Bentley Flying Spur 2016 Review

The luxury sedan market in Malaysia has always been a battleground for major brands, as consumer demand for top-notch comfort, powerful performance, and unique identity insignias never wanes. Against this backdrop, the 2016 Bentley Flying Spur V8, as a representative of the luxury four-door sedan segment, enters the market with its 507PS turbocharged engine, adaptive suspension system, and iconic Bentley design language, attracting many users in pursuit of an ultimate high-end driving experience. This time, we got to test drive the actual car with the main goal of evaluating its comfort in daily use, power responsiveness, and whether its luxurious features align with its multimillion-level pricing.

From an appearance perspective, the 2016 Flying Spur V8 continues Bentley's elegant family aesthetic, with smooth and streamlined overall lines. Its 5,299mm length and 3,066mm wheelbase make the body proportions appear very harmonious. The front adopts a classic rectangular grille paired with round LED matrix headlights, offering high recognizability; the Bentley Winged 'B' logo on the hood directly signals its status as a luxury vehicle. The side profile features a waistline extending from the front fenders to the rear, complemented by 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels, maintaining a sense of stability while adding a touch of sporty character. At the rear, the dual-sided quad exhaust layout and simple, elegant LED tail lamp design harmonize with the overall style of the car. As for the lighting system, automatic headlights and LED light sources are standard, providing clear and uniform illumination when lit at night.

Stepping inside, the dashboard layout is driver-centered, with extensive use of leather wrapping and wooden panels enhancing the luxurious feel of the interior. Every touchpoint exudes a refined texture. The standard touchscreen infotainment display is of moderate size, with a clear logic of operation. Although it does not feature the large screens common in more contemporary models, its complete functions adequately meet daily needs. The seats are made from top-quality leather and the front seats support multi-way electric adjustment, offering excellent cushioning and support. The rear seats are also spacious and comfortable, equipped with independent air-conditioning vents and power outlets, ensuring long-distance journeys are fatigue-free. In terms of space, the 3,066mm wheelbase provides generous rear legroom, allowing a 180cm passenger to have more than two fist-widths of space between their knees and the front seatback. While no specific data about trunk volume is available, it can easily accommodate two 28-inch suitcases, providing ample storage for family or business use.

Under the hood, the 3.9L twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers a maximum power output of 507PS, with peak torque achieved as early as 1,700rpm. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, the car accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds with a top speed of 295km/h. During actual driving, the car shows rapid power response at startup; even with a curb weight of 2,972kg, light acceleration already provides a noticeable pushback sensation. When accelerating in mid-to-high speed ranges, the gear shifts smoothly and the power output remains consistent and linear. For overtaking, a deeper press on the accelerator will prompt a quick downshift by the transmission to deliver a robust power reserve. The driving modes include Comfort, Sport, and Custom. When switched to Sport mode, the steering wheel becomes slightly heavier, while throttle response becomes more sensitive, meeting occasional driving excitement needs.

In terms of handling and chassis performance, the front and rear adaptive suspension system is a highlight. During daily driving, the suspension is adjusted to a softer state, effectively filtering out road bumps. Even when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the vehicle body shows no significant jolts. When entering corners, the suspension automatically stiffens, enhancing support, and controlling body roll well, providing the driver with ample confidence. The steering wheel is precise with minimal play, and despite the car being over 5 meters in length, it does not feel cumbersome to handle. As for braking performance, the brake pedal feedback is linear, with ample braking force. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without noticeable nose dives. Regarding fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 15.7L/100km. In actual urban driving conditions, it is approximately 18-20L/100km, while on highways it can drop to 12-14L/100km, which is within the normal range for vehicles in this class.

In terms of driving comfort, the noise control inside the cabin is exceptional. At a speed of 120km/h, wind noise and tire noise are kept at relatively low levels, with only a slight engine sound reaching the cabin, which does not affect conversations among passengers. The seat cushioning is soft yet resilient, ensuring that long hours of sitting do not cause back or lumbar discomfort. The rear seats offer a moderate backrest angle combined with adjustable headrests, further enhancing comfort.

In conclusion, the core highlights of the 2016 Bentley Flying Spur V8 lie in its top-tier interior quality, robust V8 engine performance, and excellent suspension comfort. Compared to the same-class Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG or BMW 7 Series M models, the Flying Spur V8 excels in creating a luxurious atmosphere, and its adaptive suspension performance is more balanced. It caters effectively to both the comfort needs of business receptions and offers a certain degree of driving pleasure. However, its combined fuel consumption of 15.7L and relatively high maintenance costs may deter some users more concerned about economy.

Overall, the 2016 Bentley Flying Spur V8 is suitable for those who seek a luxurious and comfortable experience while occasionally needing to enjoy driving excitement, such as corporate executives, business professionals, or families with a focus on quality of life. It is not just a means of transportation but also a symbol of status and taste.

To sum up, the 2016 Bentley Flying Spur V8 delivers top-level performance in luxury, power, and comfort. Although its fuel consumption is relatively high, this is unlikely to be a primary concern for its target demographic. If you are looking for a luxury sedan that can meet your business needs while providing driving pleasure, it could be an excellent choice.