I had the pleasure of spending a few days with the Bentley Flying Spur Azure, an even more refined and elegant version of the grand British flagship. Such an extraordinary car doesn’t come around every day, so I embraced my inner British nobleman and took a trip to Italy.
My destination was the picturesque region of Lombardy, where I showcased this marvel along Lake Garda, exploring its performance, driving pleasure, and the elegant blue hues that define the Azure edition.
Whether it was the car itself, the British license plate, or perhaps my appearance, I found myself mistaken for an English aristocrat on holiday—or perhaps, more realistically, for his chauffeur.
Bentley Flying Spur: Our Tops and Flops
There aren’t many flaws to find in a car of this caliber. If I must be critical, its substantial weight is noticeable, a consequence of its size and grandeur. But the Flying Spur, especially in this Azure variant, stands as one of the most beautiful and sophisticated cars on the market. It’s not ostentatious; it exudes timeless style with meticulous attention to detail. From the iconic retractable and illuminated “B” on the hood to the diamond-patterned headlights and the brand-echoing rear lights, every element is crafted with precision. The interior features white and blue lacquered wood, perfectly matched, along with rear seats equipped with actual pillows for ultimate comfort, allowing passengers to watch Netflix on matte monitors mounted on the front seatbacks.
True nobles don’t drive themselves, except perhaps to relish the rare 4.0-liter V8 engine with 550 horsepower, offering speed and power. Sadly, this engine will be no longer available in Europe, leaving only the hybrid V6 option. The Flying Spur, unlike the Continental, is designed for comfortable and partially relaxed driving. If I had to pinpoint a flaw, it would be the infotainment system, which feels distinctly Audi-made with similar sounds and a slightly unattractive interface. The standard navigation isn’t the best, and while CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility is present, it’s only available via cable, which detracts from the otherwise pristine order of the cabin.
What We Like:
- The overall refinement of the vehicle
- The V8 engine is a marvel even to look at
- Meticulous attention to detail
What We Don’t Like:
- The infotainment system could use more customization
- The rear passenger monitors don’t always work perfectly
- Cables for CarPlay and Android Auto disrupt the overall neatness
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A Timeless Design
The Bentley Flying Spur is a visual masterpiece. However, having one requires a garage of considerable size, as it stretches 5.3 meters in length and about 2 meters in width, standing just under 1.5 meters tall. Its front end is dominated by a massive, glossy black grille with vertical slats in this Azure edition.
Every detail is exquisitely crafted. The front lights are perfectly circular with a diamond effect, adding to their precious appearance.
The long hood amplifies its imposing presence, yet elegance is restored with the winged “B,” whose wings are LED-lit and retract into the hood at will—truly a dramatic touch.
The rear lights echo the “B” motif, all emphasized by the striking electric blue color that immediately evokes summer.
I even matched my look with a somewhat nautical theme to complement the car.
The Best Interior in the Kingdom?
Stepping inside the Flying Spur feels like entering one of the finest cabins the automotive industry currently offers.
English craftsmanship shines through in the quality of the leathers and materials chosen to enhance the environment, and the customization possibilities are virtually limitless.
Keen eyes might spot some Audi-derived components, especially in the infotainment system, but this doesn’t detract from the overall experience. Unique features include the rotating center display, which can hide the infotainment system in favor of analog instruments or an elegant panel. This adds a classic touch, ensuring the interior ages gracefully.
In our Azure model, the theme continued with white and blue tones, accented by chrome Azure lettering. The steering wheel was wrapped in blue, the center console featured contrasting white stitching, and the gear selector knob was adorned with blue and chrome diamond effects. The rear seats were white, with white and blue door panels. Rear headrests served as pillows, with optional tables and electronically adjustable seating.
Behind the Wheel
Despite its 550-horsepower V8, the Flying Spur is built for relaxed and enjoyable driving, leaving the role of super sports car to the Continental. It’s responsive, even with its significant weight of 2.3 tons.
Performance is indeed brutal, but the Flying Spur Hybrid prefers smooth and controlled driving, even at high speeds but without excessive or abrupt inputs. This is evident in the 8-speed automatic transmission, tuned for smooth shifts. The car’s character can change with different driving modes, with the “B” mode balancing sportiness and comfort.
Technologies like 48V active anti-roll bars, four-wheel steering, electronically controlled suspension, and permanent all-wheel drive contribute to precise and composed driving dynamics, despite the car’s overall weight.
In short, the Flying Spur is a stunning car to see, touch, and drive. For enthusiasts, driving it is a dream come true, allowing them to experience a different life in just one day. It’s the perfect example of how a car can encapsulate multiple arts: design, craftsmanship, sculpture, and today, even digital art and literature. The Azure edition only amplifies this concept.
