2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed

After dropping the W-12 engine from the base Flying Spur this May, the new Speed model is the only way to get the 626-hp powertrain without upgrading to the Mulliner.

 

• The 2023 Bentley Flying Spur Speed is powered by the familiar twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine that produces 626 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque.
• The Speed is set apart by dark trim, unique 22-inch wheels, and lots of speed badges.
• The W-12 is no longer offered in the base $200,000 Flying Spur, with the new Speed expected to fetch around $80,000 more.

Bentley has rounded out the lineup of its sole remaining sedan with the new 2023 Flying Spur Speed, which arrives as a more performance-focused version of the opulent cruiser. It will also become the only way to get a Flying Spur with the W-12 powertrain after production of the standard Flying Spur W-12 ended in May, unless you want to go through Bentley’s even pricier Mulliner customization program. 

 

The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W-12 engine is unchanged, still offering 626 horsepower, an 84-hp bump over the V-8-powered S model, with torque coming in at 664 pound-feet. Bentley claims a zero-to-60-mph time of 3.7 seconds, but in Car and Driver testing, a 2020 W-12 did the 60 mph run in 3.5 seconds. Top speed is still a claimed 207 mph.

Like other Flying Spurs, the Speed uses a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission and comes with all-wheel drive and rear-wheel steering as standard. The Speed is also fitted with a brake-based torque vectoring system and Bentley’s Dynamic Ride system, which uses a 48-volt electrical system that adjusts the stiffness of the anti-roll bar to keep the Flying Spur level through corners. Stopping power comes thanks to 16.5-inch iron front brake discs, shared with the Continental GT and the largest in the world according to Bentley. The front calipers are painted red with Bentley branding, but can be finished in black for an extra cost.

The Speed model is distinguished from lesser Flying Spurs by a dark tint applied to the front grilles, headlights, and taillights. Speed badges adorn the front fender and there are also unique 22-inch wheels, with dark tint, gloss black, and silver finishes available. There is a second 22-inch wheel option offered in Pale Brodgar satin, and the Speed also gets jeweled fuel and oil filler caps.

 The decadent interior uses a material Bentley calls “Dinamica Pure,” said to be made from 73 percent recycled polyester, while the leather color choices jump from five to fifteen options. The trim is Piano Black veneer as standard, but can be swapped out for Crown Cut Walnut, Dark Stained Burr Walnut, or Dark Fiddleback Eucalyptus for no additional fee. Bentley says there are new performance infotainment graphics inspired by luxury chronograph watches. More Speed logos are found inside, and the badges also appear illuminated on the door sills.