Bentley Continental Flying Spur Saloon (2005-2012) running costs and reliability

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Running costs rating: 1.5 out of 51.5

Written by Simon Harris Updated: 10 October 2023

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

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Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 17 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

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Running costs probably aren’t the main concern for your average Flying Spur buyer and have to be viewed in the context of the staggering straight line performance, but they’re pretty horrendous nevertheless. Emissions of 396g/km make it among the most expensive of company cars, the 16mpg thirst is not going to please anyone but the directors of Shell and BP and insurance is group 20, the highest rating possible.

The Continental’s residuals are at least strong in percentage terms compared with a mainstream family car but you can still expect to lose £50,000 over three years and that’s without factoring in servicing costs.

The Continental Flying Spur is clearly a high-emission model. With an average of 410g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions are high, but perhaps unsurprising for a luxury saloon. The range is very thirsty too, averaging 16 mpg.

The new-era Bentleys built during Volkswagen’s watch have an excellent reputation for quality and the Flying Spur is no different. But Bentley dealers are seeing cars with engine damage resulting from badly designed aftermarket engine upgrades fitted by owners greedy for more power than the standard 552bhp.