Bentley Mulsanne (2010)

Bentley Mulsanne
Bentley Mulsanne with optional "Flying B" hood ornament.
Overview
Manufacturer	Bentley Motors Ltd
Production	2010–present
Model years	2011–present
Assembly	Crewe, England, United Kingdom
Designer	Dirk van Braeckel[1]
Body and chassis
Class	Full-size luxury car (F)
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan
Layout	FR layout
Doors	4
Powertrain
Engine	6.75 L twin-turbo L Series V8
Transmission	8-speed ZF 8HP automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	3,266 mm (128.6 in)[2]
Length	5,575 mm (219.5 in)[2]
Width	1,926 mm (75.8 in) (w/mirrors: 2,208 mm (86.9 in))[2]
Height	1,521 mm (59.9 in)[2]
Curb weight	2,650 kg (5,850 lb)[3]
Chronology
Predecessor	Arnage

The Bentley Mulsanne is a British handmade full-size luxury car produced by Bentley Motors Limited in the United Kingdom.^[4] The car is named after the Mulsanne Corner of the Le Mans racing circuit, Bentley cars having won six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in the past.

Legacy

The Mulsanne nameplate was last used by Bentley for a four-door saloon/sedan that was built between 1980 to 1992. It was resurrected as the nameplate for what would become the replacement for the Bentley Arnage, Bentley's then flagship car model. The new Mulsanne was unveiled at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance, on 16 August 2009. At the time of its launch, a coupe and convertible variant were expected to follow at some point as replacements for the Arnage-based Brooklands and Azure respectively.^[5] Like the Arnage, the Mulsanne retains the venerable 6.75 L (6750 cc/411 in³) OHV V8 engine, modified to meet Euro V emissions regulations. The engine is lighter and features cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing to improve fuel efficiency.^[6] Unlike the less expensive Bentley Continental Flying Spur and Bentley Continental GT, the Mulsanne shares fewer common components with other marques in the Volkswagen Group.^[7]

The Mulsanne is the first flagship car to be independently designed by Bentley Motors in nearly 80 years. The last independently designed Bentley was W.O. Bentley's 8 litre model in 1930,^[8] after which most Bentleys shared platforms with Rolls-Royce cars.^[7]

Models

Mulsanne (2010–)

The new Mulsanne was unveiled at the 2009 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance,^[9] followed by 2009 Frankfurt motor show,^[9] 2010 North American International Auto Show,^[10] 2012 Qatar International Motor Show.^[11]

The first vehicle produced, with chassis number 00001, was sold in 2009 Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction for US$500,000 (US$550,000 after buyer premium) to an undisclosed bidder.^[12][13][14] Deliveries to the UK began in Summer 2010.

Features include stainless steel knobs on the dashboard that control the vent plungers are electronic micro switches that control electric servos. The feedback remains that of a metal rod to control the damper.^[15]

Customers have a choice of 114 paint colors, 21 carpet colors, nine wood veneers, and 24 interior leather hides, as well as specify a custom color scheme. The rear seating area may be configured to accommodate either 2 or 3 passengers. Optional is a Naim 2200 watt audio system with MP3, Bluetooth, and an MMI capability.

Winter accessories were introduced in 2011.^[16] In 2012 several new features were made available on the MY 2013: new optional Bentley-designed luxury bottle cooler and rear cabin storage area with space for two full-size Champagne bottles in a canted position, three hand‑blown and hand-cut lead crystal champagne flutes with white LED accent lighting (designed by David Redman of London), 21-inch five-spoke Sports alloy wheel, optional tinted glass sunroof in the front cabin.

Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification (2012–)

Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification is a version of Mulsanne with 21-inch light aluminium alloy wheels with race‑derived titanium fasteners, bright-finished rims in painted and polished finishes, 265/40 ZR21 tyres, sweeping wing vents in cast polished stainless steel, Drive Dynamics Control system with 'Sport' setting, leather hide on the front and rear seats and door casings features an intricate Diamond Quilting pattern with indented leather headlining, cool-metal interior door handles with 'knurled' or 'coined' surface finish, 'Organ Stop' air ventilation controls and gear lever, leather gear lever with Baseball-style cross stitch, accelerator and brake pedals in drilled alloy, choice of over 100 body colours, unbleached premium quality veneers (with two marquetry options), choice of 22 leather hides.

Mulsanne Mulliner Driving Specification was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show,^[17] followed by 2012 New York International Auto Show,^[18] 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed,^[19] 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[20]

2013 equipment update

The 2013 enhanced Mulsanne was unveiled in 2013 Geneva International Motor Show.^[21]

Comfort specification includes new comfort headrests with manually adjustable wings for lateral support, new footrests with trimmed in flat-cut cabin carpet and hide to match each individual vehicle, fine duck down filled loose cushions seat, new rear door armrest storage compartment as standard.

Premiere Specification includes ambient interior mood lighting, bright stainless steel external trim, flying 'B' radiator mascot, rear view camera, seat ventilation and massage function and a veneered iPod drawer.

Entertainment specification includes picnic tables with iPad and keyboard compartment, an adjustable screen angle with an anti-trap sensor; 2 8-inch LCD headrest screens 20 GB hard drive and DVD player (played through a ‘Naim for Bentley’ premium audio system), two sets of bluetooth headphones and a remote control.

Other options include rear cabin privacy curtains, a Wi-Fi router with a high speed Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS) phone module and SIM card reader in glove box, a dedicated antenna housed in the boot lid outside of the vehicle's steel frame, 3 new colours (Dark Cashmere, Portofino and Damson) and 3 new hide colours (Damson, Saffron and Brunel).

Mulsanne Speed (2014-)

The Speed is the performance derivative of the Bentley Mulsanne and offers greater performance and more premium features compared to the standard model. The 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine is modified to produce 530 bhp and 811 lb. ft. of torque (meanwhile the standard model's engine produces 505 bhp and 752 lb. ft. of torque) and benefits from a 13% increase in efficiency as a result of a newly redesigned combustion system that promotes a much faster and more controlled combustion process.^[22] This gives the Speed a 0-62 mph sprint time of just 4.8 seconds, which is 0.3 seconds faster than the standard model. Meanwhile, the top speed is increased from 184 mph to 190 mph.^[23][24][25] Other features specific to the Speed include: a Sports mode in the suspension system settings, more assertive styling features such as a dark tint finish applied to the exterior stainless steel matrix grilles, distinctive headlights, a “floating ellipse” design on the rear taillights, Bentley's first ever directional style wheel and tire set, and twin rifled exhaust tailpipes. Interior features include: a new and unique colour split with new stitch lines that balances diamond quilted light-colour hide with darker, smooth hide, a 60 GB on-board hard drive, electrically-operated tables with recesses and connections for iPads and matching keyboards, and a Wi-Fi hotspot.^[26]

Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (2016-)

The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase ("EWB") was unveiled during the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, and was designed with the rear-seat passenger in mind. The EWB features an additional 250 mm of rear legroom over the standard model, airline-style extending legrests and a rear compartment sunroof.^[27] Bentley has developed optional airline-style electronic leg rests for the EWB which are seamlessly integrated into the bases of the two rear seats. These extend out and pivot, giving the choice between upright, relaxed and reclined seating positions. The large-format sunroof features an Alcantara sunblind, is standard on the EWB, and can be controlled by the passengers or the driver. An optional centre console, crafted from the finest veneer, metal, glass and leather, can be ordered to divide the rear seats. The rear seats can also be specified with folding picnic tables. Electric privacy curtains are fitted as standard to the EWB and can be tailored with either a black or ivory coloured lining. Comfort headrests, super-soft Alcantara headrest cushions and a powered Alcantara roller blind are additional options unique to the EWB.^[28][29]

Concept cars

Executive Interior Concept (2011)

Mulsanne Executive Interior Concept is a version of Mulsanne demonstrating a new multimedia connectivity concept designed for executives. It included 2 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 (40 cm) High Definition LED dropdown monitor, illuminated rear centre console fitted with twin individual armrests, rear console with Apple iPod (control panel), two cupholders, 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, bespoke 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, bespoke 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 in 2011 Los Angeles Auto Show.^[30][31][32]

Mulsanne Convertible Concept (2012)

It is a concept vehicle based on Bentley Mulsanne, with convertible body,^[33] that was privately shown at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.

Special models

Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition (2012–)

It is a limited (60 units) version of Mulsanne commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's birthday and Diamond Jubilee. It 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 vehicle was unveiled in Beijing International Automotive Exhibition in Sanlitun district.^[34]

Mulsanne Executive Interior (2012–)

The design of Mulsanne Executive Interior was based on 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), twin 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, boot-mounted Apple Mac computer.

Mulsanne Executive Interior with iPad Specification was unveiled in 2012 Moscow International Auto Salon.^[35]

Mulsanne Le Mans Edition (2013–)

It is a limited version (48 units per model) of Mulsanne for North American market, commemorating Bentley's six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car includes a unique Le Mans Edition numbered badge, Le Mans Edition clock face, embroidered Le Mans badge to each headrest, tread plates with the limited edition name, unique Le Mans Edition wheels and specific interior veneers and exterior colours. The vehicles were made in 6 models, named after the winning drivers:

Model	Exterior	Interior	Stitching	Veneer
John Duff	Moonbeam	Two-tone Linen and Beluga	Contrast	Piano Black and Bright Aluminium
Dudley Benjafield	Verdant	Two-tone Linen and Cumbrian Green	Contrast	Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Bright Aluminium
Woolf Barnato	Granite	Hotspur	Beluga	Dark Stain Burr Walnut with Dark Aluminium
Tim Birkin	Glacier White	Beluga	White	Piano Black and Bright Aluminium
Glen Kidston	Dark Sapphire	Two-tone Newmarket Tan and Imperial Blue	Contrast	Dark Stain Burr Walnut and Dark Aluminium
Guy Smith	Beluga	Beluga	Hotspur	Piano Black and Dark Aluminium

The vehicles went on sale in third quarter of 2013.^[36][37]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2013 Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.^[38]

Mulsanne Shaheen (2013–)

The Shaheen is a Limited Edition version of the Bentley Mulsanne equipped with the Mulliner Driving Specification as standard. The Shaheen was unveiled at the 2013 Dubai Motor Show and specifically created for the Middle East market, with design details inspired by the Shaheen eagle, a bird of prey that is embedded in Middle Eastern culture and society. Changes include Tungsten over Onyx paintwork inspired by the colourings of the Shaheen eagle, Magnolia and Beluga leather interior upholstery, Dark Stained Burr Walnut Veneer, a bespoke signature Mulsanne Shaheen logo on the rear iPad picnic tables using a gold overlay, iPad picnic tables, a Wi-Fi hotspot, a large tilt-opening tinted glass sunroof, and an electrically operated bottle cooler.^[39]

Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions (2013–)

Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions (慕尚四季臻藏版) are limited (10 units for each of orchids (Spring), bamboo (Summer), chrysanthemums (Autumn), and plum (Winter); 1 unit for Golden Pine (Whole Year Edition)) versions of 2014 Bentley Mulsanne with Mulliner Driving Specification for China market, inspired China's culture. Designed with Lin Xi's interpretation of the Chinese 'Four Seasons',^[40][41][42] all models include 21-inch Mulliner Polished Wheel, twin picnic tables. Each model includes a season-specific theme (except Golden Pine):^[43][44]

Model	Background veneer	plant	Paint	Main Hide	Secondary Hide	Contrast Cross Stitching	Emblem Stitching	Steering Wheel	Veneer	marquetry	Treadplate
Golden Pine (Whole Year Edition/四季臻华款)[45][46]	Cluster Oak + Iridescent Finish (trunk), Brown Oak Burr (foliage)	Sword Shape Abalone	Antique Gold over Dark Antique Gold	Shortbread	Damson	Damson	Damson	Duo Tone	Cluster Oak Veneer with Iridescent Finish	‘Pine Tree’ inlay marquetry to front passenger fascia	‘Pine Tree’ Treadplate
Orchid (Spring/春沐款)[47][48]	Cluster Oak + Iridescent Finish	Ripple Sycamore Olive Green & Bolivar Mid Green (leaves), Maple (stem), Swiss Pear (petal), Purple Heart (Petal accents), Boxwood & Ash Burr (Flower Centres)	Windsor Blue	Imperial Blue	Imperial Blue	Kingfisher	Kingfisher	Single tone	Birds Eye Maple	‘Orchid’ inlay marquetry to front passenger fascia	‘Orchid’ Treadplates
Bamboo (Summer/夏颂款)[49][50]	BIRDS EYE MAPLE	Bolivar Mid Green (leaves), Beech Green (Leaf Highlights), Ripple Sycamore Green (Stems)	Rubino Red	Twine	Fireglow	Fireglow	Fireglow	Duotone	Birds Eye Maple	‘Bamboo’ inlay marquetry to front passenger fascia	‘Bamboo’ Treadplates
Chrysanthemum (Autumn/秋逸款)[51][52]	DARK MADRONA	Ripple Sycamore Green + shading (leaves), Ripple Sycamore Green (stem), Ripple sycamore (petal), Birds Eye maple pink (bud)	Ghost White	Beluga	Beluga	Linen	Linen	Singletone	Dark Burr Madrona (special)	‘Chrysanthemum’ inlay marquetry to front passenger fascia	‘Chrysanthemum’ Treadplates
Plum blossom (Winter/冬魅款)[53][54]	DARK MADRONA	Birds eye maple brown (branch), American walnut burr (Branch Shaddows), Ripple Sycamore (Blossom), Tulipwood burr (Stamen)	Black Crystal	Damson	Damson	Linen	Linen	Singletone	Dark Burr Madrona (special)	‘Plum Blossom’ inlay marquetry to front passenger fascia	‘Plum Blossom’ Treadplates

The vehicles were unveiled in 2013 Guangzhou International Auto Show.^{[55][56][57][58]}

The Golden Pine car was sold for 8,880,000 yuan, while other models were sold for 6,880,000 yuan.^[59]

Birkin Edition Mulsanne (2014–)

The Birkin Edition is a Limited Edition version of the Bentley Mulsanne equipped with the Mulliner Driving Specification and Entertainment Specification (twin 8" LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley premium audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables) as standard^[60]. The Birkin Edition was inspired by Sir Henry ‘Tiger’ Tim Birkin and limited to 22 units exclusively for the European market. Other features specific to this model include a choice of 3 body colour schemes (Ghost White, Damson, and a contrast of Fountain Blue and Dark Sapphire), numbered door sill plaques, a unique 21-inch wheel design inspired by those on the original Mulsanne concept car^[61], a 3D 'Flying B' logo stitched into the vehicle headrests and inlaid into the wood of the front fascia and rear picnic tables, a tailored luggage set individually numbered and hand-crafted to match with the interior of each car.^[62]

Mulsanne 95 (2014–)

The 95 is a Limited Edition version of the Bentley Mulsanne created to celebrate the company's 95th anniversary, and limited to 15 units reserved exclusively for the UK market. Color options unique to the 95 include Britannia Blue, Empire Red or Oxford White over an interior of blue and white two-tone leather divided by red stitching. Other features specific to this model include the words ‘Ninety Five’ joined by Union Jack Flags on illuminated treadplates, the number ’95’ is also embroidered onto the front and rear seats, the Flying 'B' bonnet mascot with a darker tint, and wood veneer that Bentley claims is sourced from a fallen walnut tree aged between 300 and 400 years old.^[63]

Mulsanne Speed "Blue Train" Edition (2015–)

The "Blue Train" is a Limited Edition version of the Bentley Mulsanne Speed created to celebrate the 1930 Bentley Speed Six coupe that famously outran the so-called “Blue Train” Calais-Mediterranée Express from Cannes to Calais, going so far as to return to London four minutes before the train reached the English Channel. A total of four Bentley Mulsanne Speed "Blue Train" models will be built, in celebration of the four-minute victory. Two of the cars were rendered in Beluga (solid black) and the other two cars were open to custom paint schemes. Other features specific to this model include 21-inch black wheels with polished centers, a chrome grille surround with a black square-mesh insert evocative of the original Blue Train, a Bentley Driver’s Club badge fixed to the grille, a retractable Flying 'B' engraved with the words “Blue Train 85 Years”, Burnt Oak and Camel leather, door stitch patterns that mimic the original car, sill plates and headrests showcasing the original car’s silhouette, and a rendering of the original car in the burr walnut passenger-side wood veneer. The first production unit featured a unique picnic set, trimmed with the same two-tone leathers as the interior of the car, containing Robbe & Berking silver cutlery, Haviland Limoges porcelain, Linley crystal champagne flutes, and an Angora picnic rug. The Mulliner team handcrafted the leather cutlery holders as well as the leather rug holder which featured "Blue Train" embroidery. The picnic set was offered as an option for the other three cars.^[64]

Specifications

Engines

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Type/code	Power@rpm, Torque@rpm
Mulsanne	2010–	6,752 cc (412.0 cu in) V8 twin turbo	512 PS (377 kW; 505 hp) @ 4200rpm, 1,020 N·m (752 lb·ft) @ 1750rpm
Mulsanne Speed	2014–	6,752 cc (412.0 cu in) V8 twin turbo	537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp) @ 4200rpm, 1,100 N·m (811 lb·ft) @ 1750rpm

Transmissions

Petrol engines

Model	Years	Types
Mulsanne	2010–	8-speed ZF automatic with electronic shift interface, sport mode and steering wheel mounted paddleshift

Production and marketing

Each car takes nine to twelve weeks to produce.^[65]

The 6¾ litre (512PS) engine is built at Crewe plant, and takes nearly 30 hours to build.^[66][67]

Production began at the Crewe plant in Spring 2010.

As part of Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions launch, Breitling SA produced a Breitling for Bentley B04 GMT Mulsanne wrist watch.^[55][68] During Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions launch in 2013 Guangzhou International Auto Show, the 1000th Chinese customer for Bentley Mulsanne was announced.^[69]

Motorsport

Mulsanne competed in the 2012 Goodwood Festival of Speed hill climb.^[70]

Mulsanne was used as 2012 Nürburgring 24 Hour Race official parade car.^[71]

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bentley Mulsanne (2009).

• Bentley Mulsanne website
• Press kit: Mulsanne
• Virtual tour Bentley Mulsanne interior

Bentley timeline, 1920s–present
Type	1920s		1930s	1940s		1950s		1960s		1970s		1980s		1990s				2000s				2010s
Ownership	Bentley Motors Limited (1919–1931)		Rolls-Royce Bentley Motors (1931) Limited (1931–1980)									Vickers plc Rolls-Royce Bentley Motors (1931) Limited (1980–1998)						Volkswagen Group (1998–)
Coachbuilder's open 2/4 seater	3 L	4½ L 6½ L Speed Six
Coachbuilder's large saloon coupé or convertible		6½ L Speed Six 8 L	4L 3½  4¼L Mark V		Mark VI	R	S1 S2 S3		T
						C o n t	Continental S1 Continental S2 Continental S3
Cars with Bentley own-factory coachwork
Large saloon					Mark VI	R	S1 S2 S3		T1		T2	Mulsanne		Brooklands			Arnage					Mulsanne
													Turbo R
Coupé										Corniche				Continental R/S/T							Br.
Convertible										Corniche			Continental			Azure
Bentleys on the Volkswagen platform
Large saloon																				Continental Flying Spur
Coupé																			Continental GT
Convertible																			Continental GTC
Crossover																							Bentley Bentayga
Walter Owen Bentley (founder) A marque of the Volkswagen Group Bentley Boys

« previous — Bentley, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, automobile timeline, 1998–present
Type	1990s		2000s										2010s
	8	9	0	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	0	1	2	3	4
Saloon	Arnage							Continental Flying Spur								Flying Spur
		Red Label			Arnage R/T								Mulsanne
				Arnage RL
Coupé	Continental R					Continental GT								Continental GT
	Continental T										Brooklands Coupé
Convertible										Continental GTC				Continental GTC
	Azure								Azure
Color code	Old Mulsanne-based   Arnage-based   Continental GT-based   New Mulsanne-based
Walter Owen Bentley (founder) A marque of the Volkswagen Group Bentley Boys Bentley Speed 8