This’ll shake you, 007

In Devil May Care, the new James Bond novel by Sebastian Faulks, the world’s greatest secret agent is depicted driving not an Aston Martin, but a Bentley. Surprised? Me too. It’s true that Ian Fleming never intended his superhero to be an Aston man (in the books Astons were mere MI6 pool cars), making it clear from the start that 007 was a Bentley boy through and through; but that was more than half a century ago, since when the cars that Bond drives have become more multiplex than bookshelf.

So suspicious was I of this curious turn of events that I put it to Bentley that it had given Faulks a bung to get Bond back behind one of its wheels, but the car maker was categorical that no such deal had been struck. Nevertheless, the timing of the book’s release gave Bentley the perfect springboard for the launch of its latest creation, the £133,300 Continental Flying Spur Speed.

Thanks to a 600bhp motor, it is the fastest four-door car on sale. Its interior is truly opulent and its engine boasts frankly bewildering performance (it weighs almost 2½ tons yet will hit 60mph from rest in 4.5sec and 100mph in 6sec more). Despite such performance, I’m fairly confident this Bentley would not be to 007’s taste, for this is a car that doesn’t know quite what it wants to be, a problem for which Bond would have little understanding or sympathy.

At its heart, the Flying Spur Speed remains a luxury cruiser. It’s large and upright, featuring a less slanted radiator than on the standard Flying Spur and more pronounced lower air intakes that contribute to a rather staid appearance. And while it handles well enough for something of its size and weight, by the standards of sports saloons (the BMW M5 springs most readily to mind), it feels cumbersome, inert and unrewarding.

In an attempt to make the car feel sporting rather than merely fast, Bentley has lowered and stiffened the suspension and fitted 20in wheels, compromising the ride quality and comfort that were once among the car’s most compelling assets. On one of the few quiet roads in Massachusetts, and to paraphrase our chum with the Walther PPK, it left me ever so slightly shaken and insufficiently stirred.

Many of Bentley’s more enduring strengths remain unaffected, among them the outstanding quality of the beautifully designed and spacious cabin. And one vital area has been substantially improved, with interior noise levels now beating every conceivable competitor. However, these are all qualities you can enjoy in the standard Flying Spur.

Indeed, having flown to Boston to drive the Flying Spur Speed, I returned substantially more impressed by its understated stablemate, which I had not expected to be there. Even without the expensive Speed specification, the normal Spur remains a mighty fast car, capable of hitting 60mph in less than 5sec and continuing to more than 200mph, whatever Bentley may say about 194mph being its limit. Its engine is quieter still, the tyres make less noise and the suspension is more forgiving.

The standard Spur is the most refined and comfortable production car to sport a winged B on its nose and is at the very least a match for the S-class Mercedes. Yet it has a charm and a character its mass-produced rival would simply not understand.

Most surprisingly of all, thanks to its less outrageous tyres and lighter steering, it feels more pleasant to drive than the Speed – perhaps not quite so fast but to my mind a car that handles better. And it costs £15,800 less. Don’t expect Bentley’s customers to take my word for it, though.

Bentley is making no predictions as to whether the Speed will outsell its subtler sister but I have little doubt it will. I can’t see many people with that amount of cash to throw at a new Bentley deciding to save themselves a few grand and go for the one without the big wheels, the grunty engine and the lowered suspension. Who would want to find themselves outgunned in the golf club car park, after all?

The real test for this car is still to come. Next year sees the arrival of a smaller, less expensive Rolls-Royce and Aston Martin’s forthcoming four-door Rapide. That will be a three-way contest worth watching.

Vital statistics

Model Bentley Continental Flying Spur Speed
Engine type 5998cc, W12
Power/Torque 600bhp @ 6000rpm / 538 lb ft @ 1750rpm
Transmission Six-speed automatic
Fuel/CO2 17mpg (combined cycle) / 396g/km
Performance 0-60mph: 4.5sec / Top speed: 200mph
Road tax G (£400 for 12 months)
Price £133,300
Verdict Faster but less likeable than the standard Spur
Date of release Now

The opposition

Model Mercedes-Benz S 65 AMG £149,055
For Outrageous performance; well built
Against Very expensive; lacks bespoke image

Model BMW 740Li £85,550
For Smooth V12 power; good handling
Against Unattractive; lacks distinction