside with diamond-quilted, handcrafted leather seats and drilled alloy sports pedals. I could go on for pages about everything this vehicle comes with, but let's just say that no one is left high and dry. From the driver to the passengers, you'll be living in the lap of luxury no matter which seat you choose.

The 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur also boasts technological gadgetry alongside traditional design with amenities like an optional Wi-Fi hub integrated into the entertainment system, rear LCD screens, Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System, as well as auxiliary ports to connect tablets, music devices and the like.

From the quad LED headlights up front to the long, sweeping rear, the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur is sophistication incarnate. (Photo: Philippe Champoux)

Comparing the 2014 Bentley Continental Flying Spur W12 Mulliner
Compare the Bentley? Why would you?

Thank you to Bentley Montreal (www.decarie.com) for making this test drive possible.