Audi
A8
Owner report available
Bentley
Flying Spur
Owner report available
Audi A8 vs Bentley Flying Spur
The short answer
The Audi A8 offers fuel economy, while the Bentley Flying Spur excels at power instead. Choose the Audi A8 if you prioritize fuel economy in daily driving, or the Bentley Flying Spur if power matters more for your needs. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
A8
Overall
Sentiment is generally positive among long-term owners, particularly for the D5 generation (2018+), which is praised for its exceptional ride comfort, quiet cabin, advanced technology, and strong value proposition on the used market. The D5 is frequently described as a "hovercraft" for its sublime, non-floating air suspension and is noted for being significantly lighter than its rivals due to its aluminum construction, contributing to better handling and fuel economy. Owner satisfaction is often tied to purchasing the vehicle as a lightly used or CPO example at a steep discount from MSRP, where its blend of luxury, technology, and driving dynamics presents a compelling alternative to the Mercedes S-Class and BMW 7 Series.
Best version to buy
For the D5 generation (2018+), a well-optioned example is highly recommended. Key desired options include the Executive Package (22-way seats with ventilation/massage, head-up display), Driver Assistance Package (adaptive cruise with traffic jam assist), dual-pane acoustic glass, the premium lighting package (HD Matrix LED, OLED taillights), and the Bowers & Wilkins audio system.
Known issues
- High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts (e.g., air struts ~$2,200 each, headlights ~$3,000) and labor, leading to high annual ownership costs. Frequency: very frequent.
- Mild Hybrid System (Belt Starter Generator/BSG) failures: a known issue on D5 (2018+) models with the 48V system, potentially leading to expensive repairs; subject to a technical service campaign (27BQ). Frequency: recurrent.
- Electronic gremlins: concerns over long-term reliability of complex infotainment, driver aids, and other electronic systems; some isolated reports of issues requiring multiple resets. Frequency: recurrent.
Flying Spur
Overall
Owner sentiment is complex and heavily bifurcated by generation and ownership phase. The vehicle is universally praised for its presence, luxury materials, powerful performance (particularly W12 models), and supreme comfort over long distances. However, a very strong and recurrent theme across all discussions is the extreme cost and complexity of maintenance and repairs, which forms the core of negative sentiment.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" version. Discussions indicate a split in engine preference.
Known issues
- Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: includes engine-out services for W12 repairs ($7,000-$15,000 for labor alone), $16,000 infotainment system replacements, $6,000 power steering racks, and $3,000-$5,000 brake jobs requiring speci…
- Catastrophic depreciation: vehicles lose a majority of their value within a few years, leading to low purchase prices but unchanged ultra-high repair costs. Frequency: very frequent.
- W12 engine complexity and serviceability: any significant repair requires complete engine removal, leading to prohibitive labor costs. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Audi A8 is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Bentley Flying Spur, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Bentley Flying Spur is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi A8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi A8 and the Bentley Flying Spur. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi A8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
The Audi A8 seats more passengers than the Bentley Flying Spur on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi A8 is classed as a Sedan, the Bentley Flying Spur as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi A8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
The EPA rates the 2027 Audi A8 at 22 mpg combined and the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur at 19 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi A8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but reliability signals above are the closest proxy: fewer reported issues generally means lower repair costs over time.