Ultra Luxury Limousine, Bentley Mulsanne Speed

Ultra Luxury Limousine, Bentley Mulsanne Speed. The Mulsanne Speed’s 305km/h maximum velocity is slow in the context of the speeds that have been witnessed on the famously long Le Mans straight from which Bentley’s flagship derives its name. Yet no race car would deliver that sort of terminal velocity in such cosseting comfort. This is a bespoke Bentley, tailored every bit as much for a highly sophisticated drive as it is for high speed. Bentley says the ‘Speed’ badge addendum designates this as a Mulsanne created for owners who prefer to drive, rather than be driven. And indeed, those judges less familiar with the marque were certainly surprised that a heavy (2.7 tonnes) and portly proportioned vehicle (5.6 metres long, 2.2 metres wide) didn’t feel more cumbersome on the road. “The Bentley goes, stops and turns impressively for its size, and is very comfortable,” said Richard Whitehead. In agreement, Michael Roberts was “very surprised at its handling capability for its size and weight”.

If Michael Stahl thought the Mulsanne Speed’s suspension didn’t isolate its occupants from the road surface quite as effectively as its primary competitor, he believed it compensated in other ways. “It faces very solid opposition in the form of the new Rolls-Royce Phantom,” he said, “yet the Bentley holds its own with a warmer and more approachable appeal. It’s a brutish British limousine that’s capable of 0-100km/h acceleration in less than five seconds – yet in all ways, it invites one to savour the journey.” Calling the Mulsanne Speed a “driver’s car” also calls for some relativity. The majority of judges were marvelling at an interior that takes Bentley’s handcrafting crew in Crewe, England, 150 hours to create – nearly a third of the time it takes to construct the entire car.

Beyond the Bentley’s exceptional refinement and cosseting ride, judges admired the fabulous diamond-quilted stitched leather upholstery, knurled gear lever and drilled alloy sports pedals that form part of the Mulliner Driving Specification standard on the Speed. These were complemented by interior options on our test car including Wilton deeppile carpet mats, ventilated front and rear seats, large glass sunroof and carbon-fibre waist-rail inlay. “It’s a loungeroom on wheels with an opulent feel,” said Richard Foo, a proprietor in the hospitality sector. “I was just missing having a cigar in my mouth when I was driving!” “Pure luxury,” Nathan Robinson stated simply. Greg Madden found the Mulsanne a pleasure to be in and to drive. “You’re not driving this car for performance; you’re making a statement – and enjoying everything it has to offer. And it delivers on all expectations.” – JEZ SPINKS.

Engine
6.75-litre V8 twin-turbo
Power/torque
395kW/1100Nm
Transmission
Eight-speed automatic; rear-wheel drive
Weight
2685kg
Performance
0-100km/h in 4.9 sec; Maximum speed 305km/h
Price
$545,345 (as tested $691,919)

Sources: Robb Report Australia, July 2018

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