Which Bentley Flying Spur Version Should You Buy?
The Bentley Flying Spur version to choose depends on whether you prioritize maximum performance, lower measured consumption, or the character of an earlier W-shaped engine. The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the performance leader, producing 782 hp and 1,000 Nm and reaching 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds.
The Bentley Flying Spur version to choose depends on whether you prioritize maximum performance, lower measured consumption, or the character of an earlier W-shaped engine. The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the performance leader, producing 782 hp and 1,000 Nm and reaching 100 km/h in 3.5 seconds. The third-generation V6 2.9 DCT has the lowest measured combined consumption at 3.2, while the W12 6.0 DCT reaches the highest top speed at 333 km/h. Buyers considering earlier cars can choose between first-generation 6.0 AT versions, second-generation 4.0 AT and 6.0 AT alternatives, and the broader third-generation engine range. Price, interior specifications, reliability, dimensions, engine-oil capacity, and engine-number location are not measured in the supplied data and therefore cannot be used to rank the versions.
Bentley Flying Spur generations compared
The first-generation Sedan ran from March 2005 through December 2012 and had one listed version, the 6.0 AT with 560 hp. Its restyling overlapped the original period, running from July 2008 through May 2013, and offered two 6.0 AT specifications distinguished by output: 560 hp and 610 hp. The higher-output restyled car added 50 hp and 100 Nm, reduced the 0–100 km/h time by 0.4 seconds, and increased top speed by 10 km/h. Both used a 6-speed Automatic gearbox and AWD.
The second-generation Sedan ran from March 2013 through December 2019 and contained four listed specifications. Buyers could select a 4.0 AT with either 507 hp or 528 hp, or a 6.0 AT with either 625 hp or 635 hp. Every version used an 8-speed Automatic gearbox and AWD. Compared with the first-generation 560 hp 6.0 AT, the second-generation 625 hp 6.0 AT gained 65 hp, accelerated to 100 km/h 0.6 seconds sooner, and raised top speed by 8 km/h.
The third-generation Sedan ran from June 2019 through March 2023, followed by restyling from April 2023. Both periods list three versions: V6 2.9 DCT, V8 4.0 DCT, and W12 6.0 DCT. All combine an 8-speed Robotic gearbox with AWD. The pre-restyling V8 4.0 DCT produces 550 hp, whereas the restyled V8 4.0 DCT produces 542 hp; their listed torque, acceleration, top speed, consumption, weights, clearance, tank, suspension, brakes, and wheel sizes are otherwise the same. The V6 2.9 DCT and W12 6.0 DCT figures also remain the same across the listed pre-restyling and restyled periods.
The fourth-generation Sedan began in September 2024 and has one listed version, the 4.0 DCT. Its Plug-in powertrain develops 782 hp and 1,000 Nm, sent through an 8-speed Robotic gearbox and AWD. With no second fourth-generation version in the data, the purchase decision here is between this specification and the alternatives from previous generations.
Bentley Flying Spur engine specs
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 560 hp | 650 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 560 hp | 650 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 610 hp | 610 hp | 750 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 6-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 507 hp | 507 hp | 660 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 528 hp | 528 hp | 680 Nm | 3,993 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 625 hp | 625 hp | 800 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 635 hp | 635 hp | 820 Nm | 5,998 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third generation — V6 2.9 DCT | 544 hp | 750 Nm | 2,894 cc | Plug-in | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Third generation — V8 4.0 DCT | 550 hp | 770 Nm | 3,996 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Third generation — W12 6.0 DCT | 635 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Third-generation restyling — V6 2.9 DCT | 544 hp | 750 Nm | 2,894 cc | Plug-in | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Third-generation restyling — V8 4.0 DCT | 542 hp | 770 Nm | 3,996 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Third-generation restyling — W12 6.0 DCT | 635 hp | 900 Nm | 5,950 cc | Gasoline | 12, W-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
| Fourth generation — 4.0 DCT | 782 hp | 1,000 Nm | 3,996 cc | Plug-in | 8, V-shaped | Turbo | 8-speed Robotic | AWD |
Power per litre separates these engines more clearly than output alone. The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT delivers approximately 195.7 hp per litre, the highest ratio in the catalogue. The third-generation V6 2.9 DCT follows at approximately 188.0 hp per litre. Depending on specification, the second-generation 4.0 AT produces approximately 127.0 or 132.2 hp per litre, while the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT produces approximately 137.6 hp per litre before restyling and 135.6 hp per litre after restyling. The W-shaped engines range from approximately 93.4 hp per litre in the 560 hp 6.0 AT to approximately 106.7 hp per litre in the 635 hp W12 6.0 DCT.
Bentley Flying Spur speed, acceleration, and fuel consumption
| Generation and version | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 5.2 s | 312 km/h | 26.4 | 12.7 | 17.7 |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 5.2 s | 312 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 610 hp | 4.8 s | 322 km/h | 25.3 | 11.6 | 16.6 |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 507 hp | 4.9 s | 295 km/h | 15.6 | 8.1 | 10.9 |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 528 hp | 4.9 s | 306 km/h | 15.9 | 8.0 | 10.9 |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 625 hp | 4.6 s | 320 km/h | 22.4 | 10.2 | 14.7 |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 635 hp | 4.5 s | 325 km/h | 22.2 | 10.2 | 14.7 |
| Third generation — V6 2.9 DCT | 4.3 s | 285 km/h | not measured | not measured | 3.2 |
| Third generation — V8 4.0 DCT | 4.1 s | 318 km/h | 20.0 | 10.8 | 12.7 |
| Third generation — W12 6.0 DCT | 3.8 s | 333 km/h | 24.2 | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Third-generation restyling — V6 2.9 DCT | 4.3 s | 285 km/h | not measured | not measured | 3.2 |
| Third-generation restyling — V8 4.0 DCT | 4.1 s | 318 km/h | 20.0 | 10.8 | 12.7 |
| Third-generation restyling — W12 6.0 DCT | 3.8 s | 333 km/h | 24.2 | 12.7 | 14.8 |
| Fourth generation — 4.0 DCT | 3.5 s | 285 km/h | not measured | not measured | not measured |
The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the quickest option: it reaches 100 km/h 0.3 seconds sooner than the third-generation W12 6.0 DCT and 0.8 seconds sooner than the V6 2.9 DCT. Its 285 km/h maximum, however, is 48 km/h below the 333 km/h W12 6.0 DCT. The W12 is therefore the top-speed choice, while the fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the acceleration choice.
For measured combined consumption, the V6 2.9 DCT records 3.2, compared with 10.9 for either second-generation 4.0 AT, 12.7 for the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT, and 14.8 for the W12 6.0 DCT. The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT has no city, highway, or combined figure in the data, so each is not measured.
Bentley Flying Spur weight, ground clearance, tank, and wheel sizes
Dimensions such as length, width, height, and wheelbase are not measured in the supplied data. Weight and selected chassis measurements are available.
| Generation and version | Kerb weight | Gross weight | Ground clearance | Tank | Wheel sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First generation — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 2,475 kg | 2,980 kg | not measured | 90 | not measured |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 560 hp | 2,475 kg | 2,980 kg | not measured | 90 | not measured |
| First-generation restyling — 6.0 AT, 610 hp | 2,475 kg | 2,980 kg | not measured | 90 | not measured |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 507 hp | 2,425 kg | 2,972 kg | 105 mm | 90 | not measured |
| Second generation — 4.0 AT, 528 hp | 2,417 kg | 2,972 kg | 105 mm | 90 | not measured |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 625 hp | 2,475 kg | 2,972 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/45 R20; 265/40 R21 |
| Second generation — 6.0 AT, 635 hp | 2,475 kg | 2,972 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/45 R20; 265/40 R21 |
| Third generation — V6 2.9 DCT | 2,505 kg | 3,030 kg | 120 mm | 80 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Third generation — V8 4.0 DCT | 2,330 kg | 2,980 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Third generation — W12 6.0 DCT | 2,437 kg | 3,000 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Third-generation restyling — V6 2.9 DCT | 2,505 kg | 3,030 kg | 120 mm | 80 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Third-generation restyling — V8 4.0 DCT | 2,330 kg | 2,980 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Third-generation restyling — W12 6.0 DCT | 2,437 kg | 3,000 kg | 120 mm | 90 | 265/40 R21; 305/35 R21; 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
| Fourth generation — 4.0 DCT | 2,571 kg | 3,215 kg | not measured | 80 | 275/35 R22; 315/30 R22 |
The third-generation V8 4.0 DCT is the lightest listed version at 2,330 kg. It weighs 107 kg less than the W12 6.0 DCT and 175 kg less than the V6 2.9 DCT. The fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the heaviest at 2,571 kg, but its weight-to-power ratio is the strongest at approximately 3.29 kg per hp. The W12 6.0 DCT follows at approximately 3.84 kg per hp, while the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT records approximately 4.24 kg per hp with 550 hp or 4.30 kg per hp with 542 hp.
Every listed version uses independent front suspension. Pneumatic rear suspension appears on the first generation, both first-generation restyled specifications, both second-generation 6.0 AT specifications, every third-generation specification, and the fourth-generation 4.0 DCT. The second-generation 4.0 AT versions instead have independent spring rear suspension. All listed versions have ventilated disc brakes at both ends.
Which Bentley Flying Spur version should you choose?
Choose the fourth-generation 4.0 DCT if acceleration and output matter most. Its 782 hp exceeds the 635 hp W12 6.0 DCT by 147 hp, while its 1,000 Nm exceeds the W12 by 100 Nm. It is also 0.3 seconds quicker to 100 km/h, although it gives away 48 km/h in top speed. Its fuel consumption, ground clearance, and exterior dimensions are not measured.
Choose the third-generation W12 6.0 DCT if top speed and W-shaped engine output define the purchase. It combines 635 hp, 900 Nm, a 3.8-second 0–100 km/h time, and the catalogue’s highest maximum speed of 333 km/h. Against the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT with 550 hp, it adds 85 hp and 130 Nm, cuts 0.3 seconds from acceleration, and adds 15 km/h to top speed. The trade-off is 107 kg more kerb weight and combined consumption that is 2.1 higher.
Choose the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT for the lowest kerb weight and a middle position between the V6 and W12. The pre-restyling 550 hp version weighs 2,330 kg, reaches 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, and has a 318 km/h top speed. The restyled 542 hp version retains the same 4.1-second acceleration and 318 km/h maximum despite having 8 hp less in the listed data. Both record combined consumption of 12.7.
Choose the third-generation V6 2.9 DCT if the lowest measured combined consumption is the priority. It produces 544 hp and 750 Nm, reaches 100 km/h in 4.3 seconds, and records 3.2 combined consumption. Compared with the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT with 550 hp, it gives away 6 hp, 20 Nm, 0.2 seconds, and 33 km/h, while weighing 175 kg more. Its city and highway figures are not measured.
Among second-generation cars, the 4.0 AT with 528 hp is the stronger numerical choice over the 507 hp version when maximum speed matters: it adds 21 hp and 20 Nm, weighs 8 kg less, and raises top speed by 11 km/h, while both take 4.9 seconds to reach 100 km/h and record 10.9 combined consumption. Between the two 6.0 AT specifications, the 635 hp car adds 10 hp and 20 Nm, accelerates 0.1 seconds sooner, and reaches 5 km/h more, with identical 14.7 combined consumption and identical 2,475 kg kerb weight.
For the first-generation restyling, the 610 hp 6.0 AT is the performance choice over the 560 hp 6.0 AT. It supplies 50 hp and 100 Nm more, reaches 100 km/h 0.4 seconds sooner, and has a 10 km/h higher top speed without adding kerb weight. Its measured combined consumption is 16.6; consumption for the restyled 560 hp version is not measured.
No recommendation based on price, vehicles for sale, cabin equipment, problems, reliability, or model-year market value can be made from these specifications. On the measured numbers alone, the fourth-generation 4.0 DCT is the acceleration choice, the third-generation W12 6.0 DCT is the top-speed choice, the third-generation V6 2.9 DCT is the lowest measured-consumption choice, and the third-generation V8 4.0 DCT is the lightest choice.