From David Beckham to Robert Downey Jr., celebrities from all over the world flock to the Bentley brand when it comes to reaching red-carpet venues in style. But what is so special about Bentleys that makes it such a coveted ride amongst movie stars? Well, the Bentley's allure lies in its exclusivity that offers a unique blend of its rich heritage, unrelenting power, and exquisite craftsmanship to offer an experience like none other. The 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur embodies these very essentials. It sports a mighty 6-liter Biturbo W12 engine, charging the car from 0 to 60 mph in a relaxed 4.9 seconds. Regardless, the Flying Spur does so in a remarkable opulence, cocooning its occupants in a world of massaging seats and sumptuous leather. Of course, being a Bentley, it boasts a truly astronomical price tag, fetching a cool $184,200 back when it was new.
We start in 2005 when Bentley introduced the first-generation Continental Flying Spur. Essentially a four-door luxury saloon version of the outgoing two-door, coupe-styled Continental GT, the Flying Spur shared a similar 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine that would help it achieve the title of the fastest, most powerful production four-door (at its time). It also shared a similar level of luxury – if not more – and styling that resembled typical Bentley styling ques and design philosophy. By 2008, Bentley added the performance-oriented Flying Spur 'Speed' variants, boasting performance (and interior) upgrades over the non-Speed counterparts. Ultimately, in an attempt to keep up with modern automotive standards, Bentley set to refine the recipe. And so, in 2013, the world witnessed the launch of the second-generation Flying Spur, bringing with it a sleeker, bold design language, newer tech, and – more importantly – more engine configurations.
Underneath its styled, quite pronounced bonnet sat a mighty 6-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine developing a healthy 552 horsepower and a staggering 479 lb-ft of torque. The power is seamlessly routed to all four wheels via a ZF six-speed automatic transmission that couples steering-mounted paddle shifters for a more spirited driving experience. Eventually, the Flying Spur would achieve a timed 0 – 60 mph run in a leisurely 4.9 seconds before it maxed out at a staggering top speed of 195 mph (or 314 km/h). Luckily, an adjustable air suspension helps the Flying Spur achieve a dual personality, offering a cloud-like, wafty ride and a sporty, more confident handling, all in one package. Lastly, the (optional) fade-resistant carbon ceramics ensure the 5,500-pound beast’s force always remains in check.
Step inside the Flying Spur’s plush embrace and be prepared for an oasis of handcrafted luxury. Firstly, the cabin adorns an extensive use of sumptuous, high-grade Beluga hide leather, surfacing observable touchpoints. Also, the intricate handstitched patterns cascade across the interior, including the diamond-stitched weaves on the seats, a subtle nod to Bentley’s enduring legacy of exquisite craftsmanship. Meanwhile, the presence of handcrafted wood veneers, ranging from Dark Stained Burr Walnut to Piano Black, helps bring an old-school, quite classic aesthetic to the overall profile. Yet amidst its exquisite opulence, hints of cutting-edge technology offer a touch of modernity in a cabin so classically appointed. Here, technology takes the form of 16-way power-adjustable seats (with heated/ventilated and massage features), an infotainment system, and multi-zone climate control, offering a cocoon of personalized comfort. Regardless, the luxury extends to rear occupants, too, pampering them in an (optional) rear entertainment package, picnic-style folding tables, and dual-zone climate control, ensuring a first-class experience for the rear passengers.
The 'royal' symphony continues towards the outside, where Bentley-esque sculpted lines flow with captivating grace. Upfront, the Flying Spur sports Bentley’s signature matrix grille, closely followed by the flying mascot perched atop. Meanwhile, the flanking round-shaped bi-xen headlamps immediately command attention with aristocratic confidence. Laterally speaking, the stretched silhouette becomes observable, featuring wide, muscular haunches hinting at the Bentley's unrelenting power. So, (optional) 20-inch multi-spoke alloys dominate the side profile, adding a regal sportiness to the side profile. Eventually, the streamlined roof flows towards the rear before concluding at the styled boot lid. At the back, the design language maintains its elegance, revealing a set of elliptical LED taillights and oval-shaped exhausts that only growl in W12 fury.
Of course, it isn’t a Bentley unless it boasts a fleet of cutting-edge technology that seamlessly blends alongside the car’s timeless elegance. These include 16-way powered seats (with built-in massage and heated/ventilated functionalities), an infotainment system (featuring sat-nav, multimedia, Bluetooth connectivity, and iPod integration), self-leveling suspension, multi-zone climate control, rear entertainment package, creating a haven of personalized comfort for all passengers. Luckily, safety is equally prioritized. So, the Flying Spur utilizes features like cruise control, a backup camera, and airbags to ensure every journey remains as safe as it is opulent.
Still, all this exclusivity and luxury comes at a price. So, when new, the 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur retailed at a strong $184,200. However, consider ticking the optional extras – like the rear-view camera, carbon ceramic brakes, upgraded leather hides and wood veneers, and the 15-speaker premium NAIM sound system – and see your wallet drain even faster. That said, used prices have a different story to tell. Fast forward to today, the 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur reflects a fraction of the original price, exchanging hands at an average of $66,000 in used markets – depending on prior ownership, mileage, and condition. Looking forward to owning the epitome of British automotive luxury and performance? Discover the Bentley listings at Exotic Car Trader to fuel your high-octane dreams.
In an attempt to blend unparalleled luxury with unyielding performance, the 2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur embodies a majestic driving experience like no other. Exotic Car Trader is the one-stop solution to your exotic car dreams. At Exotic Car Trader, we understand the need for a smooth and effortless car-buying experience. Therefore, we offer a straightforward and streamlined car-buying guide to ensure a seamless car-buying experience. Alternatively, users may benefit from our straightforward car-selling services to guarantee a safe and secure dealing.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE
