The Bentley Flying Spur V8 S: A dream machine

They're the cars of dreams, of wishful thinking. They prowl the roads as stealthily as a particularly nimble cat, yet can often look the size of country mansions on wheels. They turn heads, not least the pilot's who, behind the wheel, feels as if he or she is both commanding a luxury yacht and a futuristic spaceship while also having the smoothest, most pleasant drive of their life. Forgive us if we sound as if we've just come off a long shift writing perfume commercials, but we are genuinely in love with the Bentley Flying Spur V8 S and there's nothing you can do to pry us apart. Nothing, you hear!  
Okay, we know, we know. Being head over heels for a car like this is a lot like falling for a star of the silver screen. It's easy because they're beautiful and for the vast majority unobtainable. However, just imagine the slim chance you were walking down the street and bumped into your actor of desire. Be it Monica Bellucci or Ranveer Singh, or whoever; you happen to be in their company and you actually get on. Maybe you go out for the evening? Maybe it goes well? Maybe you spend the weekend together? And then on Monday they disappear never to return. That was us with the Flying Spur V8 S only a few days ago. Like Icarus we flew close to the sun and the warm rays were delicious for a fleeting moment before it was over too soon.
Still, better to have loved and lost and all that. From our time with the car we gleaned a few details, which made our heart race. Firstly, nobody messes with you when you're in it. You could be going 80km/h in the fast lane and you could hear a pin drop. Our second observation was more technical. This is one of the nicest, best put together vehicles (a lot of) money can buy. Its 4-litre twin turbo V8 S engine provides 521hp and effortlessly propels the larger than life vehicle to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Reaching a top speed of 306km/h, the power is palpable, yet subtle and quiet. It is dignified and authoritative.
 As the driver, you want for nothing. Bentley's trademark engineering means it handles like it's on rails: gliding through corners and absorbing any road bump. Inside, it's palatial. Decked out in the finest hand-stitched leather, the rear passengers can enjoy an optional cinema entertainment system. There's more to say, but we're too heartbroken to continue. In a word this car is magnificent. We wish it was still around!
Specs
0-100km/h: 4.9 secs
Top Speed: 306km/h
Engine 4-Litre V8
Price: Dhs877,000 onwards
Rating: 4.9
david@khaleejtimes.com