The 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 until its status was indirectly replaced by the Flying Spur in 2019. Honourifically, 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, of 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-rodV8 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 7,300 examples at the Crewe facility in England. The Mulsanne has generally been well received, with Jeremy Clarkson, best known for his appearances on Top Gear, 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 development and design phase of the forthcoming flagship began in June 2005, with initial design concepts penned at the Bentley Design studio in Crewe, England.[4][5] 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.[6][7][8] The inception of the Mulsanne was an unforeseen project, as efforts were initially focused on preserving the Arnage following Volkswagen Group's acquisition of Bentley. At that juncture, there was neither a formalised strategy nor sufficient funding for the replacement of Bentley's flagship with an entirely new vehicle. Originally,[a] the upcoming Continental Flying Spur was slated as the successor, but dissatisfaction with this concept prompted Bentley chairman Franz-Josef Paefgen abruptly discontinue it. He advocated for the development of an entirely new vehicle, preserving two integral elements of the Arnage's design—rear-wheel drive with the front axle centerline optimally positioned forward, and a 6.75-litre push-rodV8 with a twin-turbo system.[9]
In the winter of 2005, three design concepts were selected and transformed into digital form. Alias models were then created, and one-third-scale clay models were milled from the three designs. A presentation to the Bentley board in March 2006 led to two proposals being chosen for full-scale clay models, with the final design freeze occurring in winter 2007. The design team, including senior designer Crispin Marshfield, designer Gareth Thomas, and junior designer Vitalis Enns, spent a year refining the design through a combination of clay and digital iterations. Hand clay modelling was crucial for achieving the desired sculptural quality. Extensive work in CFG and the wind tunnel, along with input from suppliers, led to design tweaks and the creation of full-size GKN data control models. The final selection process by the board in September 2007 resulted in a design freeze, with the two full-scale clays sharing similar features like a shallow V-shaped hood and distinctive locomotive-style shoulders inherited from the 2008 Brooklands coupe.[5]
Throughout its development, one of the team's goals was to construct a heavy vehicle, as part of Bentley's philosophy that the weight of a car is intrinsically linked to its identity, as perceived by customers. Bentley believed that a lighter vehicle would "spoil the driving experience," which British magazine Evo described as a "strange thing to hear from a car company these days".[10] Nevertheless, Paefgen instructed engineers not to surpass the kerb weight of the preceding Arnage.[11] The exterior styling was overseen by a team directed by Belgian designer Dirk van Braeckel,[12][13][14] who articulated that the styling drew inspiration from the tradition of historical grand touring Bentleys. Van Braeckel stated that, "from the very first-hand sketches in the styling studio [...] we have sought to evolve this story for a new generation of Bentley enthusiasts".[13] Heading the interior design was British designer Robin Page, who also supervised that of the second-generation Continental GT.[15][16] Despite being a new model developed and engineered wholly at the Bentley Crewe facility, its engine, the 6¾-litre unit developed with Rolls-Royce, was predominantly carried over from the Arnage.[17] However, modifications were implemented to reduce weight, increase horsepower, and optimise fuel efficiency. The engine revision resulted in a weight loss of 6 kilograms (13 lb) by using a new crankshaft, 130 grams (4.6 oz) per piston and 100 grams (3.5 oz) per conrod.[17] The pistons and gudgeon pins received a coating of diamond-like carbon (DLC), and the piston skirts were coated with graphite. These coatings served to minimise friction and fuel consumption, while also optimising the durability of the components under high engine loads.[17]
2009–2010: Launch
Before the launch of the 2009 model, the Mulsanne designation was most recently employed by Bentley to denote a four-door saloon manufactured from 1980 to 1992. Subsequently, it was reinstated as the nomenclature for the successor to the Arnage, which served as Bentley's flagship model at the time.[18][19] It made its first appearance at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in 2009,[20][21][22] its second at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show,[23][24] its third at the 2010 North American International Auto Show,[25][26] and its fourth and final at the 2012 Qatar Motor Show.[27] The first Mulsanne produced, with chassis number 00001, was sold in 2009 at the Gooding & Company Pebble Beach auction for US$500,000 (US$550,000 after buyer premium) to an undisclosed bidder.[28][29] Deliveries in England began in September 2010.[10]
Assembly
Each individual Mulsanne is hand-built and undergoes a meticulous process spanning approximately 200 hours (16 days). A total of 298 employees are dedicated to each unit, with the collective effort of about 4,000 employees contributing to the completion of all 7,300 Mulsannes.[30][31] The assembly area covers an extensive 521,111 m2 (5,609,190 sq ft), serving as the centre for all aspects of car production. This includes design, research and development, engineering, manufacturing, quality control, as well as operations related to sales and marketing.[31] The first stage of the Mulsanne's assembly process involves its body in white, where Bentley metalworkers perform 5,800 individual welds, joining hundreds of meters of steel and aluminium.[32] Bentley's objective was to render all traces of welds entirely imperceptible, creating the illusion that the body seamlessly originated from a single piece of metal. In specific areas, such as where the roof merges into the rear haunch through the deep D-pillar, a team brazes the joint by hand until it becomes entirely invisible to the human eye, particularly once the vehicle is painted.[31] Customers are offered a choice from a palette of over 120 exterior paint colours from Bentley, or they can opt to create a custom colour, matching it to a precious object if desired.[33] Due to the body's curvature, the paint application requires precise hand spraying at various depths to achieve a smooth and even appearance. Following the lacquering process, each car undergoes fine sanding and is polished with lamb's wool for 12 hours, resulting in a reflective finish, dubbed by Bentley as the "Mirror Finish".[7]
Wood plays a crucial role, forming a foundation of solid walnut, cherry, or oak that runs through the dashboard and doors of the Mulsanne. Exclusive to this model, a solid wood substrate is overlaid with a selection of a dozen different veneers, sourced from sustainable origins globally, with colours ranging from red to brown and black. These veneers often come from century-old exotic trees, including vavona from California, madrona from the US, olive ash from Europe and Southwest Asia, tamo ash from China, or birds-eye maple from North America. Customers were progressively shifting from curly wood grains to more modern straight grains like eucalyptus from Australia and Spain, koa from Hawaii or liquid amber from Mississippi.[31] Stone veneers from stone mined in India, formed over 200 million years ago, are often used.[31][34] Each sheet of wood, derived from the same tree, undergoes a process where the root burl is steamed and cut into 0.6 mm (0.024 in) slices. This ensures that the pattern and colour remain consistent throughout the entire car and age uniformly. Laser-cut veneers are mirror-matched to create 33 separate components. Following sanding, each part receives five layers of lacquer, undergoes a 72-hour curing process, is then sanded and polished again before being fitted to the car.[31]
The Mulsanne undergoes a hand-assembly process in a dedicated build area staffed by 120 employees, distinct from the main assembly hall operating lines for the Bentayga, Continental GT, and Flying Spur models. This intricate process involves connecting 2 mi (3.2 km), 50 kilograms (110 lb) wiring looms, fitting dashboards and steering wheels, marrying engines, adding brake fluids and coolants, assembling matrix grills with front fenders, attaching wheels, bonding windscreens, and installing doors and seats. Every artisan working on a Mulsanne must memorise and possess the skills to complete over 6.5 work hours on the car. With a production rate of just nine cars per week, the Mulsanne production line comprises 12 workstations fed by seven sub-assembly/trim areas. The pace is deliberate, with each workstation spending 203 minutes per car, compared to the nine minutes per station for the Continental GT. The Mulsanne is manually moved along the production line. Following this assembly, each vehicle undergoes a thorough visual inspection for quality against a 500 to 650-point checklist before receiving final sign-off.[31][35]
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.[36]
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 395 kW; 530 hp (537 PS) and 1,100 N⋅m (811 lb⋅ft), in comparison to the standard model's 377 kW; 505 hp (512 PS) and 1,020 N⋅m (752 lb⋅ft).[40]
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 (60 mph) 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 296 to 306 km/h (184 to 190 mph).[41] 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.[42]
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.[43]
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (2016)
Bentley Mulsanne EWB (facelift; Germany)
Unveiled at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, the Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase (EWB) prioritises the rear-seat passenger experience. With an additional 250 mm (10 in) of rear legroom compared to the standard model, the EWB introduces airline-style extending legrests and a rear compartment sunroof. Optional electronic leg rests integrated into the rear seats offer various seating positions, including upright, relaxed, and reclined. The EWB comes standard with a large-format sunroof featuring an Alcantara sunblind, controllable by both passengers and the driver.[44]
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, made from 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. Headrests, Alcantara headrest cushions and a powered Alcantara roller blind are additional options unique to the EWB.[44]
Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner (2016)
The Mulsanne Grand Limousine was presented at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It is 1,000 millimetres (39 in) longer and has 79 millimetres (3.1 in) more headroom in the back than the standard Mulsanne. Accommodating four passengers in the rear with the addition of two rear-facing seats, the front and rear seats are separated by an electrochromic glass, providing the option to toggle between transparency and opacity. Each seat features its own air conditioning system, ensuring individualised comfort. Bentley announced in 2021 that an additional five examples would be available for sale.[45]
Special models
Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition (2012)
Bentley Mulsanne Diamond Jubilee Edition
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 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.
The Mulsanne Executive Interior with iPad Specification was unveiled at the 2012 Moscow International Auto Salon.[47]
Mulsanne Le Mans Edition (2013)
The Mulsanne Le Mans Edition is a limited version (48 units per model) of the Mulsanne for the North American market, commemorating Bentley's six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car included 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 LeMans Edition consisted of six models, named after the winning drivers:
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 developed for the Middle East market, with design details inspired by the Shaheen eagle, a bird of prey found in the Middle East. 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.[51]
Mulsanne Seasons Collector's Editions (2013)
Mulsanne Seasons Collector Editions-Chrysanthemum modelMulsanne Seasons Collector Editions-Plum blossom model
The 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',[52][53][54] all models include 21-inch Mulliner Polished Wheel, twin picnic tables. Each model includes a season-specific theme (except Golden Pine):[55][56]
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 at the 2013 Guangzhou International Auto Show. The Golden Pine car was sold for 8,880,000 yuan, while other models were sold for 6,880,000 yuan.[67][68][69][70][71]
Birkin Edition Mulsanne (2014)
The Birkin Edition is a Limited Edition model of the Bentley Mulsanne equipped with the Mulliner Driving Specification and Entertainment Specification (twin 8-inch LCD screens in the rear of the seat headrests, a DVD player, a Wi-Fi hotspot, the Naim for Bentley audio system and iPads integrated into the hand-crafted solid wood picnic tables) as standard.[72] 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 21-inch wheel design inspired by those on the original Mulsanne concept car,[73] a 3D 'Flying B' logo stitched into the vehicle headrests and inlaid into the wood of the front fascia and rear picnic tables, a luggage set individually numbered and hand-crafted to match with the interior of each car.[72]
Mulsanne 95 (2014)
The 95 is a Limited Edition version of the Bentley Mulsanne developed to celebrate the company's 95th anniversary, and limited to 15 units reserved for the UK market. Exterior colour 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.[74]
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 coupé that 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 would 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 centres, 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, '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.[75]
Mulsanne W.O. Edition (2018–2020)
2018 Bentley Mulsanne W.O. EditionW.O Bentley Signature and the rim system
The Mulsanne W.O. Edition was presented at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show as a 100th anniversary celebration of the founding of Bentley Motors by W.O. Bentley. Designed by Mulliner, each W.O. Edition is claimed to feature a piece of the crankshaft from W.O. Bentley's personal car, displayed in the arm rest in an integrated display case. The interior is upholstered in leather, and the dashboard contains the owner's signature. The signature is also present on the front bumper, and special badges are located on the sills and wheel centres.
The exterior colour scheme is reminiscent of the Bentley 8 Litre, and features a two-tone paint scheme with chrome present on the radiator grille and bonnet strip. Production is limited to 100 units.[76][77]
Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner (2020)
Due to the increasingly stringent emission regulations, the Mulsanne was discontinued in 2020. Bentley unveiled the final edition of the Mulsanne called the "Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner" which is limited to 30 units. This model marks the end of the Mulsanne production, the end of the Mulsanne as Bentley's flagship model, and the end of the world's longest continuously produced V8 engine, spanning 60 years.[78][79] The 6¾-litre V8 engine, introduced in 1959 and heavily revised and updated in 2010, could not be updated any further to meet newer emission regulations, namely CO 2 emissions.[80] No replacement for either Mulsanne or 6¾-litre V8 engine is planned. Instead, the third generation Flying Spur would replace the Mulsanne as Bentley's flagship model.
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 (396 mm) 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 Bentley Mulsanne's twin turbocharged V8 engine
Petrol engines
Model
Years
Type/code
Power at rpm, Torque at rpm
CO2 emission (g/km)
Mulsanne
2010–2020
6,752 cc (412.0 cu in) V8 twin turbo
512 PS (377 kW; 505 hp) at 4,200 rpm, 1,020 N⋅m (752 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm
350
Mulsanne Speed
2014–2020
6,752 cc (412.0 cu in) V8 twin turbo
537 PS (395 kW; 530 hp) at 4,200 rpm, 1,100 N⋅m (811 lb⋅ft) at 1,750 rpm
350
Transmissions
Petrol engines
Model
Years
Types
Mulsanne
2010–2020
8-speed ZF automatic with electronic shift interface, 'sport mode' and steering wheel mounted paddleshift
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.[68][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]
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