The last word in luxury

Few could get anywhere near that claim, but the British-built Flying Spur could be in with a shout.

In fact, the company says it is the ultimate luxury Grand Touring saloon, offering the perfect fusion of performance-orientated agility and exclusive four-door, limousine-style comfort. Well, you would hope so for around £170k, but it does not disappoint.

German owned by VW, but British designed and built in Crewe, it is close to the ultimate in motoring luxury and cutting-edge technology which includes the retractable Flying B mascot, making its debut on the model. The third generation is the flagship of the range and is a completely new car from the ground up with extended wheelbase and a host of high-end goodies.

This is a beautifully designed car with latest generation cut-crystal effect LED matrix headlamps and new wrap-around rear lamps.

It is handcrafted to the finest Mulliner specification level and packed with technology, including the new, all-wheel steering system.

The ultimate machine, well maybe, but certainly the last word in luxury.

It is also incredibly powerful, capable of 207 mph and hitting 60mph in under four seconds. Quite something for such a big motor, weighing in at nearly three tonnes gross, despite the use of lightweight materials on the chassis.

Performance is toe curling, but not the riotous drive you would expect from an out and out sports saloon. OK, floor the accelerator and its like a jet taking off, but occupants otherwise suffer no discomfort and feel as safe as they can be with such performance.

The W12 configuration TSI engine delivers its staggering pace through a seamless eight-speed dual clutch transmission. The 900Nm of torque also delivers massive pulling power. Floor the accelerator and the twin turbocharged beast is capable of hitting 60mph in a neck-wrenching 3.7 seconds. The power is all well and good, but it needs to be kept in a straight line and that is where the four-wheel drive kicks in. The vehicle will use rear-wheel drive as much as possible during normal driving, but the system will send drive to the front axle as required.

The Continental GT is sumptuous inside; handcrafted wood and leather of choice and chrome, together with diamond knurled finish switchgear and classy analogue style clock. Bentley says design lines flow from the new wing-themed fascia to connect the front and rear passenger areas and create a completely integrated style.

There’s no doubting the comfort with fluted leather seats, featuring diamond quilting for the Mulliner Driving Specification, while 3D diamond quilted leather door inserts are a world first.

For those who like the bells and whistles, the optional Bentley Rotating Display is a must. Start the engine and a flat, veneered section of the fascia rotates to reveal the choice of 12.3-inch digital touchscreen which operates main functions of the car, including Apple and Android connectivity, sound system and climate control plus sat nav, 60gb hard drive, optional sirius satellite radio and Google street view. Rotate for analogue dials which are compass, temperature gauge and chronograph timer, or back to a plain wood veneer finish.

For passengers, or those being chauffeured, to the rear there is a detachable remote touchscreen, which operates all the major functions, including the blinds, climate control and rear seat massage functions. It can also control the mood lighting system.

Is it well equipped? Well, it costs just shy of £170,000, so yes. It has just about anything you can think of, or so you thought, from the expensive Bang & Olufsen 16-speaker sound system to the 20-way adjustable seats with (optional) cooling, heating and massage functions. But the list of optional extras is eye watering if you have a spare few grand knocking about to give a total price for this model of over £200k.

But boot space is also surprisingly good, with 420 litres.

Safety is vital with such a powerful car and the kit, some optional, features huge brake callipers, stability and traction control, a full complement of airbags and features including Active Lane Assist and Traffic Jam Assist.

The ultimate machine, maybe, certainly the last word in luxury.