This English brand's "entry-level" sedan, the Flying Spur starts at just over $200,000 including the gas guzzler tax. But is it superior to more "mundane" large luxury sedans that cost about half as much? Here's a case study about the law of diminishing returns.
Since 1998, Bentley Motors has been the high-prestige trophy-wife of Volkswagen, with some of the fringe benefits residing under the hood. The Flying Spur's two engine choices (a 616-hp 12-cylinder and a 500-hp V8), as well as its smooth eight-speed automatic transmission and other technologies are all shared with the previous generation Audi A8. This bespoke Bentley is all about velvety seduction, isolation from the proletariat, and validation that you really are better than everyone else. Here's what it doesn't do: It doesn't deliver the plush ride of the Mercedes-Benz S550, costing merely $115,000 and it isn't as quiet either.
As with other British luxury marques, such as Jaguar and Land Rover, Bentleys have some eccentric quirks. This royal chariot has fabulous luxury details, like a massage function for each of the four seats (yes, for all its girth, it's only a four-seater). All-wheel drive is standard.
Yet, while exuding opulence, it falls a little short in cutting-edge technology. For instance, the $263,000 12-cylinder W12 we rented had no USB ports for hooking up a digital device or smartphone. At least you can get a mobile WiFi feature. Most of the glove compartment, meanwhile, is occupied by a CD changer, an anachronism that went out of date at the end of the last century. The touch-screen infotainment system is also years out of date, with slow response times and a jumble of chaotically arranged menus and submenus.
More strikingly, the Spur we tried out also lacked the suite of safety gear that even moderately costly new cars offer, such as pre-collision warning, automatic braking, and lane-keeping assist.
As you move off down the road you can scarcely hear the 600-odd horses munching away in the barn. But summoning the desired thrust isn't as immediate as you might expect. Accelerating from a standing stop, you'll wait an excruciating moment before this lad decides to go to work. Once rolling, the car's powers of persuasion come to light, locomotive-sure. Top speed is governed at 199 mph, but that's probably something to brag about over a fine single malt.