Bentley Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 sends off the W12 in style | GRR Cars of the Year 2023

It is the last in a 20-year line of majestic grand tourers, performance cars and luxury cars from the Flying B. Once critiqued for trading the aristocratic stature of Bentleys of old for cold Germanic efficiency, the dirty dozen arranged in a double V has over the years evolved with the cars it’s powered, to take on a retro-modern luxury personality.

Now, in 2023, this 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged 634PS (466kW) W12 three-box luxury limousine is considered old-school while still being an absolute symbol of stature. And it’s all the better for it, representing another peak for Bentley in terms of opulence. The Flying Spur Speed Edition 12 is an absolute rocket ship, with an engine that beats into the cabin from afar like the heart of a lion when you plant your foot.

Unlike the instant, almost egregious acceleration of an EV, the W12 rolls gracefully into an almost tidal surge of performance. The power is titanic but there’s an elegance, a decorum, to its delivery.

EV engineers could learn a thing or two from this when deciding exactly how these instantly torquey, limitlessly powerful electric machines deliver their performance in the future. We also have to say, that if ever a car would benefit from smooth and silent power, the Bentley Flying Spur is one such example.

The cabin is sumptuously appointed, timelessly styled and is just one of the finest places on four wheels in which to find yourself facing a long journey. For now, the Spur, especially in Edition 12 form, is the best to ever do it.

Be sure to watch the Goodwood Road and Racing Cars of the Year video when it launches on Friday 15^th December.

Photography by Joe Harding.