The highlight of Bentley’s Paris Auto Show stand is the new Mulsanne Speed, the performance variant of the brand’s flagship sedan which is capable of 305 km/h (190 mph).
As if Bentley is trying to convince us that speed has nothing to do with weight, the 2,685kg (5,919lbs) Mulsanne Speed accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.9 seconds, thanks to its 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 537PS (530hp) and 1,100Nm (811lb-ft) of torque.
On top of that, the upgraded engine is 13 percent more economical, which means the Mulsanne Speed has a driving range extended by 50 miles (80 km). It still averages 14.6 l/100 km (16.1 mpg US), but good news is the upgrades have also been applied to the standard Mulsanne, which is now 13 percent more economical as well.
Other technical upgrades include a selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. The suspension’s Sport mode stiffens the all-round air suspension for improved body control and adjusts the steering dynamics for greater feedback and accuracy.
In terms of styling, the Mulsanne Speed is discreet about its added performance, with changes over the standard model being limited to a dark tint finish applied to the exterior stainless steel radiator grille, lower bumper grilles and wing vents, darker light units, twin rifled exhaust tailpipes as well as polished stainless steel Speed badging on the front fender and door tread plate areas. The model debuts Bentley’s first ever directional style wheel, with a design that is handed for the right or left side of the car.
Inside, the Mulsanne Speed features a new and unique color split with new stitch lines, that combines diamond quilted light-color hide with darker, smooth hide. The Piano Black veneer panels now include handcrafted carbon fiber inlays, with the model also getting the Mulliner Driving Specification interior features as standard.
Bentley’s booth at the Paris Auto Show also includes the updated standard Mulsanne, as well as the Flying Spur, Continental GT V8 S and GT Speed.
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