For those who believe the
Bentayga
isn't quite cricket when it comes to Bentley, the new Mulsanne should be more in keeping with expectations. The latest model will be offered in three versions - the standard car, the Speed and the Extended Wheelbase - with Bentley boss Wolfgang Durheimer describing it as "exquisite, individual and powerful." Splendid.
Sir would like two-tone? Of course
You will have noticed the Mulsanne's altered appearance, all three cars receiving a new front grille that's 80mm wider than before. In fact Bentley says everything forward of the A-pillar is new, with an updated bonnet, wings and radiator shell. The lights are now all-LED also, with adaptive tech that can adjust the beam pattern to suit the light conditions. At the back the bumper has "wider lower corners" and the lights illuminate with a 'B' motif at night. Just in case it wasn't clear this was a Bentley.
The big news inside this latest Mulsanne is an updated infotainment system - finally! We're told it has "class-leading navigation technology" and comes with apps that "raise the bar for audio and visual entertainment on the move". The touchscreen system is backed up by 60GB hard drive for whatever media a Mulsanne owner wishes to store in their car. Naturally rear-seat passengers are catered for also, with a pair of 10.2-inch Android tablets each with 32GB of storage.
Who wants to fly when you can take the Mulsanne?
As previously in the Mulsanne, the driver has the choice of four drive modes - Bentley, Sport, Comfort and Custom - with refinement further improved by new sound insulation. It's four decibels quieter now, don't you know.
Now while the Speed is arguably the most PH of the new Mulsannes, it's little changed from the previous model. So it's the same 537hp and 811lb ft (!) as before, plus the unique suspension tune and gearbox software. For those after a more indulgent Mulsanne experience, the EWB car offers another 250mm in the wheelbase (now 3,516mm), electronic leg-rests like a plane and a fold-out table if you need to work. All this while bathed in light from the "large-format" sunroof.
So as you would expect from the most traditional Bentley, this Mulsanne facelift is hardly a transformative change. If the Maybach doesn't really appeal, the new Mulsanne will be at Geneva for perusal from next week. First deliveries for those wealthy enough are due in the summer.