Bentley announced the launch of its facelift Bentley Mulsanne for the Geneva Motor Show 2016. The range has been revamped with a new look front grille, better interiors and new technology. There are now three distinct models in the Mulsanne range; the standard car, the Mulsanne Speed and the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase.
The Mulsanne gets a distinctive new look at the front. The fenders, bonnet, radiator shell, grilles, lights and bumpers, fore and aft have all been restyled. The new grille is stainless steel with vertices vanes. It is 80 mm wider than before and retains the matrix grille behind the vanes. The headlights are all-LED and incorporate the chrome capped headlamp washers. At the rear, the Mulsanne gets new tail lights which incorporate a B theme and a redesigned bumper.
The new model is the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase. The luxury limo gains an additional 250 mm of rear legroom with extending legrests and a rear compartment sunroof.
All three models get 6.75 litre V8 engine. The standard model develops 512 hp and 1,020 Nm of torque, enough for a 5.1 second 0 to 60 mph time and a top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h). The Mulsanne Speed gets a power increase to 537 hp and 1,100 Nm of torque. Performance is improved from 0-60 mph time of just 4.9 seconds and a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h). Power is routed through an 8-speed ZF gearbox.
Active engine mounts and suspension bushes help to absorb road notice. The Drive Dynamics Control system, can select three standard modes – Bentley, Sport and Comfort as well as a custom mode to chop and change characteristics. The air suspension system also gets Continuous Damping Control for more refinement. 20 inch alloy wheels and 265/45 ZR 20 tyres are standard with 21 inch wheels, available in three styles, fitted with 265/40 ZR 21 tyres.
The Mulsanne Speed gets a series of styling features including a dark tint finish is applied to the exterior brightware and exclusive 21 inch ‘Speed’ alloys. The Mulsanne Speed also gets dark tinted front and rear lamps; rifled sports exhausts; and Speed fender badging.
Inside, Bentley offer handcrafted wood, leather and metal fittings. The seats have been redesigned together with new door trims and armrests, unique glass switchgear and choice of 24 hide colours. 13 different veneer options are available which are applied in 40 pieces across the cabin. There is a choice of fluted or quilted leather finishes. Bentley also fit a new touchscreen infotainment system with a 60 GB solid-state drive and an 8 inch touch screen display.
Technological touches include High Beam Assist which automatically switches between high beam and dipped headlights when oncoming vehicles are detected. A blind spot warning system which operates between 10 km/h and 250 km/h. Bentley also fit an Advanced Automatic Stability Control (ASC) including collision mitigation features.
The Mulsanne also gets the option of the world’s most powerful automotive OEM audio system – Naim for Bentley Premium Audio produce a bespoke on-board audio system including 20 speakers, 20 channels, a 2,200 watt amplifier and Super Tweeters. The rear seats get the Bentley Entertainment Tablet – a pair of 10.2” Android devices carried over from the Bentayga.
