Skip advert
Advertisement

Luxury Car of the Year 2021: Bentley Flying Spur

The Bentley Flying Spur is the 2021 Auto Express Luxury Car of the Year, with the Mercedes S-Class and Rolls-Royce Ghost commended

For the second year in a row, our favourite luxury car is the Bentley Flying Spur. When it made the switch to the fantastic MSB platform used by other VW Group models, it marked a huge step forward, and it’s still brilliant a year later.

The Bentley is all about comfort, and its ride quality is close to perfect, keeping you totally insulated from any bumps and potholes the road might throw up. The suspension deals with what’s going on underneath you, leaving you to enjoy the super-comfy seats. Joining the twin-turbo 6.0-litre W12 model is the 4.0-litre V8 turbo, but you could easily forget what engine is powering the Flying Spur, because it’s so smooth and quiet inside the cabin.

Advertisement - Article continues below

If you’re a music lover, there’s an optional Naim audio set-up linked to an excellent 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system that sounds as clear as in-car audio can get. There’s a huge level of customisation when it comes to looks and materials, too, so you can have the Flying Spur just as you want it, while Bentley’s build quality is exemplary.

Of course, there’s lots of space in the cabin, so you can enjoy being driven rather than driving yourself – yet whoever is in the driving seat will
be enjoying themselves, because the Flying Spur is also surprisingly sharp to drive.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

The slightly lighter V8 engine boosts the car’s handling and sounds great, and it offers more than enough torque, so performance is very strong
in any gear at any time. That helps to make the Bentley a relaxing car to drive, but it’s also very quick when you need it to be.

Okay, it’s not cheap – but for the ultimate in luxury, the Flying Spur is simply peerless.

Best deal

Bentley Flying Spur V8 (£153,900)

Buyers at this level won’t be haggling over monthly PCP figures, so instead we’re recommending our top pick. We’d choose the V8 and add the sublime Naim audio system at £6,660, while the theatre of the Bentley Rotating Display is worth its £4,820 outlay.

Commended

Mercedes S-Class

Mercedes S-Class - front static

Mercedes’ all-new S-Class is a tech masterclass, with autonomous driving features, an ultra-modern cabin and loads of kit. It doesn’t ride as well as previous versions used to, but the latest S-Class is still one of the best big saloons around.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Rolls-Royce Ghost

Supreme comfort and refinement, strong performance, loads of interesting tech features and impeccable quality mean the Ghost is a stunning machine. Yet it’s far more expensive than the similarly luxurious Bentley, so its Crewe counterpart scores higher on value for money.

New Car Awards 2021: the winners

Special edition of Auto Express

For the full experience, make sure you pick up a copy of our special New Car Awards collectors' edition of the Auto Express magazine, which is available in shops now.

Auto Express Issue 1,685

You can buy individual issues of Auto Express or subscribe for even bigger discounts on the magazine cover price. You can currently Subscribe and get 6 issues for just £1 or download our digital edition direct to your desktop, phone or tablet.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2025
Best Luxury cars - header

Top 10 best luxury cars to buy 2025

Indulge yourself with our list of the best luxury cars on sale today
Best cars & vans
3 Jul 2025
Luxury Car of the Year 2025: Bentley Flying Spur
Luxury Car of the Year 2025: Bentley Flying Spur

Luxury Car of the Year 2025: Bentley Flying Spur

The Bentley Flying Spur is the 2025 Auto Express Luxury Car of the Year, with the BMW 7 Series and Range Rover commended
Awards
2 Jul 2025
Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners
New Car Awards 2024 header

Auto Express New Car Awards: all the previous winners

A look back at previous winners of the Auto Express New Car Awards
Awards
27 Jun 2025
Best long-distance cars 2025
Best long distance cars - header image

Best long-distance cars 2025

From long-distance road trips to mile-munching motorway commutes, these are the best long distance cars money can buy
Best cars & vans
13 Feb 2025

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025