The Bentley Mulsanne is a full-size luxury car that was manufactured and marketed by British automaker Bentley Motors from March 2010 to June 2020. It served as the flagship automobile for the company during its production run. Internal to Bentley, the Mulsanne was referred to as "The Grand Bentley" during its development.[1]
Replacing the Rolls-Royce-based Arnage, the Mulsanne was Bentley's first independently-built automobile since the 8 Litre, which W. O. Bentley conceived. Unveiled initially at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, the Mulsanne retained two key elements from the Arnage—rear-wheel drive with the front axle centerline optimally positioned forward, and a 6.75-litre push-rod V8 engine equipped with twin-turbochargers. The individualistic headlamps were designed to resemble those of the Jaguar S-Type from the 1960s. Throughout its ten-year manufacturing period, Bentley produced approximately 7,900 examples at the Crewe facility. The Mulsanne has generally been well received, with Jeremy Clarkson claiming that the ride is quiet and the torques were great while criticising the number of switches and the fact that it was less "tasteful" than a Rolls-Royce Ghost.[2]
In 2005, development work on the Mulsanne officially commenced under the codename "Project Kimberley", the name of which was inspired by the Kimberley diamond originating from South Africa. Styled by Belgian automobile designer Dirk van Braeckel, the Mulsanne is a four-door sedan which was offered in two body lengths: short- and extended-wheelbase. Incorporating various internal and external elements from the Arnage, it employs a blend of high-strength steel and lightweight aluminium. The team that assembles the Mulsanne is composed of 298 Bentley employees. The interior was designed under the direction of British automobile designer Robin Page, who also led that of the second-generation Continental GT. Each individual unit undergoes a meticulous process that takes 400 hours (2 weeks), of which 136 hours (five days) are dedicated to interior trimming.
Production of the Mulsanne concluded on 25 June 2020, signifying not only the end of its ten-year manufacture but also the end of Bentley's 6¾-litre engine after a consecutive 61-year production period.[3] The 6¾-litre V8 engine, introduced in 1959 and heavily revised and updated in 2010, could not be updated any further to meet the increasingly stringent emission regulations, namely emissions.[4] No replacement for either Mulsanne or 6¾-litre V8 engine is planned. Instead, the third generation Flying Spur would succeed the Mulsanne as Bentley's flagship model.
History
2005–2009: Development and design
The development and design phase of the forthcoming flagship began in June 2005, with initial design concepts written at the Bentley Design studio in Crewe.[5][6] Developed under the internal codename "Project Kimberley", the name of which was inspired by a diamond found in South Africa, the Mulsanne project represented Bentley's first independently designed and developed car since W. O. Bentley's conception of the 8 Litre in 1930. The car was also the company's first model developed wholly at the Crewe design facility.[7][8][9]
Design and features
Standard features include 20-inch wheels, air suspension, soft-close doors and trunk, keyless entry and ignition, a sunroof, and parking sensors. Interior highlights include four-zone automatic climate control, heated 14-way power-adjustable front seats, eight-way adjustable rear seats, power rear-window privacy glass, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and a 14-speaker stereo. Bentley provides a range of packages that adorn the interior of the Mulsanne, along with various customisation options. Exclusive additions, such as a drink cabinet with a bottle cooler, additional vanity mirrors, power curtains, and unique features like special colours, veneers, embroidery, and jewellery boxes, are available for individual preferences. Notable package highlights include: Comfort Specification with massage ventilation, comfort headrests with faux suede pads and two extra loose cushions and reclining seats with footrests similar to those of an aeroplane. The Premier Specification adds the flying B decoration, two umbrellas, a valet key, and a remote-control garage door opener. The Entertainment Specification adds 10.4-inch rear-seating tablets, veneered picnic tables and a Naim sound system. The range-topping Mulliner Driving Specification adds exclusive 21-inch wheels, sport-tuned suspension, perforated seats and door panels and leather trimming.[37]
The Mulsanne offers 443 - 446 L of boot space, a capacity criticised by Motor Trend as below expectations for a vehicle of its size.[37][38]
Models
Mulsanne Speed (2014)
The Speed variant of the Mulsanne offers enhanced performance and more features compared to the standard model. Its 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine underwent modifications, resulting in an output of 537 PS and 811 lbft, in comparison to the standard model's 512 PS and 752 lbft.[41]
It benefits from a 13% increase in efficiency as a result of a newly redesigned combustion system that promotes a faster and more controlled combustion process. This gives the Speed a 0–97 km/h acceleration time of 4.8 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model. Meanwhile, the top speed is increased by about 3.4%, from 184 to 190 mph.[42] Other features exclusive to the Speed include a Sports mode in the suspension system settings, exterior enhancements like a dark tint finish applied to the stainless steel matrix grille, distinctive headlights, a "floating ellipse" design on the rear taillights, Bentley's first directional-style wheel and tire set, and twin rifled exhaust tailpipes.[43]
Interior features include a "colour split" with new stitch lines that balance diamond quilted light-colour hide with darker, smooth hide, a 60 GB onboard hard drive, electrically-operated tables with recesses and connections for iPads and matching keyboards and a Wi-Fi hotspot.
Special models
Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition (2012)
The Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition is a limited (60 units) version of the Mulsanne commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's birthday and Diamond Jubilee. Notable changes included bespoke embroidery to all four headrests using gold stitching, veneered picnic tables in the rear cabin decorated with a gold overlay depicting a royal carriage, hide cushions featuring the same motif, polished stainless steel treadplate plaques with 'Bentley Mulliner, England' script and 'Diamond Jubilee Edition'.
The model was unveiled at the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Sanlitun district.[47]
Mulsanne Executive Interior (2012)
The design of the Mulsanne Executive Interior was based on the Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept. The car is offered in two specifications, Theatre and iPad. The iPad Specification includes 2 electrically-deployed veneered picnic tables for rear passengers (colour-matched to the seats of the Mulsanne) and two iPads with wireless keyboards. Mulsanne Theatre Specification includes a 15.6-inch centrally located HD LED screen or 8-inch screens fitted within the front seat headrests and a boot-mounted Apple Mac computer.
Concept cars
Executive Interior Concept (2011)
The Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept is a version of the Mulsanne demonstrating a new multimedia connectivity concept. It included two electric-powered, foldable wood veneer picnic tables in the rear cabin, each with Apple iPad and Apple Bluetooth keyboards; Apple Mac Mini stored in boot compartment, roof console with 15.6 in High Definition LED dropdown monitor, illuminated rear centre console fitted with twin individual armrests, rear console with Apple iPod (control panel), two cup holders, tissue box and large stowage area; Apple iPod controls (Rear Seat Entertainment (RSE) and audio system, Apple Media Centre, plays music and access to internet), 2 USB connectors provided for the Apple system and one Apple interface connector for the iPod, control keys on rear console operate picnic tables, reading lights, control HD LED screen and select video and audio options; Armrest with Tibaldi pen and 'Privacy Telephone handset', bottle cooler in rear centre console with illuminated double-glazed frosted glass door, additional multi-directional reading lights provided for each rear passenger and can be operated with Apple devices, mood lighting in the rear centre console (using multiple soft glowing LEDs), illuminated docking station and cup holders.
The vehicle was unveiled at the 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.[81][82]
Specifications
Engines
Transmissions
Production and marketing
Production of the Mulsanne began at the Crewe plant in spring 2010 and ended in summer 2020. Each car took about 400 hours to produce.[84]
The 6¾-litre V8 engine is built at the Crewe plant, and takes nearly 30 hours to build.[85][86]
As part of Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions launch, Breitling SA produced a Breitling for Bentley B04 GMT Mulsanne wrist watch.[69][87] During the Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions launch in 2013 Guangzhou International Auto Show, the 1000th Chinese customer for Bentley Mulsanne was announced.[88]
Motorsport
A Mulsanne competed in the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb.[95]
A Mulsanne was used as the 2012 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race official parade car.[96]
External links
References
- Jens Meiners. 2011 Grand Bentley Car and Driver, Hearst Communications, 21 July 2009, retrieved 30 December 2023^
- Clarkson, Jeremy. The Clarkson Review: 2016 Bentley Mulsanne Speed Driving UK, The Sunday Times, 25 November 2016, retrieved 30 December 2023^
- Ollie Marriage. 11 things you need to know about Bentley's 6.75-litre V8