Bentley Continental GT vs. Bentley Flying Spur: Complete comparison 2026

Bentley Continental GT is an iconic British grand tourer that represents the perfect blend of breathtaking dynamics and unrivaled luxury in an elegant coupé or convertible body. In contrast, the Bentley Flying Spur, formerly also known under the broader designation Continental Flying Spur, is a pinnacle majestic limousine that offers an unsurpassed level of first-class comfort complemented by the stunning performance of a luxury four-door car. In the following comparison, we will take a detailed look at which of these two aristocratic jewels from British Crewe will be the better choice and better meet your demanding expectations of a perfect premium car.

Looking at the exterior dimensions, it is immediately apparent that although the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Flying Spur share a similar design language, they have completely different focuses. For a comparison of used cars approximately four years old, we are looking at the fourth generation of the Continental GT and the second generation of the Flying Spur. While the Continental GT relies on a lower silhouette and the more athletic proportions of a traditional two-door grand tourer, the Flying Spur is the embodiment of a majestic luxury limousine. The choice of the overall body concept thus represents a primary decision for the buyer between the sportier intimacy of a personal car and the ostentatious prestige of a generous four-door cruiser.

In terms of overall length, the Flying Spur dominates the road with an impressive 5,316 mm, which is a vast 466 mm more than the Continental GT (4,850 mm). Even more significant is the difference in wheelbase, where the limousine offers a staggering 3,194 mm compared to roughly 2,850 mm for the coupe and convertible. This more than thirty-centimeter difference is dedicated almost exclusively to rear-seat legroom. For those interested in a British used car, this represents a clear choice: if you will regularly carry adult passengers in absolute luxury in the rear seats, the extended wheelbase of the Flying Spur is an absolute necessity, while the Continental GT will serve perfectly for travel for two with the possibility of occasional use of the rear seats for shorter trips.

Both models are among the wider-than-average cars, but the limousine, with its 2,013 mm, confidently exceeds the two-meter mark (compared to 1,964–1,966 mm for the coupe). A noticeable difference can also be found in the overall height – the Continental GT sits about 8 centimeters closer to the ground (around 1,400 mm), which helps lower the center of gravity and benefits driving dynamics as well as a sportier appearance. In practical everyday use, especially when parking in European cities or narrow underground garages, the extreme dimensions of the Flying Spur are a definite challenge despite modern assistance systems. Buyers should therefore carefully consider whether the more agile and compact build of the Continental GT is more important for daily driving, or whether they accept the reduced maneuverability in exchange for the unmatched spatial majesty of the limousine.

When choosing a luxury Grand Tourer or a premium limousine, practicality and luggage capacity play an important role, especially if you are planning long trips across Europe or weekend getaways. The luggage compartment determines whether you can comfortably pack for the whole family or if you will have to limit yourself to only the essentials. The difference between the Bentley Continental GT and the Bentley Flying Spur, which appear on the used car market at around four years of age, is quite fundamental in this regard. While one car is tailored more for couples preferring sportier travel, the other offers significantly more versatility for four passengers.

The second-generation Bentley Flying Spur dominates in carrying capacity thanks to its sedan body style, which offers a standard trunk volume of 420 liters. This space is more than sufficient for several extra suitcases or a complete set of golf equipment, so it won't disappoint even on a longer vacation. However, an exception is the plug-in hybrid version (Flying Spur Hybrid), where the volume is reduced to 351 liters due to the battery placement under the floor. In contrast, the fourth-generation Continental GT in the coupe version provides a luggage capacity of 358 liters. If you were to opt for its elegant Convertible variant, expect a further reduction in space due to the complex retractable roof mechanism – the trunk shrinks to just 235 liters, a space suitable at most for weekend shopping or two small soft travel bags.

In this class of ultimate luxury cars, it is naturally not expected that you will be transporting building materials or bulky furniture, and therefore neither model offers the option to increase space by folding down the rear seats to a so-called maximum volume. In both cars, the rear seats are strictly fixed, carefully contoured, and often complemented by massage and ventilation functions or a massive center console. Ultimately, this means a clear choice for the buyer: if you require true luxury without compromises regarding travel luggage and often travel with more people, the Flying Spur with a traditional internal combustion engine will provide the necessary reserve. For individualists and couples who don't mind traveling a bit lighter, the Continental GT will be a completely fascinating and sufficient companion despite its smaller trunk.

When choosing an exclusive vehicle, such as the aristocratic grand tourer Bentley Continental GT (represented on the used car market primarily by the 4th generation) or the majestic Bentley Flying Spur limousine (2nd generation), towing capacity is usually not the main deciding factor. However, if you were still considering installing a tow bar, the British carmaker has a clear answer – neither of these models is factory-homologated for it. Thus, the standard and maximum weight of both braked and unbraked trailers for both cars is exactly 0 kg. This fact applies across the board to all offered versions, including the most powerful W12 twelve-cylinder, the lighter V8 eight-cylinder, or the electrified Flying Spur Hybrid version, where the batteries would further reduce the payload.

From the perspective of daily use, this brings clear limitations. If you need space for a few extra suitcases or want to take bulkier equipment with you on holiday, you must rely exclusively on the internal luggage compartment of both cars. While the Continental GT's boot is sufficient for weekend shopping or shorter trips for two people, the Flying Spur limousine undoubtedly increases the total transport capacity with its larger dimensions. In the end, trailer weight will play no role in choosing between these two models. Neither of them is built as a workhorse for towing boats or caravans – if towing power is a necessity for you, you will have to rule out luxury limousines and coupes and look towards SUVs instead.

Since neither model has a manufacturer-approved towing capacity, the following table does not contain any specific engine versions with weight data.

When it comes to powertrains, the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Flying Spur share the absolute pinnacle of British engineering, but their offerings precisely reflect the different focus of both models. In the four-year-old used car market, both vehicles rely on the excellent twin-turbocharged 4.0 V8 and the iconic 6.0 W12. These power units are always complemented by a highly advanced all-wheel-drive system and a lightning-fast eight-speed dual-clutch transmission (8DCT). The main difference lies in the extremes of their range, which is crucial for customer decision-making. As a purebred luxury coupe, the Continental GT pushes performance boundaries higher with the top-tier Speed version, which squeezes a massive 485 kW from the twelve-cylinder engine. Conversely, the Flying Spur limousine targets executives and city traffic thanks to an advanced 2.9 V6 plug-in hybrid unit, which combines quiet, locally emission-free operation with immense combined power. If you are looking for uncompromising sports dynamics, the Continental GT is the clear choice. For those who want to combine long journeys with quiet electric cruising in the city center, the hybrid Flying Spur makes sense. A crucial piece of information for used car buyers is the fact that the phenomenal W12 engine was finally phased out of production for both models in 2024, making used twelve-cylinders of these generations an extremely attractive collector's item.

The fourth generation of the Bentley Continental GT (2018–2024) offers powertrains created exclusively for uncompromising Grand Touring. A very popular "base" is the lighter and more agile 4.0 V8 engine with 404 kW, which is the ideal choice for those who prefer sharper cornering and the characteristic V8 rumble. For top speed hunters, the legendary 6.0 W12 engine was available, though one must expect significantly higher fuel consumption. The standard version of the twelve-cylinder boasted 467 kW, but for the most demanding drivers, Bentley prepared the purist Continental GT W12 Speed variant (offered from 2021). This increased power to an incredible 485 kW, allowing the heavy coupe to accelerate with the ferocity of true supercars. As mentioned, the twelve-cylinder engine has definitively ended in the brand's portfolio, so W12 versions are gradually disappearing from used car listings.

The second generation of the Bentley Flying Spur limousine (2019–2024) brings similarly breathtaking power, but wraps it in a more elegant sedan format. The traditional engine range starts with the agile 4.0 V8 version (404 kW), which forms a great compromise between weight and dynamics. The absolute pinnacle of prestige until the end of production in 2024 was the 6.0 W12 variant (467 kW). However, the real technological triumph for the used car market in this comparison battle is the Flying Spur Hybrid version (introduced in 2021). It combines a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter petrol V6 with a powerful electric motor and a battery with a capacity exceeding 14 kWh. Total system output reaches an excellent 400 kW and a massive 750 Nm of torque. This plug-in hybrid powertrain allows for silent city driving on pure electric power (with a real-world range of around 30–40 km), making it a phenomenal choice for daily driving. While the W12 takes its toll in the form of extreme running costs, the Hybrid offers quiet and greener operation without depriving the occupants of that classic Bentley surge.

Choosing the right engine for British Bentley cars is absolutely key to long-term satisfaction, as extreme weight and performance demands can test the reliability of every component. While both the Continental GT and Flying Spur share much of the same technology, the different focus of each model favors a different choice for each car. In our comparison of nearly new and roughly four-year-old used cars, we have drawn on real owner experiences, long-term operational efficiency, and driving characteristics. An important factor is also the fact that the legendary twelve-cylinder engines have already disappeared from modern generations, making the used car market a unique opportunity to still acquire this vanishing engineering gem, while modern eight-cylinders, on the other hand, excel with unexpected agility.

For the Bentley Continental GT, we recommend: 4.0 V8 (550 hp)

For the fourth-generation Continental GT coupe (from 2019 to 2024), the twin-turbocharged 4.0 V8 makes the most sense in terms of driving dynamics and overall usability. Although it might seem like a "modest" option for a brand like Bentley, it works better on the road for the vast majority of drivers. The V8 is roughly 50 kg lighter than the larger W12 unit, with all the weight savings occurring over the front axle. As a result, the coupe is significantly more willing and agile in corners and provides a much more connected driving experience. The 550 hp (404 kW) output is more than enough for performance nearly comparable to the twelve-cylinder, but it also offers a sharper sound profile emphasized by quad exhaust tips. The cylinder deactivation system then brings real-world fuel consumption down to a very acceptable 11 to 12 liters per 100 km.

In terms of operation, it is a proven and highly reliable unit originally from Porsche, which, thanks to its smaller dimensions, does not suffer from as many complications during routine servicing. What to look for in a used car?

• Regular oil changes: In such a heavy vehicle, the turbochargers work under constant load. Check if the owner changed the oil ideally every 10 to 15 thousand kilometers; extended intervals shorten the life of the blowers.
• Brake system condition: Two and a quarter tons of kinetic energy can quickly "eat" brake pads and discs. Vibrations in the steering wheel during heavy braking are a clear sign of warped discs, which for the Bentley brand means an immediate expense in the tens of thousands of crowns.
  This engine is ideal for active drivers with a dynamic style who want to swallow hundreds of kilometers across Europe while also enjoying twisty roads.

For the Bentley Flying Spur, we recommend: 6.0 W12 (635 hp)

Conversely, for the second generation of the majestic Bentley Flying Spur limousine, we recommend reaching for the famous twin-turbocharged 6.0 W12 (available in model years 2020 to 2022). The character of the long sedan is completely different from the sports coupe – the Flying Spur's main mission is to provide the occupants with maximum peace, comfort, and absolutely effortless power regardless of speed. The mammoth 900 Nm of torque ensures a massive, smooth pull right from idle and offers absolute, velvety refinement. Given that production of W12 engines in this series has already ended, carefully maintained four-year-old used cars from this era are becoming desirable collector's items for fans of traditional British nobility. The more complex construction of the W12 naturally brings real-world consumption of around 15 liters and more expensive maintenance, but it suits this car by far the best.

When buying a W12 version, it is absolutely essential to insist on a flawlessly documented and transparent service history. Critical areas include:

• Fluid leaks: The space under the hood is hopelessly filled by the engine. Carefully check (ideally on a lift) for any signs of oil or coolant leaks. Even a trivial resealing here can mean removing the entire engine from the car, which pushes the repair price to astronomical heights.
• Air suspension and electronics: Take time for a test drive on a poor surface. The car must not make any dull thuds and must not "rise" from a slumped position after starting, which would indicate a pressure leak from the air bellows.
  The twelve-cylinder is the perfect choice for owners and managers who regularly undertake long highway journeys (or are driven in the rear seats) and want to experience the pure majesty of British engineering without the slightest compromise in prestige.

Paper vs. Real-World Fuel Consumption in the Luxury Class

When choosing a luxury vehicle from the grand tourer category or an exclusive limousine, fuel consumption is rarely the main selling point. However, the difference between official figures and real-world values can still be surprising. For the large-displacement engines found in the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Flying Spur, this discrepancy is particularly noticeable. Official values declared by the manufacturer are often subject to optimistic laboratory cycles, but real-world data collected over the long term from drivers on community platforms, such as the popular German portal Spritmonitor.de, usually show consumption 15 to 30% higher. Everything, of course, depends on driving style and the weight of these heavy, majestic cars. For our comparison of approximately four-year-old used cars, we have used available data for the most common engine variants to give you a clear idea of what values to expect in the long run.

Engine Trends and Diesel Alternatives

Looking at the table above, which is organized by engine type from most economical to thirstiest, several clear trends emerge. Although this super-luxury class completely lacks the fuel-efficient diesel engines that customers previously relied on in standard premium limousines, Bentley offers other paths:

• The Rise of Electrification: Clearly the most economical choice on paper is the plug-in hybrid Flying Spur Hybrid, which boasts an impressively low average consumption of 3.3 l/100 km. However, it must be noted that in the real world, the consumption of a heavy hybrid depends primarily on the consistency and regularity of battery charging.
• V8 as the Golden Mean: The comparison of traditional internal combustion versions is interesting. While the eight-cylinder (V8) units may not have the same aura of absolute aristocratic exclusivity, they offer significant fuel savings, ranging from about 1.8 to 2.1 liters per 100 km compared to the twelve-cylinder.
• Differences Between Models: For the same engine type, consumption reflects the body proportions. The larger, longer, and heavier Flying Spur limousine naturally "swallows" about one liter more fuel per hundred kilometers than the more aerodynamic and overall more agile Continental GT coupe.

What Does This Mean for a Used Bentley Buyer?

For the average user and those interested in a four-year-old luxury British car, this data represents a key point for planning how the vehicle will be used:

• For the City and Surroundings: The plug-in hybrid makes the most sense for entrepreneurs and city residents who commute shorter distances to meetings and can maximize the use of emission-free electric range without relying on gas stations.
• Compromise for Long Distances: V8 versions remain a highly recommended choice for highway travel. The smaller engine lightens the front axle for more agile handling and provides a better range on a single tank.
• Traditional Grand Touring: The flagship W12 model will always be the choice of purists who aren't concerned with the family budget and are looking for uncompromising engineering and smooth, relentless power across European highways.

Does Fuel Consumption Even Matter for a Bentley?

Watching every saved deciliter of gasoline will likely never be the deciding purchase factor for a four-year-old Bentley Continental GT coupe or Bentley Flying Spur limousine. Service costs and depreciation play a much larger role in this segment. Nevertheless, choosing the right engine will fundamentally affect overall satisfaction with the car. Consumption here is not primarily a matter of finances, but rather an indicator of whether you will have to interrupt your journey to refuel every 400 kilometers or enjoy the extended range of a more efficient V8 or a charged hybrid.

Price Comparison on the Used Car Market

Buying a used car in the ultra-luxury grand tourer and limousine category has its specifics. Although Bentley cars lose a significant portion of their astronomical purchase price in the first years of their life, we are still talking about amounts for which you could buy premium real estate. For comparison, we focused on cars from the current 3rd generation of both models, whose age is around 4 years (corresponding to cars from 2021–2023), which represents the "golden mean" for buying on the used car market.

Bentley Continental GT: Used Car Price

The sporty-elegant coupé holds its value slightly better on the secondary market thanks to its higher popularity and iconic status. Prices for roughly four-year-old used Continental GTs usually start around €152,000. For this amount, you get the base V8 engine with slightly higher mileage (often between 60,000 and 80,000 km).

However, if you desire peak performance and exclusivity, be prepared to pay significantly more. Low-mileage units, especially in the Speed version with the legendary W12 engine or in the opulent Mulliner trim, commonly sell in the range of €226,000 to €254,000.

Bentley Flying Spur: Used Car Price

Luxury limousines traditionally have a slightly steeper depreciation curve, yet you cannot expect a "cheap" purchase with the Flying Spur. The cheapest units (often from early 2021) start at amounts slightly below the €164,000 mark. These are mostly V8 engines or plug-in hybrid versions.

At the other end of the spectrum are the W12 models, Azure trims, or richly configured First Edition cars. These exceptional specifications with low mileage reach market prices from €205,000 to €271,000, proving that the Flying Spur can often surpass even its coupé sibling in price.

Price Range Overview

What affects the price of used Bentley models the most?

• Engine under the hood: The iconic 6.0 W12 engine is an absolute rarity in the automotive world today. Cars with this twelve-cylinder hold their value much better than V8s or plug-in hybrids and are gradually becoming collector's items.
• Exclusive trim lines: The presence of the Mulliner package (top-tier bespoke interior craftsmanship) or Blackline (removal of exterior chrome) dramatically increases the attractiveness and final price of a used car. The optional Naim audio system has a similar effect.
• Service history: In this category, astronomical bills for any unplanned repairs are the absolute standard. A flawlessly documented history of authorized inspections is an absolute necessity for a roughly four-year-old car and directly dictates the market value of a specific unit.

Although premium vehicles generally receive a five-star Euro NCAP rating, when comparing safety, it is essential to always emphasize the context and, above all, the year of testing. The test protocols of the independent Euro NCAP organization are constantly evolving and becoming significantly stricter over time. This means that percentage scores from different years cannot be directly compared, as the latest testing procedures today include much more demanding frontal impact simulations with a moving barrier, highly advanced detection of cyclists and pedestrians, and complex crisis scenarios at intersections.

In the case of the third generation of the Bentley Continental GT luxury coupe, the situation is specific in that the car has never undergone official Euro NCAP crash tests, and therefore there is no testing year or corresponding ratings for it. It is quite common for ultra-luxury and low-volume cars not to participate in certification crash tests. However, this does not mean compromises in safety. Used cars around four years old on the modern MSB chassis platform offer an extremely rigid body and an excellent level of active safety. Most models on the market feature the optional Touring Specification package, which adds top-tier assistance systems such as active lane keeping, night vision with a thermal camera, and the Bentley Safeguard Plus system, which ensures autonomous emergency braking even at very high speeds.

The same rules apply to the flagship Bentley Flying Spur limousine of the current third generation. This model has also never been tested by Euro NCAP due to its high purchase price and exclusivity. Although it lacks a tabular percentage score, in terms of real-world safety, it represents the absolute technological peak. The robust limousine shares its architecture and safety arsenal with its sibling. Standard equipment covers comprehensive protection for all passengers with an extensive set of airbags and assistance packages that include sophisticated traffic sign recognition, rear cross-traffic alert, safe exit assist, and a 3D panoramic parking system.

In conclusion, although a tabular rating according to current Euro NCAP standards cannot be applied to the Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Flying Spur, both vehicles provide an unrivaled level of passive and active safety. Both the coupe and the majestic limousine are built on an extremely sturdy construction and top-tier assistance systems from the Volkswagen Group. For those interested in a used car, this means that both cars guarantee absolutely uncompromising and fully modern protection for the entire crew.

In addition to standard luxury equipment, each of the models offers several unique features that perfectly reflect their different focuses and can be decisive for a future owner when making a choice.

Bentley Continental GT: Innovative Technology and Sporting Elegance

• Infotainment and displays: A complete unique on the market is the optional Bentley Rotating Display. This rotating three-sided panel in the center console allows a choice between a 12.3-inch touchscreen, a trio of classic analog dials (outside temperature, compass, stopwatch), or a clean wood veneer, giving the dashboard an undisturbed classic look.
• Chassis and dynamics: The Bentley Dynamic Ride system utilizes a 48-volt electronic architecture for lightning-fast control of active anti-roll bars. This system can apply massive torque to suppress body roll in sharp corners, while on straights, it releases the stabilizers for maximum ride comfort.
• Design elements and craftsmanship: Attention to detail is demonstrated by the choice of special "Diamond-in-Diamond" leather quilting. Each individual diamond pattern on the seats requires exactly 712 stitches, perfectly aligned towards the center, contributing to the unmistakable visual depth of the interior.
• Sporting variants: Top-tier versions like the Speed model complement the technological arsenal with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential (eLSD) and advanced rear-axle steering. Despite the heavy weight of the luxury coupe, these systems radically increase the car's agility and help it feel smaller on the road.

Bentley Flying Spur: Aristocratic Comfort and Innovation for Passengers

• Iconic features: The front hood is adorned with the legendary Flying B mascot. In this generation, it is electronically retractable and, for the first time, features illuminated wings with a crystalline effect. Furthermore, the mascot is linked to the car's keyless system and can automatically hide into the hood in case of danger or after locking the car.
• Rear seat comfort: Since the limousine is expected to have more frequent use of the second row, the car is equipped with the Touch Screen Remote (TSR) system. This is a removable touchscreen tablet elegantly set into the rear console, through which rear passengers can fully control the blinds, sunroof, four-zone climate control, seat massage and ventilation functions, or change the color of the ambient lighting.
• Interior design: The Flying Spur introduced innovative 3D leather quilting on the door panels and rear sections to the automotive industry. Instead of classic stitched seams, the three-dimensional diamond pattern is pressed and embossed directly into the leather material, creating a unique tactile and visual experience without distracting threads.
• Electronics and chassis: Just like the two-door Continental GT, the Flying Spur features active roll suppression, but as the first-ever Bentley sedan, it introduced the All-Wheel Steering system. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn in the opposite direction to the front, significantly reducing the turning radius of the long limousine in the city, while at high speeds, they turn in the same direction to achieve surgical precision and stability when changing lanes.

The Bentley Continental GT is the ultimate embodiment of a luxury coupe, targeting drivers looking for uncompromising style and comfort for long journeys primarily for two. It represents the ideal choice for those who want to fully enjoy top-tier performance and driving dynamics and do not need a car with family-hauler ambitions.

The Bentley Flying Spur is a top-tier luxury limousine that perfectly combines an exceptionally representative character with surprising driver appeal. It is tailor-made for demanding owners who often travel with family or business partners and require maximum comfort and space in the rear seats.

Based on our own CarAudit inspections, breakdown statistics, service reports, and feedback from long-term users, we have compiled an overview of the most common problems that buyers of roughly four-year-old used cars should watch out for.

Bentley Continental GT

The third generation Bentley Continental GT shares its technical foundation with the Porsche Panamera, which has improved overall reliability; however, several specific and costly faults still appear in these luxury grand tourers.

• Air Suspension (Chassis): The air suspension system is prone to air leaks and compressor wear. This often manifests as the front of the car dropping after being parked for an extended period or knocking sounds from the front axle while driving. Ignoring the problem usually leads to an expensive failure of the entire system. A thorough used car inspection is absolutely essential for the early detection of leaks.
• Electronics and Infotainment: Models from the early production of the third generation experience issues with the center display freezing, digital instrument cluster outages, or window regulator motor failures. Software updates usually help, but for the windows, you often cannot avoid replacing the entire mechanism.
• Third Brake Light Failure: A very common fault on this model is the failure of the upper LED brake light located above the rear window.
• Fluid Leaks and Extremely Complex Servicing (Engine): Especially with the massive W12 twelve-cylinder engine, the engine bay is packed to its maximum capacity. Leaks from the power steering fluid and vacuum hose leaks can occur. Due to very poor access, even a trivial service task (such as replacing spark plugs) is exceptionally time-consuming and financially demanding.

Bentley Flying Spur

Like its two-door sibling, the third generation Flying Spur is a technically immensely complex car, where problems primarily related to advanced electronics and complicated powertrains may appear after the warranty expires.

• Complex On-board and Assistance Electronics: Owners often report false warnings from advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) and occasional infotainment software freezes. Additionally, there was a recall for 2020 and 2021 models due to poorly secured rear entertainment system screens that could come loose.
• Air Suspension Faults: Here too, the air suspension is among the most vulnerable components of the car. Any anomalies in maintaining ride height or unusual noises from the compressor require a thorough physical inspection of the vehicle to avoid astronomical repair bills.
• Fuel and Cooling System Issues (Engine): Some early third-generation units experienced manufacturing defects related to fuel tank leaks or high-pressure fuel pump issues. Furthermore, the W12 engine version can suffer from treacherous coolant leaks around the water pump.
• High Prices for Common Consumables: Keeping a Bentley limousine in perfect condition means fully respecting the manufacturer's strict recommendations. For example, replacing brake hoses is prescribed after five years of operation, and given the British brand's premium pricing, even these regular procedures represent a significant financial expense.

When buying a used car, a thorough inspection is crucial. Here are several specific points to focus on for these two luxury models, as any neglected maintenance can result in astronomical service costs.

When choosing a Bentley Continental GT:

• Air suspension and stabilization: The third generation utilizes a complex three-chamber air suspension. During the test drive, watch for any loss of ride height and listen for knocking sounds from the front axle. If the car sags to one side after standing for a long period, it may indicate an air leak, which will eventually destroy the expensive compressor. To detect this fault early, CarAudit can help by ensuring a meticulous physical inspection of the used car on a lift.
• Rotating infotainment display: If the vehicle is equipped with the optional Bentley Rotating Display, test all three of its positions. The mechanism must not stick, and the transitions should be smooth and quiet. Also, check the overall system responsiveness for any software freezing, which occasionally requires a specialized update for these model years.
• Dual-clutch transmission: Unlike older generations with a torque converter, this generation features an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission originally from Porsche. When driving slowly or crawling in traffic, focus on the smoothness of the shifts. Jerking or hesitation can point to worn clutches or the need for a transmission software reflash.
• Third brake light: A specific and surprisingly common ailment of the third-generation Continental GT is a failing upper brake light above the rear window. It's not just a simple bulb replacement – often the entire expensive LED module must be replaced. Check its full functionality every time the brake is pressed.
• Parasitic draw and electronics: Due to the number of control units, these cars occasionally suffer from excessive battery drain if they are not kept on a trickle charger and do not enter sleep mode correctly. Try activating as many comfort features as possible, from the power windows (where motors sometimes fail) to the seat ventilation, to uncover any potential module faults.

When choosing a Bentley Flying Spur:

• Brake system wear: The Flying Spur is an extremely heavy car with immense power, which puts the brakes under significant strain. During the test drive, listen for any squealing, humming, or vibrations (pedal pulsation) during harder braking. Replacing the brakes (especially the optional carbon-ceramics) costs astronomical sums. In this regard, the CarAudit service and its comprehensive vehicle inspection are an absolute necessity.
• Rear-axle steering: This model is equipped with rear-wheel steering as standard. During very slow and sharp maneuvers in a parking lot, listen for any untoward mechanical noises from the rear axle, or check if the car feels cumbersome or unpredictable during sharp direction changes, which would indicate issues with the rear axle servomotors.
• PHEV condition and capacity: If you are considering the PHEV version (available from 2021), pay attention to the smoothness of the transition between pure electric and combustion modes. Also, check the overall health of the battery, the real-world electric range, and ensure that the cover and the charging port itself operate smoothly and without error messages.
• Rear comfort electronics: Rear passengers have a removable touchscreen tablet to control vehicle functions, massage seats, electric blinds, and advanced climate settings. Test all these elements thoroughly, as replacing any stuck interior motor or faulty display with original parts is very expensive.
• Condition of 48V active stabilizers: The Bentley Dynamic Ride system uses active stabilizers operating on a 48V network to suppress body roll. During a test drive over bumps or through swifter cornering, the body should not lean significantly, and no thumping or knocking sounds should emanate from the chassis. Any repair to this system is among the most costly.

Sources: ADAC, novinky.cz, aktualne.cz, emobility.cz, autotechnik.cz, autospecial.cz

This article was prepared using artificial intelligence tools. The section guarantor is Petr Dušek.