2023 Bentley Flying Spur Performance

Despite being a hefty sedan, both Bentley Flying Spur models will sprint to 60 mph in four seconds or less. The W12 produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, and the V8 is good for 542 hp and 568 lb-ft. Both models come with all-wheel drive and an eight-speed dual-clutch as standard, which means they fly from a standing start. Bentley claims a 0 to 60 mph sprint of just 3.7 seconds for the W12 and four seconds dead for the V8. And, while the W12 has a claimed top speed of 207 mph, the V8 can do 198 mph. Until BMW stops producing its V12 engine later this year, the Bentley must be content with being the second-fastest large sedan in the USA.

The twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter W12 engine packs a serious 626-hp performance punch, but it's the 664 lb-ft of torque that impresses. This engine develops most of its power low down in the range, so the slightest press on the throttle will result in breathtaking forward momentum. The eight-speed dual-clutch is sourced from ZF. Bentley spent a lot of time tweaking it to ensure that it's as good as possible. It doesn't judder at low speeds, nor does it snap your neck when it shifts up a gear. It just fades into the background, and you soon forget that it even exists. There's only one criticism you can level against this unique powerhouse of an engine. It may be 24% smaller than a V12, but it lacks character. It doesn't provide a decent soundtrack. It just turns gallons of gas into insane forward momentum in eerie silence.

That's where the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 comes in. It may 'only' have 542 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque, but it has character in spades. It makes a distinct, raspy, and intoxicating sound that you'll love hearing as you chase through the gears. In terms of outright speed, it's hard to tell the difference between the two at legal speeds. You wouldn't be able to tell the difference when it comes to sprinting to 60 mph, but you will notice the W12's massive 664 lb-ft of torque when it comes to overtaking slower traffic.

Yet another of those categories where if you have to ask, it means you probably can't afford one. It is interesting to compare the consumption of the twin-turbo 6.0-liter W12 against the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8. According to the EPA estimates, the W12 should do 12/19/15 mpg city/highway/combined. The V8 is more frugal, with figures of 15/22/17 mpg. Opt for the hybrid versions if you want around 19 mpg combined or 46 MPGe. You also get around 21 miles of all-electric range.

The W12 can manage 357 miles from the 23.8-gallon fuel tank, while the V8 should be able to do roughly 100 miles extra. Hybrid models can go around 399 miles from a full21-gallon tank.