Commonization can be a good or bad thing, depending on the result.  In the case of Bentley, which is part of the extended Volkswagen family, the necessity to share parts and platforms seemed to be a boon for the Continental GT coupe, but the same cannot be said for its sedan sibling, the Continental Flying Spur.

Measuring a full 20-in. longer than the two-door, the Spur has more than ample room for five passengers and its 6-liter twin-turbo 12-cylinder engine’s 552 horses are more than enough to move this 5,456 lb machine at a robust pace, but there’s a nagging feeling of familiarity that leaves an emptiness inside.  Don’t get me wrong, this car deserves its luxury credentials, but I was a bit surprised at how “average” the styling looks when compared to other sedans on the street.  In fact, I rarely even got a glance from other drivers as I progressed through both urban and suburban routes during my travels.  Maybe it was the exterior paint color—called “Belluga”—that failed to gain attention. One particular gripe on the exterior: The faux chrome grille is composed of plastic. When you are paying $179,485, shouldn’t the chrome be chrome? 

Inside, the expanses of soft leather let you know this is not just another four-door. The stainless steel organ stop controls for the steel trimmed vents are a nice touch, as is the Burr Walnut veneer used on the instrument panel and center console. Beyond those luxury touches, the switchgear and gauges seem to be picked from the Volkswagen parts bin.   The power lock and unlock buttons could have been from the Golf, same for the power side mirror adjustment controls and the configuration of the steering wheel was taken directly from the Phaeton.

I really wanted to be bowled over by the Flying Spur, but it didn’t happen. Admittedly the car is exhilarating to drive and handles like sports cars more compact and svelte, but I still could not get over the feeling that this is nothing more than a veiled attempt at trying to pass a Volkswagen as a British luxury car. 

VERDICT: Further proof the Volkswagen Phaeton was a steal, when saving tens of thousands compared to the Spur.