Wraith or Mulsanne - Anyone driven both?

[allister]

I'm considering changing my 2016 Mulsanne Speed for a Rolls Royce Wraith. I do love the Mulsanne but might fancy a change, if the Rolls matches up.

Has anyone driven both and if so, what was you preference?

Also I had a Phantom for a short while, which gave me backache, anyone experienced similar problems with the seats in the Wrath?

Many thanks

Allister

[allister]

Hi dazzalse, thank you for your reply...... So taking the rear end appearance out of the equation, what's your thoughts on the following aspects of the Wraith:

1. Is it much quieter than the Mulsanne? (a more Phantom like silence in the cabin / very little engine noise?)
2. Would you say it's a much softer, smoother, more pillowy ride than the Mulsanne?
3. Are the seats more or less comfortable?
4. Is the build quality similar to the Mulsanne? or perhaps slightly more plasticky, like the Continental GT?
5. Some have described the Ghost as being similar to a 7 series, sharing some interior components / features, does the Wraith also?

I already find the Mulsanne quite difficult to use and leave carefree, so not too deterred by that.

So the final 2 questions are this.....

6. Is a Wraith worth another £40-£50k more? (used model)
7. Do R/R do any cracking deals on new (similar to what we got on the Mulsannes? - Private message me on this if you prefer)

Sorry there's quite a few questions, but as always, I do value your opinion

Many thanks

Allister

Edited by allister on Monday 31st July 23:09

[allister]

Thank you for the speedy reply and detailed answers dazzalse..... On that basis, I think I'll just stick with the Mulsanne for now.

I do still love the Mulsanne very much, although I suppose there's always something that makes me want to find a car that's better...... Based on your replies today though, I'm not sure that the Wraith is necessarily going to do that.

Many thanks

Allister

[allister]

Thank you all for your comments - I finally decided to stick with the Mulsanne Speed which I feel is the right decision. I do know what other contributors mean when they talk about the Bentley Mulsanne being more authentic than the Wraith, especially when taking in to account that the Mulsanne is still being hand made in Crewe and powered by the same old (albeit modified) V8 engine.

I also understand Voxy's comment about the Phantom and if I was solely being driven, then maybe the Phantom would be my first choice, but I wanted this car to be something I could enjoy driving, yet still be sat in comfort and surrounded by the finest quality materials, which is why I went for the "Speed" version of the Mulsanne. Also, I did own a Phantom for a short period and it wasn't for me as a drivers car. It gave me terrible lower back ache and just felt way too big. The Mulsanne is certainly not small but it's an OK size to drive, whereas the Phantom takes size to a whole new level - It feels huge!

In answer to MRPULLHARD's question, yes I do have some pics, although you may be slightly disappointed, as my car is 2016 pre facelift. I was kind of with you on the external looks when I first bought it, I couldn't quite make my mind up whether I liked it or not, although the more I've looked at it, the more it's grown on me, plus there's no denying that it really is one big imposing car when on the road.

In the 16 months I've had her, I've covered just over 8,000 miles, including a couple of trips to London, one to Scotland and also South West France. I work very hard to keep the car in pristine condition.... Only ever washed by me by hand, there's not a single mark or crease on the leather, the wood is dusted with a soft polishing cloth and the back seats sat in only once - I have attached a couple of images:

Edited by allister on Thursday 10th August 21:35

[allister]

cardigankid said:

Allister - that is a stunning Mulsanne. I am looking at buying a Mulsanne as a car I can use on special occasions and also for going on European tours with the family - four of us. We can all drive so I will do most of it but occasionally relax in the back with the Bentley champagne flutes. How do you find it as a driver's car? I am not so keen on the facelift front end. I think that the original design is much more classic Bentley. Therefore I am thinking of buying a pre facelift model. I looked at the Ghost and Wraith but they don't quite hit the spot. Does the size of the car ever cause you any problems. What is the space like in the back?

Firstly, thank you to all for your positive comments. I realise that the colour combo of my car is not to everyones taste and if I'm honest, it wasn't what I'd originally intended either.

I'm currently 46 years old and since the age of 21, when I first saw a 'J' registered Bentley Turbo R in Dark Sapphire with Magnolia and Dark Burr Walnut, I'd always thought that was the car for me. While many of my friends were longing for Ferraris and Porsches, I'd decided that this car was the ultimate in understated elegance and class. Although when I was in a position to buy, I looked at the dark blue and walnut combo, only to find that in my opinion, it didn't quite feel right on the new Mulsanne. (although I may still buy a mid-late 90's turbo R in this colour combo if the right one comes along).

The colour combo I went for (Extreme Silver with Linen Leather and Piano Black Wood) just had a more youthful feel, something my 38 year old wife also pointed out....... OK she played quite a big part in my decision, although I do think it was the right one.

In answer to cardigankid, I would definitely recommend the Mulsanne, it does feel very special every time you step inside it and drives beautifully. The quality of materials inside is fantastic!

In terms of what to look for, just the obvious really...... A full service history with the main dealer is a must (that means serviced annually). Many of these cars have very little use, as apparently your typical Mulsanne owner also owns 7 other cars (according to Bentley), so look for low mileage and probably more importantly, well cared for cars. The trouble with some owners who have money to burn is that they don't always care for their cars. Drive a hard bargain as they are not the fastest moving of used cars and few people paid full list price.

"What is the space like in the back?" If I'm honest, I've only sat in the back once whilst the car was parked, although it seems very generous and comfortable - Reclining, massaging seats are standard, so it's not a bad place to be.

"Does the size of the car ever cause you any problems" - Yes it does........ You will not fit in any standard parking bay with a Mulsanne. End spaces on streets and in car parks are the kind of things you dream about! and when you do find one, you feel like you've struck Gold!

I took my wife to Waitrose a while ago, parking a long way from the door so as not to annoy other shoppers, therefore enabling me to take up 2 spaces. Once parked though, I got out only to find that due to the length of the car, the rear end was taking a further 2 spaces behind, so 4 in total!

That said, you just get used to it...... Yes you do have to plan ahead when travelling but if it's not your daily driver you'll get used to it and whenever you do take the car out, you'll enjoy every minute!

Good luck with your search

Edited by allister on Monday 14th August 22:46

[allister]

bad company said:

The pictures look great, I love the car. Must be a labour of love though, all that work cleaning the car not to mention the expense for just 8K miles in 16 months.

Thanks badcompany... 8k miles in 16 months is probably above average for most Mulsannes - As far as the expense bit goes, you just have to try and blank it out