Bentley Flying Spur

Bentley is commemorating the brand’s 100th anniversary with a redesigned Flying Spur sedan. This all-new, third-generation luxury coach provides significant powertrain and chassis advances for the British automaker. It features a 626-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine with a 48-volt mild-hybrid assist, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The automatic all-wheel-drive system transfers power as needed, and it can operate in two-wheel drive, unlike with the previous car. With that prodigious power, Bentley claims the 5,300-lb. sedan can gallop to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. The wheelbase increased 5 inches; all-wheel steering has been implemented to aid maneuverability. The adaptive suspension uses air springs to cushion the ride. The interior is dressed in leather, wood, and other refined touches befitting a royal ride. The Flying Spur has Apple CarPlay compatibility, and a suite of available driver assist features, such as blind spot warning, pedestrian detection, and traffic sign recognition.

As with other British luxury marques Bentleys have some eccentric quirks. The two engine choices are a 616-hp 12-cylinder and a 500-hp V8 mated to a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is standard. The powertrain and other technologies are all shared with the previous generation Audi A8. This four-seater "entry-level" sedan, the Flying Spur, starts at just over $200,000. While it has fabulous luxury details but doesn't deliver the plush ride of the Mercedes-Benz S550, costing merely $115,000 and it isn't as quiet either. It also lacked the latest infotainment system as well as advanced safety features such as pre-collision warning, automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist.