Acceleration

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
9	8.7

An impressive blend of raging power and silky delivery. Power comes on immediately, even from a stop. Wheel slip is non-existent thanks to standard AWD. Butter-smooth transmission shifts almost imperceptibly. Some testers found the transmission slow to down shift as needed at highway speed. Consumer Guide has not yet tested a Flying Spur Speed with its 600-hp engine.

Fuel Economy

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
3	2.7

In Consumer Guide testing, a Flying Spur averaged 14.1 mpg. All Bentleys require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
9	6.3

Our test car came equipped with 20-inch tires as part of the Mulliner Driving Specification package. Even the largest road imperfections were soaked up with impressive ease, though smaller bumps were felt too often, likely because of the performance-oriented tires. Driver-selectable suspension settings have little impact on overall ride comfort. Consumer Guide has not yet tested a Flying Spur with the standard 19-inch tires or with the 2009 suspension updates.

Steering/Handling/Braking

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
7	8

The Flying Spur always feels large and heavy, but imparts more sportiness than might be expected. Lean in corners is well checked, especially with the suspension tuned to the most aggressive setting. The steering could use more feel, but is without sloppiness. A spongy pedal marred overall brake feel.

Quietness

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
9	5.7

Likely a function of the 20-inch tires, more road noise than expected filters into the Spur's cabin. Bare concrete surfaces especially kick up a fuss. Wind noise, however, is entirely suppressed. Both the engine and exhaust can be heard distinctly during acceleration, something our testers find appealing.

Controls

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
7	6.7

Large, boldly marked gauges are clear and easy to read. Most major controls are within easy reach and plainly marked. Unfortunately, audio control is via the navigation system, which complicates even simple adjustments. Kudos to Bentley for not succumbing to a control-interface system along the lines of BMW's iDrive or Audi's MMI.

Details

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
10	7.7

Glorious. Nothing that can be touched is of anything but the highest-grade materials. Quilted leather seats and door inserts look and feel luxurious. Real metal and furniture-grade wood accents underscore this Bentley's country-club-like environment. Top-notch assembly quality is obvious throughout the cabin. Likewise, the Flying Spur's paint is uncommonly smooth, entirely free of the orange peel dimpling common in automotive finishes.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
10	8

Huge supportive seats supply imperial long-distance comfort, though headroom is only adequate for taller drivers. The daunting array of seat adjustments can confuse at first, but allow for extreme comfort customization. Visibility is generally good all around, though thickish front pillars compromise forward view to the corners. Large doors make for easy entry and exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
10	5.3

As up front, seats are impressively comfortable and supportive. Large doors make for easy entry and exit.

Cargo Room

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
4	3

The trunk seems larger than the quoted 17-cubic foot capacity. A large opening and low liftover add to overall usefulness. In-cabin storage is less impressive. The CD changer and navigation-system DVD player consume much of the glove box, and console storage is limited to a small ash tray and tiny in-armrest cubbies. Also disappointing is the single drink holder, which requires the armrests to be folded up for use.

Value within Class

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
6	7

At $200,000 well-equipped, is the Flying Spur best judged against Mercedes-Benz cars that cost half as much, or Rolls Royce (and other Bentleys) that cost twice as much? At this price Bentley has carved a nice niche for itself, somewhere between mainstream luxury and overt opulence. As such, the Flying Spur acquits itself well, blending a beautiful cabin with an impressive ride and massive power. Pragmatists will likely see Mercedes' excellent S-Class sedans as a better value. Buyers looking for something rare and special, but not insanely expensive, will find Bentley's "entry" sedan a compelling alternative.

Total Score

Base w/ Mulliner package	Class Average
84	69.1

Scores for all Exotic Cars

Low Score		52
Average Score		69
High Score		84