After beginning production last year, the latest generation of Bentley's Flying Spur sedan hit a significant milestone when the company built the 40,000th example since the model's introduction in 2005. For its first model year, the car only came with a 6.0-liter W12 engine under the hood, but now, the 2021 Bentley Flying Spur has arrived with an optional V8.

It may have four fewer cylinders than the W12, but the 4.0-liter Bentley V8 still packs a pair of turbochargers that help push out 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque. Power goes out to all four wheels through an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission, sending this luxurious beast to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds and on to a top speed of 198 mph.

For reference, the Flying Spur with the W12 produces 626 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. With the bigger engine, 0-60 mph takes just 3.7 seconds and the top speed jumps to 207 mph. It's a noticeable difference, but we wouldn't call the V8 sluggish by any stretch.

It may have less power than the W12, but the V8 offers other benefits for drivers. The V8 Flying Spur weighs 100 kg (220 pounds) less than the W12, meaning it feels more agile through the bends. Bentley says over the past ten years, more owners now drive themselves with a passenger in the back seat, rather than ride with a chauffeur. For these owners, the V8 might be the ideal Flying Spur.

Customers can add Bentley's 48-volt electric active anti-roll technology called Bentley Dynamic Ride and an all-wheel steer system for greater agility. The V8 even possesses the ability to shut down four cylinders when the torque requirement is less than 173 lb-ft and the engine speed is below 3,000 rpm.

The Flying Spur comes in either four-seat or five-seat configurations with the same exquisite cabin we've come to love. Of course, the cabin includes Bentley's awesome Rotating Display with Apple CarPlay. In the back, the available Touch Screen Remote allows passengers to control the blinds, massage function, rear climate control, and ambient lighting.

2021 Flying Spur deliveries start in 2020 for the UK and Europe, with other global markets like the US getting the car in 2021. Pricing for the Flying Spur V8 starts at $196,000 (plus a $2,725 destination fee), which is significantly less than the W12 ($258,735).