Facelifted 2017 Bentley Mulsanne will be offered in three model types

At first glance, the new Bentley Mulsanne radiates a more modern yet elegant feel which was achieved by a fully redesigned front end. Prominently displayed at the front is the large stainless steel vertical-vane grille which is 80 mm wider than the previous model and is reminiscent of past great cars such as the 8 Litre 1930 Embiricos and R-Type Continental.

The Bentley matrix grille is visible through these vertical vanes. A stylish pair of floating all-LED headlamps is positioned on both sides of the vehicle’s front. These new headlights can aid in greatly increasing night vision as it comes with advanced adaptive technology that automatically adjusts the beam patterns for optimal effect depending on driving conditions.

New design features like the chrome-capped headlamp washers sit within the outer lamps and perfectly exemplify the attention to detail and precision craftsmanship Bentley is known for. A distinct styling element was added to the front end which was achieved by raising the outer lamps to make their bases line with the main headlights which forms a new horizontal line.

A greater road presence and visual harmony were achieved by the bonnet, one-piece bumper and radiator shell. This harmonious flow was then carried down to the lower vane-grille and flanked by the ‘B’ signature matrix elements before being dispersed to the corners by 53 mm on both sides.

A bright chrome finish to these design elements highlights the classy appeal of the exterior. A redesigned bumper with new tail lights completes the continuity of appearance to the rear of the vehicle. The bumper is 26 mm wider at the lower corners which create a light-catching feature line while the new tail lamps are continuous with the ‘B’ theme made more recognizable by the light guides.

The new Bentley Mulsanne has an outstanding interior appeal as well, with the famous Bentley reputation of providing the best car interior in the automotive industry. True to its reputation, utmost attention to detail was given, sparing nothing.

For instance, the luxurious soft-touch leather interior takes 150 hours of painstaking handcrafting skills to complete. New redesigned seats – the Musanne’s seats – are now the new benchmark for comfort and are available in two styles: fluted or quilted. Further enhancing the owner’s personal touches to the car is the choice of 24 hide colours and single or duotone finishes.

The cabin features elegant surfaces composed of hand-selected veneers totaling 40 pieces in all, with each piece handcrafted and shaped by Bentley’s skilled artisans.

Completing the Bentley interior elegance are the numerous luxurious touches found throughout the cabin: unique glass switchgear, traditional knurled controls and deep-pile carpets as well as highly-polished stainless steel.

New Mulsanne is a powerful car and features a mighty 6 3/4 litre V8 that can generate an impressive 512 PS (505 bhp / 377 kW) and 1,020 Nm (752 lb ft) of torque. An eight-speed ZF automatic transmission converts this raw power to motion which can be accessed a little over the rev range.

The result is a jaw dropping acceleration even with a slight nudge from the driver. The gap from 0 to 60 mph is a short one - a mere 5.1 seconds – while the top speed of 184 mph (296 km/h) would surely leave lesser cars in the dust.

In addition, the V8 engine comes with the latest technological engine innovations such as variable cam phasing and cylinder de-activation which improved fuel efficiency for the new Mulsanne to 19.3 mpg (14.6L/100 km) on the combined cycle while CO2 emission is measured at 342 g/km.

Complementing the new powerful engine is an all-new chassis with active engine mounts and suspension bushes. A smoother quieter ride is guaranteed with the latest Bentley noise absorption technology incorporated in the tyres, capable of reducing interior cabin noise by up to 4dBA.

The new Mulsanne is equipped with the Drive Dynamics Control System, which is controlled by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector. It comes in three standard modes- Bentley, Sport and Comfort – with each setting offering a carefully calibrated suspension and steering control.

Actually, a fourth mode is still available and offers the ultimate in tuning control which can be accessed via the multimedia system. A comfortable and refined ride is provided with the air suspension system with Continuous Damping Control (CDC).

The system even lowers the Mulsanne’s ride height at high speeds to reduce lift tendencies and improve car stability via a more aerodynamic airflow pattern.

Completing the performance enhancements for the new Mulsanne are the 20” alloy wheels with 265/45 ZR20 tyres assuring exceptional handling capability. Optional 21” wheels are likewise available in three styles and can be fitted with 265/40ZR 21 tyres.

This new car has a very specific customer in mind – those who prefer to be driven by a chauffeur. The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase offers its customers the best automobile ride there is that can only be described as a first-class air-travel experience on the road.

The Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is 250 mm longer than that of the regular Mulsanne (from 3,266 mm to 3,516 mm). And that additional 250 mm is used solely for the pleasure of the rear-seat passenger as additional legroom.

This generous legroom actually makes the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase the longest offering for luxury limousine in the world and certainly the most comfortable ride. Airline-style electronic legrests are installed into the two rear seats extending outward before pivoting which give rear-seat occupants the choice between upright, reclined and relaxed positions.

An elegant yet functional console in the finest veneer, glass, leather and metal separates the two rear seats and houses USB ports, pen holders, cup holders and stowage area. Time-pressed executives who want to be productive even while travelling will surely love the option of a deployable folding table.

Privacy is provided by electric curtains at the rear with the choice between black or champagne colour for the interior lining. A large sunroof over the rear cabin can be controlled by the passengers or the driver and can be tilted to allow natural lighting into the elegant Mulsanne interior. Further customization option includes a wide range of duo-tone exterior paint combination and a 21” wheel.

New Mulsanne Speed is obviously the most performance-oriented of the three variants. Its comes with a more powerful version of the Bentley 6 3/4 litre twin-turbo V8 engine which makes it a machine whose main focus is driving satisfaction.

The engine is capable of producing an amazing 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW) and a 1,100 Nm (811 lbft) torque with a selectable sports suspension, a combination that is set to deliver unparalleled performance with the added comfort and luxury – the perfect setting for a truly exhilarating ride.

The gap between 0 to 60 mph is even shorter in this one – a mere 4.8 seconds or 0-100km/h in 4.9 seconds. Its top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h) is unheard of before in this ultra-luxury sedan category. To enhance driving pleasure, the awesome power of the engine is paired with a recalibrated ZF 8-speed gearbox.

The driver is even more in control of the car as the gear is optimized for efficient use of the increased output while designed to be super responsive. A Sport suspension mode geared toward driver satisfaction is part of the package which allows for a greater feedback and accuracy.