Bentley Continental Saloon full 9 point review

  • Performance

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Flying Spur shares the Continental GT coupe's twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 engine, producing a brawny 552bhp, while the Speed has 600bhp, making it the first 200mph Bentley saloon. Performance is quick enough to scare supercars. At all speeds, crushing overtaking ability is on tap, but it always feels relaxed and easy to drive.

  • Ride & Handling

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Four-wheel drive helps the Flying Spur get all this power to the road cleanly, and the standard air suspension has four settings so you can change the balance between comfort and control. The result is a car that defies its size while providing the limo ride you expect on smooth roads; it's a little fidgety on patchy surfaces.

  • Refinement

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The big engine is almost silent at a steady cruise, and emits an appealing burble whenever you prod the throttle. However, the delivery can be rather jerky around town. The ride is quiet, while acoustic glazing means you're untroubled by the outside world. Pity there's so much road noise on concrete surfaces.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Flying Spur might be cheap for a Bentley, but it still comes under the 'if you have to ask, you can't afford one' category. Running costs will be very high. Demand should keep resale values strong, though.

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Continental uses many components from the Volkswagen Phaeton limo, but those who sneer should settle into its cabin and note the exemplary quality of the leather, wood and chrome before passing judgement. If only the centre console's buttons weren't so plasticky. We've no reason to doubt the mechanicals, either.

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership The Flying Spur's peerless four-wheel-drive traction is combined with electronic safety systems to help you avoid skids, while twin front, side and curtain airbags, and active anti-whiplash front head restraints protect occupants in a shunt. Deadlocks and an alarm help keep the Bentley where you parked it.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin There's a wide range of electric adjustment to help drivers of different shapes and sizes make themselves comfortable, and although you sit quite high, the high window line creates a secure feel. The dashboard is styled to echo the wings of the Bentley badge, and is reasonably user-friendly. However, the thick windscreen pillars restrict visibility around corners.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin This is a large saloon and both rows of seats offer cavernous accommodation. You can specify two individual armchairs or two different kinds of rear bench - they're electrically adjustable and very comfortable on a long journey, although shorter passengers may wish for more support. The boot is a touch shallow, but it's sensibly shaped, and has 475 litres of space.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin If you're spending this much money, you expect a top-notch specification. The Flying Spur doesn't disappoint. Leather upholstery, electric seats, four-zone climate control and sat-nav are all standard, as is a six-speed auto gearbox. In typical Bentley style, customers can also specify virtually any other luxury item they might desire.

Continental rivals

Continental used rivals