The Bentley Continental Flying Spur is that rare car that combines the luxury and space of a limousine with the out-and-out performance of a sports car.

It is based on the company’s successful Continental GT, but whereas that car was a two-door coupé, the Flying Spur is a four-door saloon. Despite the less sporty looks and the fact that at 2.4 tons it weighs about 275lb more, its performance figures are virtually identical to the GT. Its 0-60mph time is less than 5sec, and it has a top speed close to 200mph.

When it was launched in Britain in March 2005, its list price of £115,000 meant the Flying Spur occupied a small niche in the market, since it cost more than a top-end BMW, Audi or Mercedes-Benz but significantly less than a Rolls-Royce Phantom or Maybach. It was a risk that paid off: the Flying Spur was an instant hit and global demand quickly outstripped supply.

Three years on and the Bentley has held its value well with early examples still commanding in excess of £80,000. One of the reasons for this is the now legendary W12 engine, complete with twin turbochargers, that produces more than 550bhp and enough torque to tow a small mountain.

The result is that the Flying Spur accelerates so quickly in any gear and at any road speed that you need only feather the throttle for a couple of seconds to find yourself fast approaching, or exceeding, the national speed limit. But Bentley’s attitude to performance is all about reserve – having the power but rarely having to use it – and the Flying Spur epitomises this.

The grip is phenomenal for such a large car, helped in part by the four-wheel-drive transmission. And despite the 19in rims, which can result in an uncomfortable ride in some cars, the Flying Spur achieves a “magic carpet” ride thanks to the intelligent air suspension system. Left to its own devices the suspension adapts automatically to the road, although a twist of the five-position dial allows the driver to adjust between softer comfort and firmer sport modes.

Behind the wheel it’s pure Bentley, the large chrome air vents harking back to Bentleys of yesteryear, and the copious use of wood and leather leaves you in no doubt this is no ordinary car. The four-spoke steering wheel comes with stereo and cruise control buttons and there are flappy paddles to control the auto gearbox changes.

Front and rear headroom is excellent and thanks to an extension to the car’s wheelbase of some 11in the Flying Spur has significantly more rear legroom than the Continental GT coupé. Passengers can be accommodated on either a three-seat bench or in two bucket seats.

Original owners were offered a range of wood, leather and exterior colour options, meaning few used examples will be identical. Despite generous equipment levels as standard many owners chose to add options such as rear picnic tables, in-car DVD systems and aluminium facia trim. All these upgrades are tasteful and of superb quality but do not be tempted to pay a premium for a used car sporting features that were not your choice.

While the majority of used Flying Spurs remain within the Bentley franchised network, some appear in the private ads and among the specialist nonfranchise dealers. It is important to check the car’s provenance – a call to the servicing dealer should confirm servicing history and additional nonscheduled maintenance. Many secondhand examples will sport a cherished plate, so check whether this is included in the cost.

When it was launched the Flying Spur grabbed the headlines with its performance figures, but the real beauty of the Bentley Flying Spur is just how good it is at going slowly.

Gearbox Six-speed auto with wheel-mounted paddles for manual shifting

Boot space Storage of 475 litres is reasonable but boot is relatively shallow

Wheels and tyres Standard rims are 19in. Optional 20in rims look great but firm up the ride

Rear seats Three-person bench seat is standard; two individual seats were a factory specified option

Climate control Four-zone climate control allows occupants to control their own microclimate

Fuel consumption With an average of about 16mpg and a 90-litre fuel tank Bentley drivers will be looking for a petrol station every 250 miles

Sat nav The touchscreen system that comes as standard is a joy to use and will reroute to avoid congestion as it occurs

Headlining Leather trim to the seats extends to headlining and door trims

Wood Burr walnut inlay was standard but factory options allowed owners to specify bird’s eye maple, dark stained burr walnut, madrona or piano black wood

Seats Electrically operated and heated, they could be specified in any one of 16 colours with matching or contrasting seatbelts

Vital statistics

Model Bentley Continental saloon

Engine 5998cc, 12 cylinders

Power 552bhp

Transmission Six-speed automatic

Fuel 16.5mpg (combined)

Acceleration 0-60mph: 4.9sec

Top speed 195mph

CO2 emissions 423g/km

Road tax band G (£300 for 12 months)

Cost new today £117,838

The one to buy Bentley Continental Flying Spur 2005 05 with 20,000 miles. Pay £84,750 at a Bentley dealer or £79,950 privately

Or for similar money

2003 03 Bentley Arnage R

New BMW 760Li

New Maserati Quattroporte V8 Executive

New Daimler Super Eight

New Audi A8 6.0 quattro

Mileage 10,000 20,000 40,000

2005 05 Trade £75,700 £72,700 £66,900

Retail £87,750 £84,750 £79,000

2006 06 Trade £84,200 £80,800 £75,300

Retail £94,500 £91,250 £85,750

2007 07 Trade £93,100 £89,400 £83,200

Retail £103,500 £99,750 £93,750