Tuesday 5th March 2013

Geneva Motor Show 2013: Bentley

It's a quieter affair without *that* SUV but probably the better for it

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Read enough motor show press releases and a mental game of PR bingo is an inescapable distraction. With that in mind let's take a look at how Bentley is trumpeting its display at Geneva.

Mix of traditional luxury and latest gadgetry

We've got the all-new Flying Spur here, making its international debut. And the European debut of the GT Speed Convertible, as driven Stateside by PH just recently. Let's hope they've changed the playlist on the hard drive... There's also an 'enhanced specification' Mulsanne making its first appearance and various highlights from the current range.

Back to that PR bingo though. In the first couple of paragraphs we have 'timeless design' and 'class leading performance' getting us off to a strong start immediately. These are followed up in short order with 'exquisite luxury', 'sculpted design' and then - double whammy - 'athletic design' too. This is going well! What's next from the caller? "Let's dance - 'sporting stance!'" Yep, ticked that one off. And with a 'muscular rear haunches' that's pretty much us ready to shout 'house!'

Seriously though, the new Flying Spur has moved the game on considerably, giving the four-door Continental the identity to look more than, well, a four-door Continental. 625hp makes it the most powerful Bentley four-door (yet) made and it tops out at a round 200mph. The Mulsanne influence in the rear quarter has really given it some visual clout too, only the slightly odd rear lights spoiling the look. Inside there's a nifty blend of traditional Bentley opulence and modern connected technology, the downloadable app that lets you control the heating, infotainment, navigation and other systems from your phone in the back seat particularly neat. No need to even lean forwards to ask Jeeves to take the long route home or turn the heating up, you can do it without even disturbing your slouch on the back seat.

Surface detailing breaks up the slab-like sides

The Conti GT Speed Convertible also joins the double-ton club and adds 'sensory pleasures' and 'shattering performance' to the hyperbole. It's making its European debut here though, as we discovered, it's really more at home the other side of the pond.

And that updated Mulsanne? Well, a choice of different packages according to your needs. Sorry, packages? How vulgar. In Bentley-speak options are proffered in a 'suite', including an expanded entertainment and communications set-up or a Comfort Specification complete with duck down filled scatter cushions to complement the foot stools and extra plush headrests. Sounds like a good place to go and chill out and escape the mayhem on the show floor... Perhaps Bentley's thinking after last year's unintentional mirth making with the EXP 9 F SUV. After that show-stopping appearance it's a slightly more back to core values display this year and none the worse for it!

 

 

 

 

[ukmike2000]

I try not to like it but the idea of travelling with three passengers at 200 mph, all sitting on best leather is too intoxicating to ignore.
What a machine. The Boardroom never had it so good.

[dmatin]

At least this version looks a bit more distinctive than the old spur , the old one was very bland .

[dmatin]

At least this version looks a bit more distinctive than the old spur , the old one was very bland .

[dmatin]

At least this version looks a bit more distinctive than the old spur , the old one was very bland .

[Fire99]

Was looking promising until I went to the Bentley site and saw the rear. Has an almost 'Old Aston Martin' look about it, and not especially in a good way. Maybe it'll grow on me.

[Leebo310]

ukmike2000 said:

I try not to like it but the idea of travelling with three passengers at 200 mph, all sitting on best leather is too intoxicating to ignore.
What a machine. The Boardroom never had it so good.

Stupid question but will it actually do the top speed with three passengers?? There has to be a point where the extra weight (got to be looking at around 240kg for three grown adults) reduces the top speed.

Not that it's really an issue obviously, as I'm guessing 195mph would still feel pretty quick to a passenger

[A3tdi]

Let me edit that for you:

dmatin said:

At least this version looks a bit more 'blinged' up than the old spur , the old one was very bland and didn't appeal to enough footballers, this one surely will .

[Talented009]

If I purchase this thing do I receive a complementary diamond encrusted breitling watch?

[Davey S2]

The rear looks like quite a relaxing place to be in London rush hour traffic.

[pSyCoSiS]

That is a seriously sumptuous interior!

[Blackpuddin]

Muscular Haunch, the country and western singing sensation.

[DAB]

[DAB]

[Justices]

Bentley and hash tags..

Come on boys, you know better.

[vintageracer01]

I like Bentleys very much but this one looks not classy and elegant to me...
The rear end is rather cheap and clunky looking and the front is somewhat naff.
It looks like a missed opportunity.

[morerush]

I hope there will be a facelift soon, with an increased lower mesh grill area.