Bentley will make its way to this year’s edition of the Geneva International Auto Salon in early March with a new edition of its Mulsanne limousine that resurrects the Mulliner nameplate, or to be more precise, the car is being called the ‘Mulliner Driving Specification’.
The VW Group-owned British automaker says the latest addition to the Mulsanne’s range targets customers looking “for a sportier look, feel and character,” though there are far less changes than what Bentley would like you to believe.
On the outside, there are newly designed 21-inch lightweight alloy rims with race-derived titanium fasteners and bright-finished rims wrapped around beefy 265/40 ZR21 tires. The wheels are available in both painted and polished finishes as well as with Bentley’s optional self-leveling badges.
The vents on the lower part of the front fenders are engraved with the Mulliner script, and that’s about it as far the exterior changes are concerned.
Inside, the extra opulence comes mainly from the new upholstery that keeps with the tradition of sportier Bentley’s as the leather hide on the front and rear seats and door casings features a bespoke Diamond Quilting pattern, complemented by an indented leather headlining.
Other upgrades include the drilled alloy accelerator and brake pedals and the new Mulliner treadplate plaques applied on the passenger door sills.
To account for the driving claim in the car’s name, the Drive Dynamics Control system that allows suspension and steering systems to be tuned to a preferred driving style, now features a bespoke ‘Sport’ setting, which Bentley says provides “enhanced grip, body control and steering accuracy, without compromising ride comfort”.
Under the hood, you’ll find the same 505bhp (512PS/377 kw) twin-turbocharged 6¾-litre V8 employed in the regular Mulsanne, which allows from a 0-60mph sprint time of 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 184mph (296km/h).
“The Mulsanne represents the pinnacle of British motoring with unrivalled luxury and effortless performance,” commented Alasdair Stewart, Bentley’s Member of the Board for Sales and Marketing “Now, the distinctly sporting accent of the new Mulliner Driving Specification provides an even greater degree of driving enjoyment without compromising the Mulsanne’s legendary comfort and refinement,” he added.
Along with the presentation of the Mulinner, Bentley announced the introduction of two new options for the Mulsanne range including a large tilt-opening, tinted glass sunroof and a specially designed, electrically operated bottle cooler that comes complete with hand-blown and hand-cut lead crystal champagne flutes.
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