MOST OF US carefully consider the options list when buying a new car and choose what we like and can afford, but those who live on a much more rarefied strata of society can really let their imaginations run wild and specify precisely what they want in a car. With some, such as Ferrari, Maserati, Rolls-Royce and other ultra luxury brands, the sky’s the limit.
Take Bentley’s Flying Spur as an example. Prices for this superb indulgence start from $378,197 (plus some very substantial on road costs) and run up to $469,000.
The price alone makes it very exclusive. But buyers can spend a lot more, and make the Flying Spur not just exclusive but unique.
The rear cabin, for instance, can be configured using rear seat entertainment tablets and audio options such as the Naim for Bentley sound system (2200 watts, 21 channels, two seat-mounted bass transducers, eight DSP sound modes and illuminated speaker grilles). And no rear cabin would be complete without the optional two-bottle drinks cooler (imported champagne only, please; domestic sparkling wine just wouldn’t be right).
Also in the rear, there’s a multi-functional five-inch touch screen remote mounted in the rear of the central console. Rear seat passengers can control the seats (14-way adjustment and five massage modes, electrically controlled headrests and, naturally, ventilation and heating), climate control, window blinds – even the movement of the Flying B bonnet mascot.
Continuing the bespoke theme, buyers can choose between 15 different hide colours and eight different veneers. Stitching and emblems can be specified in blind or contrast colours, as can contrasting piping on the seat covers. The ambience is enhanced with three-dimensional leather door panels and lofted diamond quilting.
And the process never stops; more options to “enhance the rear cabin even further” are in development and will be revealed soon.
It’s a world most of us can only dream about. But specifying the Bentley you may probably never buy is a fun way to while away a few hours.
