2020 Bentley Flying Spur

At an MSRP of $214,600, the Bentley Flying Spur doesn't come cheaply. However, the Mercedes-Maybach S650 isn't far behind, and the Flying Spur does feel more special than that car. It's also nearly $100,000 less expensive than the outgoing, base version of the Bentley Mulsanne. The limited First Edition variant is even pricier and will cost you $259,335.

The Flying Spur's price excludes taxes, licensing, registration, and the manufacturer's destination fee of $2,725.

The Flying Spur rides on a standard air suspension with continuous damping control. Built on the same platform as the accomplishedPorsche Panamera, the fundamentals are in place for the Bentley to deliver excellent dynamics, and it does just that. Although all-wheel-drive, the Flying Spur's system is rear-biased, sending power to the front only when slip is detected. Along with a rear-steering system, the setup endows the massive sedan with great composure when the road starts to turn. In fact, the Bentley's agility is at odds with its epic proportions; it's a full-size sedan that can really be hustled if you want to.

There are four driving modes to choose from: Comfort, Bentley, Sport, and Custom. The good news is that there is a discernible difference between each, with Comfort providing a serenely smooth ride, and Sport tightening things up considerably. Bentley mode strikes an ideal balance between a smooth ride and composed cornering, but Custom is useful for combining, as an example, the sportiest powertrain responses with a softer suspension setting. There are paddle shifters for more control, but the Flying Spur is at its best when left to do its own thing, effortlessly whisking occupants around and shutting out any hint of external noise. This really is a sedan that does it all.

A new decade feels like an opportune time to have introduced the 2020 Flying Spur, as the posh new sedan effortlessly blends the latest technologies with time-honored Bentley hallmarks like a lavish cabin, a serene ride, and a massively powerful engine. Outside, the Flying Spur oozes class and sophistication, with plenty of presence to set it apart from more common luxury sedans like the S-Class and 7 Series. The updated infotainment system is a success, as is the expansion of modern touch-sensitive controls to the rear of the cabin. As usual, the standard of craftsmanship leaves everything else behind and positions the Bentley up there with Rolls-Royce. Although other variants are expected in due course, the W12 engine does an astounding job of moving the heavy Bentley along at a rapid rate, while vanishing into the background when it should. Best of all, this is a grand sedan that can also be enjoyed when you'd rather leave the chauffeur at home. The Mulsanne may have departed, but the new Flying Spur proudly takes over as the British brand's flagship sedan.

If you can still get your hands on the First Edition, it's bound to become a collector's item, so is one of the most desirable upgrades. Otherwise, the Mulliner and Touring specifications add a welcome combination of luxury and safety features to the standard specification. We'd also upgrade to either the Bang & Olufsen or the Naim for Bentley audio systems, and add the rotating infotainment display - not only does the latter feature just look incredibly cool, but it's surprising how pleasant it is to conceal the touchscreen display when all you want to do is get on with the process of guiding this supreme sedan down the road.

To be considered the best, you first need to conquer the best, and there is perhaps no loftier interpretation of automotive luxury than Rolls-Royce. The Ghost isn't even the most expensive offering, with the Phantom adding another $100,000 to the Ghost's base price. Although pitting such glorious machines against one another seems almost undignified, what we love about both is that although they are endlessly opulent four-door sedans, each feels thoroughly unique. Both have twin-turbo engines, the 563-horsepower V12 in the Ghost contrasting with the Flying Spur's 626-hp W12. The Bentley is quicker and a bit sharper from behind the wheel, while the Rolls is more mellow and possibly even more comfortable. But we're splitting hairs here: both are exceptional luxury sedans. Rolls-Royce offers an extended wheelbase version of the Ghost with even more rear-seat space, but both cabins are immaculately crafted. At nearly $100,000 less, we're siding with the newer Flying Spur here, but you can't go wrong with either of these two.

If you won't be occupying the back seat as much, the Continental GT coupe is worth considering over the Flying Spur. The price differential is negligible at over $200,000 for both, so we'll focus on each car's abilities here. The Continental GT offers the option of a twin-turbo V8 with 542 hp, but it's nearly as quick as the W12. Both cars deliver their considerable power in a gentle, composed fashion. The interior designs are similar, but the Flying Spur is obviously more practical, boasting much better rear-seat space, easier access, and a larger trunk. The sedan also has increased seat adjustments and more creature comforts for those in the back. Unless you must have a sleek coupe, the Flying Spur is a match for the Continental GT dynamically and offers much more practicality, so it's the one we'd choose if we were ever in the enviable position of making such a decision.