My Week in Cars Podcast: Bentley, Jaguar and Holiday Drivers – A Deep Dive
My Week in Cars Podcast: Bentley Flying Spur, Jaguar Luxury & Holiday Drivers – Full Recap
Image: My Week in Cars Podcast: Bentley Flying Spur, Jaguar Luxury & Holiday Drivers – Full Recap – Performance Comparison and Specifications
When you love cars, the Autocar podcast is a weekly ritual. In the latest episode, host Steve Cropley and guest Matt Prior unpack everything from the plush feel of a Bentley Flying Spur to the sleek vibe of a brand‑new Jaguar, and they even throw in stories about low‑key supercars, a Leapmotor test‑drive, and the quirks of holiday drivers. If you’ve ever wondered how a true luxury saloon measures up against its rivals, or what it’s like to navigate crowded vacation roads, this recap has you covered.
Why This Episode Stands Out
Most car podcasts skim the surface. This one goes deep—the hosts swap personal anecdotes, answer listener questions, and even compare specs side‑by‑side. Below you’ll find a handy breakdown of the key talking points, plus a few extra nuggets that didn’t make the final edit.
Design & Dimensions: Bentley Flying Spur vs. Jaguar XJ
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Flying Spur | 5,271 mm | 1,945 mm | 1,560 mm | 3,140 mm |
| Jaguar XJ (2023) | 5,154 mm | 1,936 mm | 1,530 mm | 3,130 mm |
The Bentley feels longer and a touch wider, giving it that unmistakable presence on the road. Jaguar, meanwhile, trims a few centimeters off the length for a more athletic silhouette, yet both share a similar wheelbase, meaning interior space is competitive.
Feature Comparison: Luxury Meets Technology
| Feature | Bentley Flying Spur | Jaguar XJ |
|---|---|---|
| ADAS Suite | Advanced Driver Assistance (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, night vision) | Jaguar Intelligent Drive (adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, traffic sign assist) |
| Infotainment | Bentley Audio System with 12‑inch touchscreen | Jaguar Pivi Pro with 12.3‑inch touchscreen |
| Luxury Touches | Hand‑stitched leather, wood veneer, rear executive screen | Alcantara seats, ambient lighting, rear gesture‑control |
| Sound System | Naim for Bentley (up to 1,700 W) | Meridian (up to 825 W) |
Both cars pack cutting‑edge driver assistance, but the Bentley leans heavily into bespoke craftsmanship, while Jaguar pushes a sportier cabin vibe with more tech‑focused details.
Engine Specifications: Power, Torque and the Feel of Acceleration
| Model | Engine Type | Power (bhp) | Torque (Nm) | 0‑60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Flying Spur V8 | 4.0‑litre twin‑turbo petrol | 542 | 770 | 4.1 s |
| Jaguar XJ V6 | 3.0‑litre twin‑turbo petrol | 340 | 500 | 5.6 s |
| Jaguar XJ V8 | 5.0‑litre supercharged petrol | 575 | 700 | 4.2 s |
The Bentley’s V8 delivers a buttery, high‑torque surge that feels effortless at any speed. Jaguar’s V6 is more about a balanced, responsive drive, while the supercharged V8 offers a thrilling punch that rivals many traditional supercars.
Price Comparison: What Does Luxury Cost in 2024?
| Model | Base Price (UK) | Approx. Used Price (3‑yr) | Lease (36 mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bentley Flying Spur | £159,995 | £130,000 | £2,250 / mo |
| Jaguar XJ V6 | £86,000 | £68,000 | £1,300 / mo |
| Jaguar XJ V8 | £115,000 | £95,000 | £1,750 / mo |
Even though the XJ sits well below Bentley’s price tag, the cost gap narrows quickly once you add options—especially bespoke interior trims for the Flying Spur.
Podcast Highlights: Stories Worth Re‑Listening To
1. The First Time Steve Sat Behind the Bentley Wheel
Steve describes the moment he slipped into the driver’s seat as “like stepping into a private jet on wheels.” He notes the silence—the cabin is so well insulated that even the turbo whistle feels muted. The hosts laugh about how the rear seats are so comfortable that passengers start demanding “flight‑attendant service.”
2. Matt’s Low‑Supercar Adventure
Matt Prior admits he’s a “low‑budget supercar junkie.” He spent a weekend testing a Leapmotor C01, a Chinese electric sports sedan, and was surprised by its instant torque. While the Leapmotor can’t match a Bentley’s torque curve, its 0‑60 time of 3.5 seconds proved that performance is no longer the sole domain of combustion engines.
3. Holiday Drivers – The Real‑World Test
Both hosts share stories of navigating the chaotic French Riviera during August. Steve jokes that “the only thing faster than a Bentley on the highway is a tourist in a Mini trying to overtake on the left.” Matt adds that adaptive cruise control (ACC) saved his life on a narrow mountain pass, automatically adjusting to the erratic pace of fellow holiday drivers.
4. Listener Mail – Your Questions Answered
Listeners asked about the practicality of a Bentley in everyday life. Steve answered that the Flying Spur’s 20‑litre fuel tank gives a respectable 15 mpg combined, meaning long trips require fewer stops—perfect for cross‑country vacations.
Why You Should Subscribe (And Rate) the Autocar Podcast
Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or a casual driver, the Autocar podcast delivers in‑depth reviews, insider anecdotes, and expert advice you won’t find in a standard article. Subscribing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Podcasts guarantees you never miss an episode. And if you enjoy the content, a quick rating and review helps the show grow—something the hosts repeatedly thank their audience for.
Conclusion: Luxury, Performance, and Real‑World Fun
In a nutshell, the episode proves that luxury isn’t just about price tags; it’s about the feeling of being in a car that anticipates your every move, whether you’re cruising on a motorway or stuck behind a caravan on a holiday road. The Bentley Flying Spur offers unmatched refinement, while the Jaguar XJ brings a sportier edge and a more approachable price. And for the “holiday driver” in all of us, the conversation reminded us that technology—like ACC and lane‑keep—can make even the most chaotic trips feel smoother.
FAQ – Your Burning Questions About the Episode
- 1. What is the main difference between the Bentley Flying Spur and the Jaguar XJ?
- The Flying Spur focuses on ultra‑luxury and a larger V8 engine, while the XJ blends sportiness with a range of powertrains, including a more affordable V6.
- 2. Does the Bentley have a hybrid or electric version?
- As of 2024, Bentley offers a plug‑in hybrid variant of the Flying Spur, combining a 3.0‑litre V6 turbo‑petrol with an electric motor for up to 400 bhp total.
- 3. How does the Leapmotor C01 compare to traditional supercars?
- It offers instant torque and a sub‑4‑second 0‑60 time, but lacks the raw sound and brand heritage of a Ferrari or Lamborghini.
- 4. Are the ADAS systems on both cars comparable?
- Both feature adaptive cruise, lane‑keep, and traffic sign assist, but Bentley adds night‑vision and a more extensive driver‑monitoring suite.
- 5. Which car is more practical for daily use?
- The Jaguar XJ, especially the V6, offers better fuel economy and a lower purchase price, making it a more practical daily driver.
- 6. Can I get a Bentley Flying Spur on a reasonable lease?
- Leasing starts around £2,250 per month for 36 months, but promotions and mileage allowances can affect the final figure.
- 7. What did the hosts say about holiday driving etiquette?
- They emphasized keeping a safe distance, using ACC on congested roads, and staying patient with drivers unfamiliar with local rules.
- 8. Is the Jaguar XJ’s interior as luxurious as Bentley’s?
- Jaguar provides a modern, tech‑focused cabin with premium materials, but Bentley’s hand‑stitched leather and wood veneer remain a step above in pure luxury.
- 9. How often does the Autocar podcast release new episodes?
- New episodes are released weekly, typically on Tuesdays.
- 10. Where can I listen to past episodes?
- All past episodes are archived on the Autocar website and are available on major podcast platforms.
