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2016 Bentley Mulsanne

NEW MULSANNE – LUXURY BEYOND COMPARE

•Bentley's pinnacle model range now comprises Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase models

•Mulsanne is the ultimate statement of Bentley's craftsmanship and automotive artistry

•Elegantly executed styling revisions give Bentley's flagship a fresh, modern presence

•New state-of-the-art chassis technologies deliver world's most refined ride and effortless comfort

•Innovative and advanced on-board technology – cutting-edge features with trademark exquisite luxury

•Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase provides a first-class air-travel experience for the road

•Airline-style rear seats are the new benchmark in passenger comfort

•New Mulsanne range to make global debut at 86th Geneva Motor Show

(Crewe, 23 February 2016) Bentley Motors is today announcing full details of its new Mulsanne – the ultimate expression of British automotive luxury.

Handcrafted in Crewe, England, by a team of highly skilled artisans, the Mulsanne is the flagship of the Bentley range and represents everything the British brand knows about building the world's most powerful, most luxurious cars.

For the first time, the Mulsanne family now comprises three distinct models, all with their own unique abilities and attributes. The Mulsanne, Mulsanne Speed and Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase all share 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, for example, has been designed with the rear-seat passenger in mind. An additional 250 mm of rear legroom, airline-style extending legrests and a rear compartment sunroof combine to create the most relaxing automotive environment in the world. The Mulsanne Speed, meanwhile, is tailored for the driver with 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque resulting in a 0-60 mph time of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph.

A suite of elegantly executed styling revisions mark the new Mulsanne out from its predecessor. The entire front-end style of the car (forward of the A pillar) has been completely redesigned. The fenders, bonnet, radiator shell, grilles, lights – and bumpers fore and aft – have all been updated, giving the car a more modern and integrated appearance.

On the inside, occupants will of course find the world's finest handcrafted wood, leather and metal fittings, and the new Mulsanne also boasts redesigned seats, new door trims and armrests, unique glass switchgear and an industry-leading palette of 24 exquisite hide colours.

The new Mulsanne also features a suite of innovative, cutting-edge technologies. A new touchscreen infotainment system has been developed for the Mulsanne.

Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, comments: 'The Mulsanne is the epitome of Bentley's DNA – exquisite, individual and powerful. It defines luxury in the automotive world and offers a uniquely Bentley blend of luxury and performance.

'The three distinct handcrafted models now available each offer customers something different. The Mulsanne, with its understated elegance and sporting purpose, remains the consummate luxury limousine; the Mulsanne Speed is the pinnacle of luxury and performance thanks to its immense power, torque and refinement; and now the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase – with its extraordinary airline-style seats and rear-passenger bias – becomes the new benchmark in automotive comfort.'

The new Mulsanne range will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show between 1 and 13 March 2016. First customer deliveries begin in the summer.

New Mulsanne – Pinnacle Luxury for Visionary Customers

The front of the new Bentley Mulsanne has been entirely redesigned, with the resultant look exuding a more modern, integrated air.

The new, imposing front end is dominated by a large stainless steel vertical-vane grille, 80 mm wider than before, that celebrates 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.

Positioned either side of this are a pair of floating all-LED headlamps. These new units feature advanced adaptive technology and greatly increased night vision, with beam patterns that automatically adjust to suit the driving conditions. The LED lights sit flush within the seamless superformed aluminium front fenders. Innovative design features, like the discreet chrome-capped headlamp washers that sit within the adjacent outer lamps, demonstrate an ethos of precise execution of detail. A new horizon line is also created across the front of the Mulsanne by raising the outer lamps so that their bases are in line with the main headlights.

The new one-piece bumper, radiator shell and bonnet integrate seamlessly with flush joins creating more visual width and presence. These features flow down to a lower vane-grille section, which is in turn flanked by 'B' signature matrix elements – pushed further out to the corners by 53 mm either side – and finished in bright chrome.

The brightware detailing continues on either side of the Mulsanne with a new B-shaped wing vent incorporated into the lower section of the fender.

At the rear, this more planted appearance continues with new tail lights and a redesigned bumper. The bumper, which has 26 mm wider lower corners and a strong light-catching feature line, creates a more purposeful appearance. The new tail lamps incorporate a 'B' theme with light guides creating an instantly recognisable signature – particularly in the dark.

On the inside, the Bentley Mulsanne's reputation for offering the finest automotive interior in the world is further enhanced. It takes more than 150 hours to create the sumptuous soft-touch leather interior, which now features redesigned seats, armrests and door trims. The Mulsanne's seats – the industry benchmark for comfort – are now available in two new styles: Fluted, or Quilted. Customers also have the choice of 24 hide colours and single or duo-tone finishes.

Hand-selected veneers form pure and elegant surfaces throughout the cabin, and each of the 40 pieces are shaped by Bentley's artisans from a choice of 13 different veneers, and finished with trademark attention to detail. Elsewhere in the cabin, bright-polished stainless steel, unique glass switchgear, traditional knurled controls and deep-pile carpets enhance the pinnacle luxury environment.

A suite of innovative and advanced technologies have been added, ensuring that the new Mulsanne is as technologically advanced as it is luxurious.

The new Mulsanne features a completely new infotainment system, boasting class-leading navigation technology. It also features a selection of on-board infotainment systems that raise the bar for audio and visual entertainment on the move.

The core of the new system is an all-new touch-screen-based infotainment platform with additional haptic controls, classic analogue gauges and state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment. The main 8' display touch screen is connected to a 60 GB solid-state hard drive for the storage of on-board media.

High Beam Assist automatically switches between high beam and dipped headlights when oncoming vehicles are detected. The system also adapts the shape of the light beam according to vehicle speed in three separate modes – Town, Country and Motorway.

Between 10 km/h and 250 km/h the Blind Spot Warning system detects vehicles behind the Mulsanne and in its blind spots, predicting the possibility of a collision. Visual warnings are issued to the driver via flashing lights in the door mirrors.

For additional safety while on the move, the new Mulsanne comes with Advanced Automatic Stability Control (ASC) including collision mitigation features.

The new Mulsanne can be specified with the world's most powerful automotive OEM audio system – Naim for Bentley Premium Audio. This bespoke on-board audio system features 20 speakers, 20 channels, a 2,200 watt amplifier and Super Tweeters, for unrivalled re-creation of the highest audio frequencies.

Rear-seat passengers benefit 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 engages a beautifully weighted mechanism, smoothly deploying the screens from their stowed positions.

The Android-powered tablets, which feature a Bentley-specific interface, have access to over a million Android Apps – such as Skype, Google Play and Spotify – and can be used away from the car, in the office and at home. Each tablet has 32 GB of on-board storage (expandable to 128 GB via a Micro-SDXC card), USB ports and a front-facing camera. Audio can also be streamed through the vehicle speakers, and new destinations can be sent from the tablets to the Mulsanne's navigation system. Internet browsing is via the car's 4G WiFi system, permitting access to internet radio and local or streamed video.

In the new Mulsanne, the mighty 6¾-litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp / 377 kW) and 1,020 Nm (752 lb.ft) of torque. This immense power – channelled though an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission – is available from just above idle right across the rev range, ensuring that with even the slightest input the driver is immediately rewarded with phenomenal acceleration.

The sprint to 60 mph is dispatched in just 5.1 seconds en route to a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h). The Mulsanne's V8 engine features key technologies such as cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing, which reduce both fuel consumption (19.3 mpg / 14.6 L/100 km on the combined cycle) and CO2 emissions (342 g/km).

The Mulsanne's prodigious power and torque are complemented by all-new chassis hardware including active engine mounts and suspension bushes. To further enhance the trademark hushed ride, Bentley has 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.

The 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.

The air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control (CDC) creates a refined and comfortable ride at lower speeds, and lowers the Mulsanne's ride height automatically at high speeds to reduce lift and improve aerodynamic stability.

With 20' alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres as standard, dynamic handling is assured. Customers may also opt for 21' wheels, available in three styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.

Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase: Rear Passenger Comfort Redefined

Designed for customers with a preference for being driven, the Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase offers a first-class air-travel experience for the road.

The 250 mm extension of the Mulsanne's wheelbase (from 3,266 mm up to 3,516 mm) is entirely to the benefit of rear-seat passenger legroom. This significant increase in interior space makes the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase the most generously proportion pinnacle luxury limousine in the world, and by far the most comfortable way to travel on four wheels.

To make the best use of the additional rear legroom, Bentley has developed airline-style electronic legrests which are integrated into the bases of the two rear seats. These extend outward and pivot, affording rear-seat passengers the luxury of choice between upright, relaxed and reclined seating positions.

A beautifully appointed console separates the two rear seats in the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase. Ornate and functional, the console is appointed in the finest handcrafted veneer, metal, glass and leather and houses practical features such as USB ports, pen holders, cup holders and a glass-covered stowage area.

For those passengers who wish to work on the move, both rear seats can also be specified with a deployable, folding table. For privacy, electric curtains at the rear are standard fitment and can be tailored with either a black or champagne coloured interior lining.

Rear-seat passengers also benefit from a large-format sunroof over the rear cabin. Controlled by the passengers or the driver, the tilting and sliding glass panel (with Alcantara sun blind) allows natural light to flood into the Mulsanne's beautifully appointed cabin and clearly reinforces the Extended Wheelbase's focus on the rearward passenger.

For additional differentiation and choice, customers are able to specify their cars in a wide range of duo-tone exterior paint combinations and with a beautiful new 21' wheel.

Mulsanne Speed: Exquisite Luxury with Driving Satisfaction

Featuring a more powerful version of Bentley's mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine, the new Mulsanne Speed is truly tailored for the driver. With 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) of torque and selectable sports suspension, the Speed combines outstanding driving satisfaction with supreme comfort.

The Speed dispatches the sprint to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0-100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and has a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) – unrivalled figures in the ultra-luxury sector.

The connection between the car and driver is key, so the Speed's engine is paired with a recalibrated ZF 8-speed gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience. The gear strategy is optimised to make best use of the increased engine output, and is designed for instant delivery. 'S' mode gives the driver even more control, and maintains the engine speed above 2,000 rpm so that the turbochargers are always spooled and ready to deliver instantaneous performance.

To make the most of the Speed's effortless power and acceleration, an even more driver-focused Sport suspension mode is included. While the Bentley and Comfort suspension modes provide a comfort-focused and fully compliant chassis set-up, the Sport mode stiffens the all-round air suspension for improved body control and adjusts the steering dynamics for greater feedback and accuracy.

The Mulsanne Speed features a series of uniquely assertive styling features that mark it out as the high-performance pinnacle flagship. A dark tint finish is applied to the exterior brightware, affording the Speed a more menacing appearance. Exclusive 21' hand-finished 'Speed' alloys; dark tinted front and rear lamps; rifled sports exhausts; and Speed fender badging highlight the credentials of the world's fastest ultra-luxury driving experience.

On the inside – in addition to the interior updates common across the Mulsanne range – the Speed also benefits from a number of new features that highlight its athletic, sporting abilities. For example, the Mulliner Driving Specification interior comes as standard, adding diamond-quilted seats, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy sport pedals and optional carbon fibre waistrail inserts.

The Pinnacle of Automotive Luxury, Handcrafted in Crewe

The Mulsanne is handcrafted from the ground up in Crewe, with its 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.

Opening the door of the Bentley flagship reveals a foundation of solid walnut, cherry or oak visibly running through the dashboard and overlaid with a choice of 13 different veneers.

After the root burl has been steamed and finely sliced into 0.6 mm thick bundles of veneer, Bentley veneer experts travel to wherever it may be to analyse the results. 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 completed seats, doors and other leather accoutrements rival the quality of luxury domestic furniture. The contrast stitching alone takes 37 hours to complete.

by Bentley

by Bentley


Saloon

Bentley's top-of-the-line car is the Mulsanne. The smaller Continentals are fabulous, but they are still mass-produced. The Mulsanne is less about being a car and more about being a blank canvas for an owner to paint his automotive dreams. Anything is possible with Mulsanne. All one must do is ask and pay. The way the car is constructed, both inside and out, harkens back to bespoke coachbuilding. The owners of this car specified every detail, from the color split of the interior, to the selection of a wine chiller in the rear, to the placement of the interior wood trim. They even selected motorized privacy curtains instead of the simple window tinting.

The car is powered by the traditional 6.75-liter engine that dates to 1960. It produces 530 horsepower and 830 lb-ft of torque at 1750 RPM.

by Dan Vaughan


•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

by Bentley