Price+Spec news for SA – Bentley gives its Mulsanne pinnacle model range a new look

Bentley Mulsanne… the flagship Bentley

As ultimate statement of Bentley’s craftmanship and automotive artistry, the Benley Mulsanne is the biggest and most sumptuous Bentley sedan, and one of the world’s finest, fastest and most luxurious cars.

The company describes the update as elegantly executed styling revisions for a fresh, modern presence, which we are seeing in the Mulsanne… the flagship Bentley.

Handcrafted in Crewe, England, by a team of highly skilled artisans, the Mulsanne (pronounced Moohlsaan, as you know) represents everything the British brands knows about building these fine automobiles.

Where the Mulsanne has been around almost unchanged (no need to) since 2011 in SA, it later received the addition of the Mulsanne Speed model.

Now, the Mulsanne family will comprise 3 distinct models for the first time, being Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (EWB).  The Mulsanne EWB is in response to calls for (even) more rear space.  The EWB naming is as Rolls-Royce has it for its Ghost EWB and Phantom EWB motorcars.  For South Africa, the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed will be available, with confirmation received that the Mulsanne EWB will not be sold on the local market.

Mulsanne facelift

The Mulsanne facelift is marked out from its predecessor’s extremely elegant and simple Bentley-classic frontal appearance by an entire front-end style redesign, forward of the A-pillar).  The radiator shell, bonnet, fenders, lights and grilles (most obviously) were all updated.  

The radiator and lower front grilles are no longer in the classic typical-Bentley matrix-pattern mesh, but changed to add (layered on top of the matrix-pattern mesh) a vertical-vane radiator grille and lower centre grille, while the side front grilles receive the stylised Bentley B-wing.

The pair of floating all-LED headlamps are an update, which are new units featuring adaptive technology and greatly increased night vision.

Around the rear, the sloping bootlid and curved haunces remain appreciably uncluttered, with only the taillamps deleting the classic signature 3-stacked-oval lens inners for a stylised-B pattern.

The Mulsanne boasts redesigned seats, new door trims and armrests, unique glass switchgear and a palette of 24 hide colours, in single or duo-tone finishes.  

A new touch-screen infotainment system has been developed.  Rear seat passengers benefit from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet – a pair of 10.2-inch devices (with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth) which are integrated into the backs of the front seats.  The BET has a Bentley-specific interface, with access to apps to be used in the car, office or home.

The 6¾-litre Bentley blower V8 develops 377kW of power and 1020Nm of torque.  Unlike the Continental, Flying Spur and Bentayga ranges which all use 4-wheel-drive, the Mulsanne remains rear-wheel drive.

The Mulsanne Speed retains the exquisite luxury, and adds driving satisfaction, according to Bentley.  The Mulsanne above is more likely to be chauffeured in, while the Mulsanne Speed is meant for the more drive-enthusiastic owner.  It therefore has increased power and torque of 395kW and 1100Nm, respectively.  The Speed top speed is 305km/h.

Prices for SA – Bentley Mulsanne facelift

The Bentley Mulsanne facelift range is available from Bentley Johannesburg, at prices starting at:

Bentley Mulsanne	R 6 152 000
Bentley Mulsanne Speed	R 6 739 000