While the Bentley Bentayga and Bentley’s upcoming electrification strategy have undoubtedly taken the bulk of the world’s attention, it can be easy to forget that the company also has the venerable Flying Spur sedan. When we last experienced the luxury-lined borderline limousine, it was in a smaller V8 package, and it certainly delivered a solid first impression. But what if you’re a business tycoon, world leader, or enthusiast that prefers to have a pinch of speed to your limo experience? Bentley has the answer to that very question with the 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed.
More Performance And Flying Spur Luxury, The Ultimate Speed Machine?
When you walk into your local Bentley showroom, you might notice that Bentley tends to reserve the Speed designation for the special models that promise higher levels of performance and speed, with this Flying Spur being no different. Unlike lesser models, this one is not powered by a V8 and is instead motivated by the aging but still impressive 6.0 liter twin-turbo W12 engine. In the Spur, this engine produces 626 hp and allows the massive Bentley to make the sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds before topping out at a lofty 207 mph.
An eight-speed automatic and all-wheel drive are standard equipment, but the latter has been reworked to be a rear-wheel biased system to help improve driving dynamics. Four-wheel steering, Torque Vectoring By Brake technology, and Bentley’s 48-Volt Dynamic Ride System are also along for the ride to help spice things up even more. Bigger brakes round up things and provide the extra stopping power needed for when it’s time to bring the big Bentley to a stop. The interesting highlight here is that owners looking to climb past the 200 mph barrier will have to stay in sixth gear to do it. Unlike other eigh-speeds, in the Flying Spur, seventh and eighth gears are overdrive units meant to help enhance fuel economy and are not meant to be used to climb to that vaunted top speed.
Meanwhile, the exterior gets blacked-out accents as well as the trademark Speed badging on the lower part of the front fenders. Massive 22-inch wheels are a Speed exclusive, too and Bentley confirmed that buyers can choose from either the sinister Blackline specification package or the more traditional Styling Specification setups for their new ride. The interior is largely unchanged for the most part, but it’s the subtle things that make this interior stand out, including a redesigned instrument cluster, sport pedals, and splashes of suede and bright black piano black trim. The seats are still 24-way chairs up front, with rear occupants getting 14-way power adjustments. However, for buyers with wilder imaginations, Bentley revealed that they can also equip the car with a wide range of options and wood veneers, including a stylish slice of Crown Cut walnut wood.
When Can I Buy One?
Bentley has not released formal pricing or distribution information for the 2023 Flying Spur Speed. However, look for it to be a sizable premium over a lesser Flying Spur especially when you factor in some of the optional extras that Bentley offers for the car. That said, the W12’s appearance in the Flying Spur could also be considered one of its last performances in the Bentley lineup. As mentioned, EV models will gradually replace ICE powered Bentleys and the aging W12 will not be able to meet tightening fuel economy regulations especially in Europe.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.