The steering is deft, precise and light in low-speed traffic. On the move, the acoustic glazing and the redesigned exhaust system make for a noticeably quieter car, particularly in the rear, and the softer suspension settings give the Flying Spur real glide when you meet a Beijing pothole. The new TSR touch-screen remote control for the audio and air conditioning is perfect for back-seat drivers. And of course, it has the extraordinary levels of hand-craftsmanship and material quality that you expect from an elite British car of this price.
But although this new model seems to have been designed just for China’s increasingly important buyers, it hasn't; this remains a car of global appeal, intended as much for buyers in Birmingham, Bahrain and the Bay Area as Beijing. That softer ride reflects the Flying Spur's move out of the more sporting Continental family to become a model in its own right, in turn reflected in the striking new front end with its full-width lower air intake and bigger outboard headlamps to distinguish it from the two-door Bentley. And the hushed cabin ambience will be appreciated by the occupants of front and back rows alike.
There will be 38 Bentley dealerships in Greater China by the time you read this, yet there are still 111 tier two and three cities without a single premium car dealership. The scope for further growth is mind-boggling. And with a car like this to offer, Bentley is well-placed to take advantage of it.
SCORECARD
How much? Price on application
Engine: 6.0-litre W12 engine, twin turbochargers 625PS power
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic, 4WD
Performance: 0-100kph in 4.6secs, 320kph
How heavy? 2,475kg
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