Bentley’s new mind-bending Mulsanne
This is a whole new model for the Mulsanne range although you may be familiar with the Speed tag from elsewhere; bar the limited edition GT3-R, it represents the highest level of performance, without sacrificing the sumptuous levels of comfort for which Bentley is famous.
There are exterior and interior enhancements but the biggest news is under the bonnet, where the mighty 6.75-litre turbocharged V8 has been massaged to produce even more power and a mind-bending 811lb ft of torque. There have been tweaks to the steering and suspension to match too.
Mulsanne Speed models are distinguished by dark-tinted finishes on the outside, unique alloy wheels, rifled exhaust pipes and relatively discreet ‘Speed’ badges. There are also some unique colour options, but whatever you do, the Mulsanne will get noticed. It’s a huge car, sitting high and proud, and while it’s not for the shy, it has class and presence in spades.
The Mulsanne not only has the allure of the Bentley badge, it also manages to elevate itself above the (relatively speaking) ubiquity of the Continental GT, making this a Bentley apart, if such a thing were possible.
It might be designed to be driven rather than ridden in but regardless of where you sit, the Mulsanne Speed offers a sumptuous experience. Up front there is more space than you could possibly need, as well as a superb driving position that elevates you above the humdrum machines littering the roads.
In the back it’s even better; it’s a first class rather than business class experience with enough legroom to stretch your legs and even recline the seat. The boot is big too, less so if you choose the high-end Naim audio system, but either way it’s got plenty of room.
It’s difficult to describe the sense of wellbeing you get when you’re cocooned behind the Speed’s beautifully trimmed wheel, but not even the swankiest hotel suite can compete.
Fire up the giant V8 and there’s a discreet snarl, reminding you of the power available but without disturbing the cabin. That enormous torque output makes a mockery of low-speed driving, just the tiniest tickle of accelerator is required to make progress. Combined with the cushioned ride and hushed noise levels, the Speed is possibly the best way to travel bar none.
But there’s more fun to be had just by squeezing the large throttle pedal to the floor. Do so and there’s a monumental swell of power and torque, the nose lifts slightly and the Speed hurtles forward with unbelievable rapidity. 0-62mph is despatched in 4.9 seconds which is fast for any car, but for one weighing 2.7 tonnes, swathed in leather and with the option of a chilled champagne fridge, it defies comprehension.
The saying ’you get what you pay for’ is made real with the Mulsanne Speed. There are quite a few other things you can buy for £250,000, not least something made from bricks and mortar, but spend just a few minutes in the Mulsanne’s superlative cabin and you begin to understand where the pennies go. This is hand-built by experts from first class materials; if you want the best, you have to pay for it.
This is a car designed for the rich, the famous and those who are both, but if your numbers come up this Saturday you could choose a lot worse. Even better, the Mulsanne’s elevated status over the Continental GT models means it will open doors that others can’t.
Resplendent
finished in tweed it couldn’t be any classier.
Bentley Mulsanne Speed, £252,000 (prices not available for Ireland)
6.75-litre petrol unit producing 530bhp and 811lb.ft of torque.
Eight-speed automatic gearbox driving the rear wheels.
Top speed 190mph, 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds.
19.3mpg combined.
342g/km CO2
