The Good
The 2026 Bentley Flying Spur offers unparalleled advantages: formidable performance from its W12/V8 engines, a whisper-quiet cabin with sublime comfort, and an iconic, timeless design. Emotionally, it provides immense prestige, bespoke luxury, and a thrilling yet refined driving experience. Practically, its robust build quality ensures durability, while advanced features enhance long-distance travel, even if efficiency and initial value retention are secondary considerations for this class.
The Bad
Known weaknesses for the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur primarily involve its significant financial commitments. Expect an extremely high purchase price, rapid initial depreciation, and substantial running costs including fuel, insurance, and maintenance. Its large dimensions can make urban maneuvering challenging, and while luxurious, its sheer complexity means specialized, costly servicing is mandatory. 'Efficiency' is not in its vocabulary.
2026 Bentley Flying Spur: Quick Overview
- Engine Options:
- 4.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged V8: Found in the Flying Spur V8 model.
- 6.0-liter Twin-Turbocharged W12: Powering the Flying Spur W12 and Speed models.
- 2.9-liter Twin-Turbocharged V6 Hybrid: Available in the Flying Spur Hybrid, combining a V6 engine with an electric motor.
- Horsepower:
- V8: Approximately 542 horsepower (550 PS) and 568 lb-ft of torque.
- W12: Approximately 626-635 horsepower (635 PS) and 664 lb-ft of torque.
- Hybrid: Approximately 536 horsepower (544 PS) and 553 lb-ft of torque combined.
- Fuel Economy (Estimated EPA for current model year, 2026 expected to be similar):
- V8: Around 15 MPG city / 20 MPG highway / 17 MPG combined.
- W12: Around 12 MPG city / 19 MPG highway / 15 MPG combined.
- Hybrid: Offers an electric-only range (around 20-25 miles) and better combined efficiency when using both power sources, estimated around 19 MPG combined (gasoline only).
- 0-60 MPH Times (Estimated):
- V8: Approximately 4.0-4.1 seconds.
- W12: Approximately 3.7 seconds.
- Hybrid: Approximately 4.1-4.3 seconds.
- Towing Capacity: The Bentley Flying Spur is not designed or rated for significant towing. Bentley does not publish official towing capacities for this model, as it's not its intended purpose.
- Key Trim-Level Features:
- Flying Spur V8: The "entry" point, offering significant power, standard air suspension, an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission, all-wheel drive, and an opulent interior with leather upholstery, wood veneers, and a 12.3-inch infotainment system. Distinctive V8 badging.
- Flying Spur Hybrid: Focuses on efficiency and urban usability with its plug-in hybrid powertrain. Features specific hybrid badging, charging port, and a dedicated EV mode. Retains the luxury and comfort of the V8 model.
- Flying Spur W12: The traditional powerhouse, distinguished by its unique W12 engine and specific exterior brightwork. Often includes more standard luxury features than the V8, such as Bentley's Dynamic Ride active anti-roll system and all-wheel steering for enhanced agility.
- Flying Spur Speed: The performance-oriented variant, exclusive to the W12 engine, featuring increased horsepower, unique dark-tinted exterior styling elements, exclusive wheel designs, and interior accents like Speed badging, contrasting stitching, and Alcantara elements. It emphasizes a sportier driving experience without sacrificing luxury.
- Mulliner Specification: An ultimate customization option available across trims, offering bespoke paint colors, unique wheel designs, diamond-in-diamond quilting, personalized embroidery, and virtually limitless interior finishes, elevating the Flying Spur to a truly one-of-a-kind vehicle.
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Specifications
Vehicle Information
| Year | 2026 |
| Make | Bentley |
| Model | Flying Spur |
| Trim | - |
| Style | - |
| Type | Sedan |
| Category | Minicompact Car |
Manufacturing Details
| Made In | United Kingdom |
| Manufacturing City | CREWE |
Dimensions
| Doors | 4-Door |
| Curb Weight | - |
| Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
| Overall Height | - |
| Overall Length | - |
| Overall Width | - |
| Wheelbase Length | - |
| Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
| Engine | 3.0-L V-6 DOHC 24V PLUG-IN Hybrid |
| Engine Size | 3L |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Transmission Speeds | 8-Speed |
| Drivetrain | All-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
| Anti-Brake System | - |
| Steering Type | - |
Pricing
| Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | - |
| Invoice Price | - |
| Delivery Charges | - |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur Have?
Bentley vehicles, by nature of their bespoke craftsmanship, advanced engineering, and complex luxury features, are not typically assessed for reliability in the same way mass-market cars are. Owners of such vehicles prioritize performance, luxury, and exclusivity over pure uptime metrics.
Potential long-term concerns for any ultra-luxury vehicle, including the Flying Spur, often revolve around:
- Sophisticated Electronics: With numerous interconnected systems for infotainment, driver assistance, and comfort, glitches or failures can occur. Diagnosis and repair of these specialized systems require Bentley-specific tools and expertise, leading to high costs.
- Air Suspension Components: The adaptive air suspension, crucial for the Flying Spur's renowned ride comfort, can be a wear item over many years and miles. Leaks or compressor failures are not uncommon on high-mileage luxury cars and are expensive to rectify.
- Complex Powertrains: The twin-turbo V8, W12, and hybrid powertrains are highly complex. While robust, they require precise, regular maintenance. Issues with turbochargers, direct injection systems, or specialized transmission components could arise in the long term, with parts and labor being premium-priced.
- Interior Wear: While Bentley uses the finest materials, natural leather and wood can show signs of wear, cracking, or fading over decades, especially if not meticulously cared for. The intricate stitching and bespoke elements may require specialist repair.
- Recalls: For current third-generation Flying Spur models (2020-2024), recalls have generally been minor, addressing issues like potential fuel pump control unit failures, seat belt retractors, or software updates. These are typically resolved quickly by Bentley dealerships. For the 2026 model, any new recalls would likely be for minor software or component issues identified early in production.
Ultimately, while the core engineering of a Bentley is robust, the sheer number of advanced features and bespoke components means that any repair, even minor ones, can be significantly more expensive and time-consuming than for a standard vehicle. Prospective owners should budget significantly for specialized, authorized Bentley service and acknowledge that "known issues" will often manifest as costly repairs for highly specialized components rather than common mechanical failures found in mass-produced cars. A comprehensive service history is paramount for long-term ownership and resale.
How long will the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur last?
However, long-term durability is heavily dependent on consistent, authorized dealer servicing. Weaknesses over time tend to be related to the vehicle's complexity: air suspension systems can eventually require significant repair, advanced electronics may experience intermittent issues, and certain bespoke interior elements might show wear. The cost of replacing specialized parts, from custom trim to advanced engine sensors, remains extraordinarily high. While the core chassis and powertrain are resilient, neglecting maintenance will drastically shorten its reliable lifespan, making diligent service a prerequisite for extended enjoyment.
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Built-in Tech & Entertainment:
At the heart of the interior tech is the spectacular Bentley Rotating Display, an optional but highly coveted feature. It allows the driver to switch between a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, three elegant analog dials (outside air temperature, a compass, and a chronometer), or a plain veneer for a minimalist look. The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a suite of connected services. Audiophiles will appreciate the optional Naim for Bentley audio system, a premium setup renowned for its exceptional sound quality with numerous speakers and powerful amplification. Rear passengers are treated to a removable Touch Screen Remote (TSR) tablet, controlling everything from seat massage and climate to window blinds and ambient lighting. Wireless charging and multiple USB-C ports are also standard.
Driver-Assistance & Safety Features:
Bentley equips the Flying Spur with an extensive array of driver-assistance systems, often grouped into specific "touring" or "city" specifications. Standard features typically include:
- Adaptive Cruise Control: Maintains a set distance from the vehicle ahead.
- Lane Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in its lane.
- Blind Spot Warning: Alerts drivers to vehicles in their blind spots.
- Front and Rear Park Assist: Aids in maneuvering in tight spaces.
- Traffic Sign Recognition: Displays speed limits and other road signs.
- Pre-sense City Braking: Automatic emergency braking to mitigate or avoid collisions.
Optional, more advanced features often include:
- Night Vision: Uses infrared technology to detect pedestrians and animals beyond the headlight range.
- Head-Up Display: Projects key driving information onto the windshield.
- Bentley Dynamic Ride: An active anti-roll bar system for improved handling and ride comfort.
- All-Wheel Steering: Enhances maneuverability at low speeds and stability at high speeds.
Safety:
In terms of passive safety, the Flying Spur boasts a robust chassis, comprehensive airbag systems, and advanced structural integrity designed to protect occupants. However, due to its ultra-luxury, low-volume production, vehicles like the Bentley Flying Spur are typically not subjected to crash testing by major independent organizations like the NHTSA or IIHS. Therefore, official crash-test ratings are generally unavailable. Bentley conducts its own rigorous internal testing to meet global safety standards. The focus is on preventing accidents through advanced driver aids and providing a strong, protective cell in the event of an impact.
What Colors Options are Available?
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Prices and Market Value
Depreciation is a major factor; ultra-luxury cars lose a significant percentage of their value in the first few years. Factors affecting resale value include original MSRP (more options mean higher initial loss), mileage, condition, service history (full Bentley dealer history is crucial), and desirability of the specification (color, interior materials, specific option packages like the Rotating Display or Naim audio). While initial depreciation is steep, values tend to stabilize after 5-7 years, holding better than more common luxury sedans, especially for well-maintained, unique examples.
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Cost of Ownership
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Fuel Efficiency
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Warranty
Basic
Powertrain
Rust
2026 Bentley Flying Spur Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur Compare to Other Sedan?
Performance: The Flying Spur, especially in W12 and Speed guises, offers a more driver-focused, engaging experience than the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Its powerful engines (W12 up to 635 hp, V8 at 542 hp) and sophisticated chassis with all-wheel steering and active anti-roll bars provide sports-car-like acceleration and dynamic handling for a large sedan. The Ghost, while powerful, prioritizes absolute waft-like comfort. The Maybach S-Class also offers strong performance (e.g., S 680 with 621 hp V12) but with a slightly softer, more rear-seat-centric feel than the Bentley.
Features & Luxury: All three are titans of luxury. The Flying Spur excels with its handcrafted interior, exquisite materials (wood, leather, metal), and bespoke customization options through Mulliner. Its Bentley Rotating Display is a unique tech highlight. The Rolls-Royce Ghost emphasizes pure opulence, silent cruising, and an unparalleled "magic carpet" ride, often perceived as the ultimate in passenger luxury. The Maybach S-Class brings cutting-edge technology, sumptuous materials, and an almost overwhelming array of comfort features, particularly for rear passengers, often at a slightly more "attainable" price point than Bentley or Rolls-Royce.
Reliability: For all three, 'reliability' is viewed through the lens of ultra-luxury. They are complex machines requiring specialist servicing. While inherently robust, the sheer number of advanced systems means any issues are costly. Bentley and Rolls-Royce benefit from extensive hand-assembly and rigorous quality control. Mercedes-Benz, being a larger manufacturer, might have a broader service network, but Maybach components are still exclusive. None are "cheap to run" nor boast Toyota-level long-term repair frequency.
Price: The Flying Spur typically slots between the Maybach S-Class (starting around $200k-$250k) and the Rolls-Royce Ghost (starting closer to $350k-$400k). The Flying Spur V8 will be the most 'accessible' Bentley, while a fully-optioned W12 or Speed could rival the Ghost's base price.
Alternatives & Recommendations:
- For a more driver-centric experience with luxury: The Bentley Flying Spur is arguably the best choice.
- For ultimate rear-seat luxury and prestige: The Rolls-Royce Ghost remains the gold standard, offering a serene, unmatched experience.
- For cutting-edge technology and exceptional comfort at a (relatively) lower price: The Mercedes-Benz-Maybach S-Class offers incredible value within this segment.
- For a sportier, albeit smaller, ultra-luxury sedan: The Porsche Panamera Turbo E-Hybrid could be considered, though it lacks the Bentley's old-world craftsmanship.
Final Verdict: Is the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur a Good Sedan?
Is it worth buying? Absolutely, if you have the means for both purchase and significant running costs. Buying new offers the full customization experience and the latest tech. However, a used Flying Spur (2-4 years old) can represent tremendous value, allowing access to this level of luxury after the initial steep depreciation, provided a full Bentley service history is available. For the balance of power and relative 'affordability,' the V8 trim is an excellent choice. The W12 or Speed trims are for those who demand ultimate power and exclusivity. It's a significant investment, but for the right buyer, it delivers an unmatched automotive experience.