Bentley
Flying Spur
Owner report available
BMW
7 Series
Owner report available
Bentley Flying Spur vs BMW 7 Series
The short answer
Based on available data, the Bentley Flying Spur comes out ahead of the BMW 7 Series on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
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.
7 Series
Overall
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on generation and ownership phase. Long-term owner reports for older generations (e.g., E65, F01, G11/G12) highlight significant concerns regarding high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and expensive repairs as the vehicles age, particularly when professional labor is required. These models are described as "over-engineered" with components prone to failure, leading to substantial out-of-pocket expenses.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific "best" trim or model year. One owner of a 2015 diesel model reported satisfaction with its fuel economy, but no consensus exists on optimal configurations.
Known issues
- High maintenance and repair costs: very expensive parts and labor, especially for electronic components and engine-related repairs. Frequency: very frequent.
- Complex electronic system failures: issues with control modules, sensors, and infotainment systems that are difficult and costly to diagnose and repair. Frequency: recurrent.
- Engine reliability concerns: specific mention of complicated, over-engineered engines (e.g., N63) that are expensive to fix; turbochargers noted as costly bespoke items on performance variants. Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Bentley Flying Spur is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the BMW 7 Series, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the BMW 7 Series is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Bentley Flying Spur or the BMW 7 Series?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Bentley Flying Spur and the BMW 7 Series. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Flying Spur or the BMW 7 Series?
The BMW 7 Series seats more passengers than the Bentley Flying Spur on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Bentley Flying Spur is classed as a Sedan, the BMW 7 Series as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Flying Spur or the BMW 7 Series?
The EPA rates the 2026 Bentley Flying Spur at 19 mpg combined and the 2027 BMW 7 Series at 26 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Bentley Flying Spur or the BMW 7 Series?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the BMW 7 Series than the Bentley Flying Spur. See the known issues comparison above.