Audi
S8
Owner report available
Bentley
Flying Spur
Owner report available
Audi S8 vs Bentley Flying Spur
The short answer
The Audi S8 offers fuel economy, while the Bentley Flying Spur excels at power instead. Choose the Audi S8 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
S8
Overall
Owner sentiment is strongly positive regarding the vehicle's core proposition as a high-performance luxury sedan, described as a "sleeper rocket with insane comfort" and "the best balance of comfort and performance possible." The twin-turbo 4.0L V8 (EA825) engine and ZF 8-speed automatic transmission are very frequently praised for their robust performance, smooth power delivery, and proven long-term reliability when properly maintained, with multiple reports of trouble-free operation beyond 100,000 miles, even on tuned vehicles. The interior build quality, quietness (especially with the optional dual-pane glass), and air suspension are also highlighted as exceptional. However, this enthusiasm is universally tempered by a very frequent and emphatic warning about extremely high ownership costs.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a specific model year or trim (e.g., S8 Plus) as a definitive "best version." However, there is a strong, recurrent emphasis on seeking out vehicles where the critical turbocharger oil screen recall/service action (TSB 2044640) has been completed. For the D5 generation (post-2019), units produced after late 2018 are noted to have revised engine components (rocker arms) that resolved early issues, and all models are subject to a recall for the faulty Continental BSG (Belt Starter Generator) unit, which should be verified as completed.
Known issues
- Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: Routine service, tires, and brakes are very expensive; major repairs (turbos, transmission, engine mounts) can cost $5,000-$15,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
- Turbocharger failure due to oil screen blockage: A known defect in the D4 generation 4.0T engine where a restrictive oil screen can starve the turbos of oil, leading to catastrophic failure.
- Faulty Belt Starter Generator (BSG): Affects D5 generation models (and other Audis) as part of "Emissions Service Action 27BQ"; the unit can fail without warning around 40,000 miles. Replacement is covered by recall. 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 S8 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.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Audi S8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Audi S8 and the Bentley Flying Spur. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Audi S8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
The Audi S8 seats more passengers than the Bentley Flying Spur on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Audi S8 is classed as a Sedan, the Bentley Flying Spur as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Audi S8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
The EPA rates the 2027 Audi S8 at 18 mpg combined and the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur at 19 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Audi S8 or the Bentley Flying Spur?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Audi S8 than the Bentley Flying Spur. See the known issues comparison above.