NEW BENTLEY MULSANNE MAKES WORLD DEBUT AT PEBBLE BEACH CONCOURS D'ELEGANCE, CALIFORNIA

16 August, 2009 (Bentley Motors, Crewe, England) Today, Bentley Motors unveiled the Mulsanne, the companys all-new flagship grand tourer, at the prestigious Pebble Beach Concours D'Elegance in Monterey, California. The Mulsanne is inspired by the company founder W.O. Bentleys crowning achievement in 1930, the 8-litre. And it was W.O.s own sensitively conserved company car that shared the podium with the new Mulsanne in Pebble Beach. This early motoring masterpiece represented the last big Bentley that was designed, engineered and built from the ground up by Bentley engineers - until now.

Nearly 80 years later, while paying respect to this illustrious past, the new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern statement of luxury driving and grand touring. Conceived, styled and engineered entirely at Bentleys headquarters in Crewe, England, the Mulsanne, with its completely new and unique platform, goes into production next year in a new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the Crewe factory.

Introducing the Bentley Mulsanne at Pebble Beach, where Bentley was the featured marque, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors, said:

The challenge we set our engineers was to create a new grand Bentley that would stand as the pinnacle of British luxury motoring, offering the worlds most exclusive driving experience. They have responded to this challenge with real passion and the result is a luxury grand tourer that sets new standards in terms of comfort, effortless performance and hand-crafted refinement the very qualities for which Bentley is renowned.

The Bentley design team, lead by Dirk van Braeckel, have created a flagship that offers the classic sporting, styling cues long-associated with Bentley - expressed in a thoroughly contemporary way.

From the very first hand sketches in the styling studio, we were inspired by the traditions of the grand touring Bentleys and have sought to evolve this story for a new generation of Bentley enthusiasts.

The return of the Mulsanne name to a car carrying Bentleys iconic Winged B emblem underlines the companys racing pedigree and nowhere reflects that heritage better than the famed Le Mans circuit, the scene of no fewer than six Bentley triumphs. Few places offer a stronger or more emotive connection with the Bentley marque than the famed Mulsanne corner.

The Bentley 8-litre displayed alongside the Mulsanne in California was first shown at the 1930 London Motor Show. It was the second-built and was W.O. Bentleys company car for two years. Capable of reaching more than 100 mph, the 8-litre demonstrated W.O. Bentleys ambition and ability to build a grand luxury car capable of surpassing every other leading manufacturer of the day. A total of 100 cars were built in 1930 and 1931.

The 8-litres breathtaking performance and quality was perhaps the finest example of a pure grand Bentley. Every mechanical detail carried W.O. Bentleys unique stamp and it was the clearest demonstration of a car built without compromise, commented Dr. Ulrich Eichhorn, Member of the Board Engineering.

The Mulsanne has been designed with exactly the same guiding principles, so it is entirely fitting that these Bentleys from different eras share the same stage.

The Bentley Mulsanne will go on sale from mid 2010. It will also be displayed at the forthcoming IAA Frankfurt Motor Show (15-27th September, 2009) where Bentley Motors will provide additional product information.

by Bentley

BENTLEY MULSANNE MAKES MOTOR SHOW DEBUT AT FRANKFURT

'The new Mulsanne is a thoroughly modern flagship that captures the essence of the Bentley marque. It is elegant yet distinctly sporting in character, delivering effortless performance while within its sumptuous cabin, advanced technology sits discreetly with handcrafted luxury.' Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive, Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen (15 September 2009) While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne's design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

The new Mulsanne, designed and engineered at Crewe from the ground-up, reaffirms the marque's intent to create a new flagship Bentley with refined performance, unparalleled levels of interior luxury and coach building skills to the fore.

The return of the Mulsanne name underlines Bentley's sporting heritage and passion for power and speed. Nothing reflects that prowess better than the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours, a race that Bentley has won on six occasions, where its powerful and reliable race cars thundered down the long Le Mans straight into the famous Mulsanne corner, from which the new model takes its name.

A pure expression of Bentley design

The design of the new Mulsanne is a unique fusion of sportiness, coachbuilt elegance and solidity. Echoing the Bentley S -Type of the 1950s, the Mulsanne features a bold frontal design dominated by the traditional Bentley matrix grille and highly prominent, classic round inner headlamps with chrome surrounds, flanked by two, smaller outboard lamp clusters, all featuring the latest in lighting technology. The iconic ‘Flying B' retractable radiator mascot is available as an option.

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch wheels (and optional 21-inch) reinforce the Mulsanne's powerful, sporting stance.

Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne's distinctive appearance: 'The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines that allow the marque to stride confidently into the 21st century.'

The body is produced in a new manufacturing facility at Bentley's headquarters in Crewe where traditional metalworking skills, developed over six decades, are still used extensively during the nine-week build process. It is the very opposite of volume-production car-building… but the very epitome of Bentley.

The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. All spot welds are performed by hand during the Mulsanne's construction and all panel joints are hand-brazed. These further enhance that ‘hewn from solid' appearance and result in an extremely stiff body.

The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings both lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. Other lightweight materials, such as the composite bootlid, are used to remove mass wherever possible without compromising quality.

New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the ‘floating' elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.

To accentuate the beauty of the bodywork, the Mulsanne features ‘brightware' exclusively in polished stainless steel, including sill treadplates and matrix grilles. Bentley is the only manufacturer in the world to do this. The stainless steel door handles also incorporate the traditional Bentley ‘knurling' to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company's typical attention to detail.

The sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents and large diameter tailpipe finishers.

Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are 114 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations. But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer's vision and taste.

Sumptuous interior meets advanced technology

The latest in-car technologies are discreetly placed within the Mulsanne's sumptuous interior. A multimedia system with 40 GB hard disc drives satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone and Bluetooth® connectivity. The upper dashboard houses an 8-inch multimedia screen, positioned unobtrusively behind an electrically operated veneered door, while below sits a stylish, leather-lined MP3-player stowage drawer.

A state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 6-CD autochanger is provided as standard while the Naim for Bentley premium audio system may be specified as an option. This forging of two British luxury brands provides customers with the world's most powerful 2200 Watt in-car amplifier, eight dedicated DSP modes and 20 custom-made speakers, delivering an unparalleled sound quality.

A personalised keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone book, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. As a world-first, the keyless system operates with the stainless steel door handles which incorporate touch points to initiate communication with the key for verification and entry. The Mulsanne also features keyless start, having a stop/start button on the centre console.

The Bentley interior design team has continued to develop and evolve the luxurious interiors for which their cars are renowned, based on a large-scale, research programme to identify the classic signature features that have defined Bentleys from the 1920s to the present day.

Armed with this invaluable resource, the Mulsanne's design team set itself highly challenging targets for key interior characteristics such as material design, smell, colour harmony and handcrafting. Similar targets were set for the operational refinement and robustness of all control mechanisms. The result is a hand crafted interior that fully reflects traditional Bentley values, executed to the highest possible standards, where customers may tailor their cars to their individual specification.

As Head of Interior Design, Robin Page says: 'Over 170 hours – almost half the entire build process – goes into crafting the interior of the new Mulsanne. At Crewe, Bentley's way of working is the opposite of mass production – we start where others stop.'

The use of wood and leather hides has increased significantly to create an even more refined and luxurious cabin. While classic design features such as bulls-eye air vents (now also fitted in the rear compartment), high-quality mirror-matched wood veneers, leather hides and hand-finished stainless steel are retained, they are mixed with new touches such as beautiful glass switches.

The entire cabin is encased within a ‘ring of wood' waistrail with an unbroken panel of wood gracing the Mulsanne's dashboard. Inverted dial needles within the instrument cluster are evocative of early Bentleys while the entire dashboard and console design is a subtle reminder of the Bentley wings motif.

Customers may select from an extensive range of premium quality veneers, unbleached for a natural appearance, and two marquetry options: picture frame and contemporary crossbanding. True to the Bentley ethos, customers may also select from a virtually unlimited palette of leather hides, including 24 ‘standard' colours, of which three are new for Bentley. This unrivalled choice of veneers, leather hides and paint colours ensures that the needs of all customers can be matched perfectly.

Following detailed customer feedback, a traditional tanning process has been re-instated to match the rich, worn leather smell that is so evocative of vintage Bentleys. Only a very few hide suppliers worldwide have the capability to do this.

The carpet of the Mulsanne is unique to Bentley, its increased fibre depth, density and feel enhancing cabin quality. It is available in a range of colours to complement each individual hide. Pure wool, deep pile Wilton-weave over mats add a further touch of comfort and luxury.

These exquisite materials are fashioned by craftsmen and women with up to 40 years' experience. Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch (and three times longer if the customer opts for cross-stitching). Stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes two weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.

Re-engineered V8 engine and new chassis: power, refinement and efficiency

The Bentley powertrain engineers were set three objectives for the Mulsanne:

1) To produce the effortless torque from extremely low revs that customers expect of a grand Bentley

2) To maintain the highest levels of refinement

3) To satisfy strict current and future environmental standards through improved engine efficiency

While other powertrain configurations were considered early on in the project, it soon became clear that these targets could best be achieved with a totally revised version of the 6¾-litre V8 engine – the very configuration that had been used so successfully in the past. However for the new Mulsanne, all the major building blocks of the engine would be comprehensively re-engineered to integrate the very latest technologies.

Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Bentley Motors' Director of Engineering, explains the reasons behind the Mulsanne's V8:

'Using our V8 guaranteed the immense power at low revs and unstressed performance that are the hallmarks of a flagship Bentley. But we also set our engineers the challenge of maintaining high levels of refinement at any speed and, equally important, improving efficiency.'

To achieve a significant reduction in fuel consumption and CO2. emissions, the Mulsanne V8 sees the introduction of two new control systems: cam phasing and, a first for the ultra-luxury sector, variable displacement.

The pioneering use of these two technologies in combination allows the Mulsanne's engine management system not only to adjust the V8's breathing for improved engine idle quality and torque delivery, but also to close the valves of four of the eight cylinders for maximum fuel economy when cruising.

New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.

In the new Mulsanne, the 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1800 rev/min. This dramatic improvement in torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.

These new technologies are complemented by the new eight-speed automatic transmission which, for the first time on a flagship Bentley, comes with steering-wheel mounted gearshift.

Overall, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by more than 15 percent, in line with Bentley's environmental commitment.

Prodigious power and torque are complemented by an all-new chassis, unique to the new Mulsanne. Both lighter and stiffer than previous flagship Bentleys, the new chassis benefits both ride and handling.

A new Drive Dynamics Control system operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector, can be used to select from three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort – offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems.

A fourth mode, ‘Custom', allows the driver to select bespoke settings via the multimedia system to ‘tune' the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style.

A new air suspension system with continuously variable dampers creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne's ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. With 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21-inch wheels, available in two styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.

Summary

While the all-new Bentley Mulsanne pays respect to the past, it is a thoroughly modern luxury car that offers the world's most exclusive driving experience – a unique fusion of power, refinement and elegance.

Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen says:

'No other car maker can offer such a blend of performance and refinement in a single vehicle. The new Mulsanne is a car that evokes the Bentley philosophy of building the best luxury grand tourers in the world.'

by Bentley

BENTLEY ANNOUNCES DETAILED SPECIFICATION OF NEW MULSANNE

While paying homage to past Bentley greats, the brief for the new Mulsanne's design and engineering teams was to create a Bentley that represents the pinnacle of British luxury motoring.

The return of the Mulsanne name underlines Bentley's sporting heritage and passion for power and speed. Nothing reflects that prowess better than the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours race. Bentley has enjoyed success on six occasions at Le Mans, where its powerful and reliable race cars have thundered down the long straight into the famous Mulsanne corner, from which the new model takes its name.

A pure expression of Bentley design

The long bonnet, short front overhang and long rear overhang help to convey a sense of power and movement, reinforced by muscular haunches and sharply sculptured lines which flow gracefully from the front wings to the rear. Uniquely designed 20-inch (and optional 21-inch) wheels reinforce the Mulsanne's powerful, sporting stance.

Design Director Dirk van Braeckel explains the inspiration behind the Mulsanne's distinctive appearance:

'The opportunity to design a new flagship Bentley is something afforded to very few designers. The team set out to create a sculpted form that blended classic Bentley heritage cues with modern lines.'

The rear screen, for example is fully enveloped by the coachwork. This provides a flowing, flawless line to the rear of the car, complementing the exquisitely formed D-pillars – whose complex curves can only be created by skilled coach-builders. The complex form of the aluminium front wings, impossible to achieve with normal pressing techniques, is created using superforming, a technology usually reserved for the aerospace industry. This also makes the wings lighter, stiffer and provides superb surface definition. New construction techniques meant the designers could also incorporate details such as the ‘floating' elliptical LED tail lights, which uniquely echo the shape of the exhaust tailpipes.

The door handles incorporate the traditional Bentley ‘knurling' to their inboard surface for enhanced grip, reflecting the company's typical attention to detail, while .the sporting character of the Mulsanne is reinforced by front wing vents and wide oval tailpipe finishers.

Bentley customers have a world of infinite choice when commissioning their cars. There are over 100 paint colours in the range that include everything from unusual heritage colours, special satin and pearlescent finishes and duo-tone combinations. But the choice does not end there. Through the bespoke world of Bentley Mulliner, unique colours can exactly match a customer's vision and taste.

Sumptuous interior meets advanced technology

The latest in-car technologies are discreetly placed within the Mulsanne's sumptuous interior. A multimedia system with 60GB hard disc drives satellite navigation, audio/video, personal data, telephone and Bluetooth® connectivity. The upper dashboard houses an 8-inch multimedia screen, positioned unobtrusively behind an electrically operated veneered door, while below sits a stylish, leather-lined media player stowage drawer with connectors for iPod, USB, Mini USB and 3.5mm aux.

A state-of-the-art 14-speaker audio system with Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 6-CD autochanger is provided as standard while the Naim for Bentley premium audio system may be specified as an option. This forging of two British luxury brands provides customers with the world's most powerful production in-car amplifier with 2200 Watts, eight dedicated DSP modes and 20 custom-made speakers, delivering an unparalleled sound quality.

A personalised keyless entry system allows multiple pre-programmed configurations and automatically sets radio stations, phone book, seat (including ventilation and massage modes, both front and rear), steering column and seatbelt settings and even the electrically operated rear-seat blinds for side and rear windows. The keyless system operates with the chrome door handles which incorporate touch points to initiate communication with the key for verification and entry. The Mulsanne also features keyless start, having a stop/start button on the centre console.

Armed with this invaluable resource, the Mulsanne's design team set itself highly challenging targets for key interior characteristics such as material design, smell, colour harmony and handcrafting. Similar targets were set for the operational refinement and robustness of all control mechanisms. The result is a hand-crafted interior that fully reflects traditional Bentley values, executed to the highest possible standards.

As Head of Interior Design, Robin Page says:

'Over 170 hours – almost half the entire build process – goes into crafting the interior of the new Mulsanne. At Crewe, Bentley's way of working is the opposite of mass production – we start where others stop.'

These exquisite materials are fashioned by craftsmen and women with up to 40 years' experience. Each steering wheel, for example, can take 15 hours to hand-stitch while stainless steel brightware gleams so perfectly thanks to an intensive 10-hour finishing process. A wood veneer takes five weeks to turn from a rough root ball into a full set of mirror-matched, fine-polished leaves.

Re-engineered V8 engine and new chassis: power, refinement and efficiency

The Bentley powertrain engineers were set three objectives for the Mulsanne:

1) To produce the effortless torque from extremely low revs that customers expect of a grand Bentley

2) To maintain the highest levels of refinement

3) To satisfy strict current and future environmental standards through improved engine efficiency

Dr Ulrich Eichhorn, Bentley Motors' Director of Engineering, explains the reasons behind the Mulsanne's V8:

New lightweight componentry including pistons, connecting rods and forged crankshaft reduce reciprocating mass and internal friction for improved engine response.

In the new Mulsanne, the 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp/377 kW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb ft) is now delivered even earlier at 1750 rev/min. This dramatic improvement in torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with that characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.

These new technologies are complemented by the new eight-speed automatic transmission which, for the first time on a flagship Bentley, comes with steering-wheel mounted paddleshift.

Overall, CO2 emissions and fuel consumption are reduced by more than 15 percent, in line with Bentley's environmental commitment.

A new Drive Dynamics Control system, operated by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector, can be used to choose from three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort – offering precise calibration of suspension and steering control systems.

A fourth mode, ‘Custom', allows the driver to select bespoke settings via the multimedia system to ‘tune' the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style.

A new air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) creates an even more refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, yet can reduce the Mulsanne's ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability. With 20-inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21-inch wheels, available in two styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.

Summary

Bentley Motors Chairman and Chief Executive Dr. Franz-Josef Paefgen says:

by Bentley

•Bentley Mulsanne originally launched in 2009 after a four-year engineering programme to redefine the ultimate luxury sedan

•Known originally as Project Kimberley after the Kimberley diamond

•Developed into three variants over its lifespan – including Mulsanne, Speed and Extended Wheelbase

•Over 400 hours to handcraft each example from start to finish

•Distinctive design revised in 2017

•Powered throughout by the famous 'L-Series' 6.75-litre V8 engine, first put into production in 1959 and developed ever since

•A decade of service as the Bentley flagship culminates in the 6.75 Edition by Mulliner

•Over 7,300 Mulsannes sold to customers, many famous, since 2009

•Production of the Mulsanne – and its iconic engine – draws to a close in April

(Crewe, 14 February 2020) When the Bentley Mulsanne ends production in late April, passing the position of Bentley flagship to the all-new Flying Spur, a decade as the pinnacle luxury sedan in the world will draw to a close.

Development work on the Mulsanne began in 2005, with the first design concepts put to paper in the Bentley Design studio. The car was to be all-new from the wheels up – an exterior design crafted by hand in Bentley's own body shop, a new development of the iconic twin-turbocharged 6.75-litre V8 engine, all new electrical architecture and an entirely new chassis, housed in a modern design inside and out, inspired by the great Bentleys of the past. Under the positioning statement of 'The Grand Bentley' – but referred to internally as Project Kimberley – the Mulsanne launched in 2009. The Mulsanne's global debut was at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance that year, revealing the redefinition of the luxury Grand Touring sedan.

A sweeping, muscular design was sculpted in a steel monocoque and aluminium doors, fenders and bonnet. The car's elegant form was created using an advanced process known as Superforming, in which aluminium panels are heated to 500°C and then forced into shape using air pressure.

Developing 512 PS (505 bhp) and 1,020 Nm (752 lb.ft) of torque, the 6.75-litre V8 engine delivered a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 secs (0-100 km/h in 5.3 secs) and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h). For the first time, the engine included cam phasing, cylinder deactivation and a torque curve that peaked from 1,750 rpm – only just above the idle speed of most modern automotive engines. Every major component - from the forged crankshaft to the pistons to the connecting rods - was redesigned to be lighter and stronger, reducing internal loads and friction for even better engine response.

Offered in over 100 paint colours, and with 24 hide colours and nine veneer species to choose from, the new Mulsanne gave the customer a level of choice previously unheard of in the automotive sector.

The Mulsanne is handcrafted from the ground up in Crewe, with its over 400-hour production journey beginning in the Body in White workshop. Working by hand and by eye, master metal workers expertly complete 5,800 individual welds.

Where the roof flows into the rear haunch through the deep D-pillar, a dedicated team brazes the joint by hand until it is totally imperceptible. It takes a human touch to achieve, and once painted is completely invisible to the eye – looking and feeling as though it were hewn from a solid piece of metal.

The sculpted nature of the Mulsanne's body means that the paint must be applied in different depths to appear even, which is why each one is hand-sprayed. After lacquering, each car is fine-sanded before being polished with lamb's wool for 12 hours to achieve an appearance so reflective it's termed the 'Bentley Mirror Finish' – and is the industry benchmark. This was complemented by solid stainless steel brightware, polished by hand to a flawless finish and unique in the automotive industry.

Opening the door of the Bentley flagship reveals a foundation of solid walnut, cherry or oak visibly running through the door waistrails and overlaid with a choice of different veneers. The final selection process occurs at Crewe, where the veneer is chosen by the craftsperson who will ultimately bring it to life. Only the most highly 'figured' sections – parts with naturally decorative marks – are chosen, before being mirror matched and applied to the solid wood substrate.

Of the 400 hours it takes to build a Mulsanne, around 150 are dedicated to creating the sumptuous leather interior – before additional options are considered - stitched, shaped and finished entirely by hand. The contrast stitching alone takes 37 hours to complete

2012 – Mulliner Driving Specifcation

Following a successful media launch in Scotland before two strong years of sales, the first upgrades for the Mulsanne were launched in 2012. Bentley unveiled a highly distinctive and sporting interpretation of the Mulsanne at the Geneva Show in 2012, with the new Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification. A range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying 'B' wing vents and a diamond-quilted leather trimmed cabin were matched with new driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of the Mulsanne. At the same time, Bentley also announced the introduction of two new options for the Mulsanne range: a large tilt-opening, tinted glass sunroof and an exquisitely designed, electrically operated bottle cooler complete with hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal champagne flutes.

2014 – Grand Convertible Concept – The World's Most Elegant Convertible

The ultimate expression of British automotive luxury was imagined with the Bentley Grand Convertible, the most sophisticated open-top concept yet created by Bentley. Iconic yet understated in style and fashioned entirely by hand from the very finest materials, this unrivalled flagship of luxury represents the ultimate in powerful, sensuous roofless motoring. The rear tonneau itself provided the most significant example of Bentley craftsmanship at its finest. Replete with book-matched, mirror-finished and dark-stained Burr Walnut, the tonneau featured the largest piece of wood veneer ever applied to a Bentley. While the Grand Convertible only ever appeared as a concept, the lessons learned in crafting it continued to influence the development of the Mulsanne family.

2015 – The World's Fastest Ultra-Luxury Driving Experience

2015 saw Bentley bring the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience to life, with the launch of the new Mulsanne Speed. An uprated engine delivered 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft), along with selectable driver-focused sports suspension and steering.

The reengineered powertrain, still featuring Bentley's mighty 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8, propelled the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance was matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain meant a range extended by 50 miles (80 km) to 368 miles (593 km).

New and contemporary styling features defined the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. On-board technology and connectivity were discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details. A dark tint finish was applied to the exterior stainless steel matrix grilles, in a process unique in the automotive industry, with the radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents all featuring this exquisite treatment that was matched by dark tint headlights and taillights.

The Mulsanne Speed also introduced Bentley's first ever directional style wheel, with a design handed for the right or left side of the car. The 21' wheels, available in painted, polished and dark tint with machined accent finishes, were individually machined from solid forged blanks, before being perfected by hand.

2016 – The Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner

Designed and built by hand for a private customer, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner is a rare example of a modern coachbuilt car. Its creation involved extending the wheelbase and body of the Mulsanne by 1,000 mm, as well as adding 79 mm in headroom in the rear, to create a passenger experience like no other. Unlike traditional 'stretched' limousines, the additions had been carefully designed to preserve the Mulsanne's effortless lines and aesthetic purity. The result was the longest manufacturer-built limousine in the world, its shape adapted beautifully to the length of its wheelbase.

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine was designed around the need for four seats of equal comfort. Their arrangement, inspired by luxury private aviation, features two opposing pairs of seats in the rear cabin, allowing passengers to talk face-to-face.

A custom heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system was designed and built by Bentley Mulliner, specifically for the Mulsanne Grand Limousine. With two discrete zones, it enabled each rear passenger to adjust the settings to their personal requirements.

There were many more bespoke digital features, including handcrafted docking stations for charging Apple iPads and an intercom system for communication with the driver. The interior division between the front seats and the rear featured electrochromic 'smart glass', the first time this technology had been implemented in a Bentley. At the touch of a button, the entire panel could be switched from transparent to opaque, for complete privacy.

2016 – A New Mulsanne and The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase

An all-new Mulsanne family was debuted at Geneva in 2016. For the first time, the Mulsanne family now comprised of three distinct models, all with their own unique abilities and attributes. The Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase all shared Bentley's unrivalled levels of attention to detail and craftsmanship, while at the same time catering for the needs of individual customers.

The new Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase was developed with the rear-seat passenger in mind. An additional 250 mm of rear legroom, airline-style extending leg-rests and a rear compartment sunroof combine to create the most relaxing automotive environment in the world.

A suite of elegantly executed styling revisions marked the new Mulsanne out from its predecessor. The entire front-end style of the car (forward of the A pillar) was completely redesigned. The fenders, bonnet, radiator shell, grilles, lights – and bumpers fore and aft – were all updated, giving the car a more modern and integrated appearance. The new, imposing front end was defined by a large stainless steel vertical-vane grille, 80 mm wider than before, that celebrated the great models of the past, such as the 8 Litre of 1930, Embiricos and R-Type Continental. Through these vertical vanes the Bentley matrix grille is visible. All-new headlamps automatically adjusted their beam pattern between four distinct modes, depending on driving conditions.

On the inside, the new Mulsanne also boasted redesigned seats, new door trims and armrests, and unique glass switchgear. The new Mulsanne featured a completely new infotainment system, boasting class-leading navigation technology. It also featured a selection of on-board infotainment systems that raised the bar for audio and visual entertainment on the move.

Rear-seat passengers benefitted from the introduction of the Bentley Entertainment Tablet – a pair of 10.2' Android devices (with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth) seamlessly integrated into the backs of the front seats. With typically exquisite attention to detail, a single touch of a button engaged a beautifully weighted mechanism, smoothly deploying the screens from their stowed positions. Internet browsing is via the car's 4G WiFi system, permitting access to internet radio and local or streamed video.

The Mulsanne's prodigious power and torque were complemented by all-new chassis hardware including active engine mounts and suspension bushes. To further enhance the trademark hushed ride, Bentley integrated the latest noise absorption technology into the Mulsanne's tyres. This advanced foam architecture reduces interior cabin noise by up to 4 dBA and provides an unmatched level of ride refinement.

2019 - The Mulsanne W.O. Edition – a Centenary Celebration

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition by Mulliner paid homage to the founding father of the company and incorporates a genuine piece of Bentley history in every car. Inside each of the 100 limited edition Mulsannes, a slice of the original crankshaft taken from W.O. Bentley's personal 8 Litre car decades ago – the last model he designed for Bentley Motors back in 1930 – is displayed.

The Mulsanne W.O. Edition could be specified in any of the three-model Mulsanne range, based on customer preference. Key features included an interior cut from Heritage Hide reflecting the patina of vintage cars, elegant Beluga black wheels, and a stunning cocktail cabinet or bottle cooler featuring a slice of W.O.'s own 8 Litre crankshaft set into the armrest.

All were quickly sold.

2020 - Mulsanne 6.75 Edition – A Fitting Tribute

The exquisite Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner, restricted to just 30 unique examples, represents a fitting send-off for this masterpiece of British automotive engineering and craftsmanship. The car is inspired by – and takes its name from - the legendary 6¾-litre engine, which this year celebrates its 60th year in continuous production.

Subtle references to the 6¾-litre V8 are evident across the car, including 'organ stop' ventilation controls being capped by a miniature version of the engine oil cap. A unique 6.75 Edition motif is stitched into the seats, and recreated in chrome badging for the exterior and the engine bay. The same logo is projected by the LED Welcome Lamps. The faces of the clock and minor gauges will feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself.

by Bentley