Bentley Flying Spur

Importing a used Bentley Flying Spur from the USA

The Bentley Flying Spur is the marque's four-door grand tourer — a hand-built luxury saloon that pairs limousine comfort with genuine supercar pace. The US is one of Bentley's largest markets, which means there is a deep, well-maintained pool of used Flying Spurs across the Atlantic, often with high specification and full history. For a German or EU buyer, importing one can open access to specific colour-and-veneer combinations or a well-cared-for example. USCar Trader handles these cars as an independent broker: we vet the vehicle, verify its history, arrange enclosed or standard shipping and customs, and take no dealer margin.

Model history: years and generations

The Flying Spur name has covered three main modern eras. The first (2005–2013) was effectively a four-door Continental, powered by the 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12. The second generation (2013–2019) refined that formula and later added a V8. The current third generation, launched for 2020 on the Porsche-Panamera-derived MSB platform, is a clean-sheet design with a longer wheelbase, all-wheel steering, a rotating dashboard display and a much more driver-focused character. US used stock spans all three, so you can target anything from an early W12 to a late, technology-rich current car.

Engines, transmissions and drive

Two engine families dominate. The signature 6.0-litre twin-turbocharged W12 produces roughly 600–635 hp depending on year and delivers effortless, silent thrust. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, shared with the wider VW Group, offers around 542 hp, a lighter nose and better balance, and many buyers now prefer it. The current generation also offers a V6 plug-in hybrid in some markets. All Flying Spurs use an eight-speed automatic (a ZF torque-converter or dual-clutch depending on generation) and full-time all-wheel drive, with the newest cars adding rear-wheel steering for surprising agility in a car this size.

Equipment lines and body styles

The Flying Spur is a full-size four-door saloon. Rather than trims in the mass-market sense, Bentley sells it by engine (V8, W12, Hybrid) and by option packages: Mulliner Driving Specification, Blackline, Touring, City and Comfort specifications, rear-seat entrances, rotating displays and near-limitless bespoke personalisation. US cars are frequently loaded with the high-end audio (Naim or Bang & Olufsen), rear-seat entertainment and adaptive air suspension.

The US used market

Availability is genuinely good. Flying Spurs are often low-mileage garage queens — many current-generation cars have well under 30,000 miles, and even older W12s can be single-owner cars with complete Bentley service records. Condition tends to be excellent because these are cherished vehicles, though a full inspection is essential given the cost of any neglected item. Southern and West Coast cars avoid the corrosion risk of the salt belt.

Is an import right for you?

The Flying Spur suits a buyer who wants a hand-built luxury saloon and has found the right specification in the US market. It rewards those willing to budget for premium maintenance. Because the Flying Spur is built in Crewe, England, the origin question below is decisive for how customs duty is calculated on import.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

A Flying Spur is mechanically robust for what it is, but it is a complex, heavy luxury car, so the Flying Spur common problems tend to be about cost rather than frequency. The W12 is strong but its coil packs, ignition coils and cooling components are known wear items, and access for repairs is labour-intensive. Air suspension compressors and struts can fail with age and are expensive. Watch for oil weeps, check the adaptive dampers, and confirm every electronic luxury feature works, from the massage seats to the rotating display, since these are costly to fix. A documented Bentley service history is worth far more than a small mileage difference. The V8 cars are generally a little simpler to live with than the W12.

Differences from the European version

US-market Flying Spurs run different lighting (red rear indicators, no rear fog lamp on many cars, US beam pattern) and a miles-per-hour cluster. Some driver-assistance and radio-frequency features are set for the US. Emissions and OBD standards differ slightly but the car is fundamentally the same European product, which simplifies approval. Bumper and marker-light details may need attention.

Import step by step

The route is: select and inspect the car; verify the VIN and build origin; use escrow to protect the funds; book shipping (enclosed transport is popular for a car of this value); clear German customs; complete TÜV and individual approval (Einzelabnahme); and register locally. We coordinate each stage and recommend a pre-purchase inspection given the values involved.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Bottom line: what matters is the factory shown by the VIN – proven US origin unlocks 0% duty. The 19% import VAT always applies.

We separate the two charges clearly. Import duty first: the 0% EU rate under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 applies only to cars with provable US build origin (VIN and plant), shipped directly, through 31 December 2029. The Flying Spur is built in Crewe, England, so it does not meet the US-origin condition — its duty is determined by its actual country of manufacture, which we confirm from the VIN so there is no ambiguity. Second, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, on the customs value. Both are official charges passed through without margin.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical work includes adding or enabling a rear fog lamp, adapting headlights to European beam requirements, and documenting the odometer in miles. The original US title and export documents are part of the file. Given the car's value, the TÜV inspector will look closely at any modifications, so keeping the car close to factory specification helps. After the report is issued, registration is routine.

What to verify before buying

Before buying, confirm: (1) the VIN matches all documents and identifies the Crewe plant; (2) a clean Carfax or AutoCheck history with no accident, salvage or flood branding; (3) a complete, stamped Bentley service history; (4) that the air suspension sits level and rises correctly; (5) a clear, lien-free title; (6) that all luxury electronics function; and (7) a professional pre-purchase inspection to catch costly latent faults.

Common questions

Does the Bentley Flying Spur qualify for 0% EU import duty?

No. It is built in England, not the US, so it does not meet the US-origin requirement. Its duty depends on its country of manufacture, which we verify from the VIN.

Is the 19% import VAT always charged?

Yes. German import VAT applies to every private import and is calculated on the customs value.

Should I choose the W12 or the V8?

The W12 offers ultimate smoothness and speed; the V8 is lighter, a little simpler to maintain and very quick. Both are excellent, and the choice is about character and running cost.

Are used Flying Spurs reliable?

They are robust but complex, so budget for premium maintenance. A full Bentley service history and a pre-purchase inspection are the best protection.

How low is typical mileage?

Many current-generation cars have well under 30,000 miles, and even older examples are often single-owner with modest use.

What modifications does TÜV require?

Usually a rear fog lamp and headlight adaptation, plus documentation of the odometer. Keeping the car near factory specification eases approval.

Is enclosed shipping worth it?

For a car of this value most buyers prefer enclosed transport for extra protection, though standard container shipping is also available.

Will the US warranty transfer?

Treat the car as out of warranty in Europe; factory coverage does not carry across regions identically.

Begin with Bentley in the Carhub, compare the related Bentley Continental GT, Bentley Bentayga and Bentley Continental GTC, or view the current Flying Spur listings.