Among numerical model nameplates, the Flying Spur stands out. Tracing its lineage back to the 1950s, Bentley began calling four-door versions of the Continental GT coupe the ‘Continental Flying Spur.’ In 2014, the Flying Spur once again became its own separate model.

The Flying Spur is still heavily based on the two-door Continental GT and sees few updates for 2018. The big addition for 2017 was a new V8 S model that came with improved handling and black exterior treatments.

The Flying Spur’s stately hood hides one of two available V8 engines. The base model borrows a turbocharged 4.0-liter 8-cylinder from Audi that’s tuned to 500 horsepower and 487 pound-feet of torque, with power sent to all four wheels. The Flying Spur is a substantial 5,300 pounds of hand-built extravagance, but it accelerates from 0-60 miles per hour in 4.9 seconds and has a top speed of 183 mph. The new-for-2017 V8 S model raised the stakes with 521 hp and 502 lb.-ft of torque from the same twin-turbo 8-cylinder engine. This is enough to drop the 0-60 time to 4.6 seconds and raise the top speed to 190 mph.

At the top of the range is the W12 S model which packs a 12-cylinder engine fitted with two turbochargers. It makes 626 hp and 605 lb.-ft of torque, enough for a 0-60 mph time of 4.2 seconds and top speed of 202 mph. Bentley touts this as their first 4-door to go over 200 mph. Fuel economy is estimated at 13 mpg city, 22 highway, and 16 combined from the 8-cylinder and 12, 15, and 20 from the massive W-12.

The inside of the Flying Spur is truly sumptuous. There is a wide range of trim and color choices for the interior, and seats are heated, ventilated, and power adjustable. Two 10-inch flat-screens provide rear passenger entertainment. For another level of luxury, the Mulliner Driving Specification Package, available on the W12 S, features diamond-pattern quilted seats, drilled alloy pedals, a knurled wood shifter, and a jeweled fuel filler cap. The V8 S trim added last year adds Piano Black wood veneers, two-toned leather seats, a blackout grille, rear diffuser, and alloy wheels. A thumping 1,100-watt stereo is also available.

With a timeless design, Bentley continues to offer a status symbol with the Flying Spur. The base cars start at under $200,000, but irresistible options on higher trims can push price into $300,000 territory.