Bentley is introducing the 2017 Mulsanne lineup which is being expanded by the addition of an Extended Wheelbase model. In terms of design, work started on the front fascia which now adopts a more modern appearance and hosts a wider grille with vertical vanes finished in polished stainless steel. The front doesn’t look droopy anymore as the rounded double headlights are now in line and provide a substantially better appearance compared to the pre-facelift model.
The lower grilles feature a chrome finish which you will also notice on the B-shaped vents installed on the front fenders. A similar “B” theme has been applied for the configuration of the taillights, giving the 2017 Mulsanne an interesting rear end appearance. Stepping inside, the cabin is as luxurious as ever and buyers can select from no less than 24 shades of leather. A wide variety of stitching options are also available, along with 13 veneers, a piano black trim, and even stone finishes. Bentley is installing an eight-inch touchscreen for the updated infotainment system which comes with a solid state drive providing 60 GB of storage.
Connectivity has been boosted by Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support and there’s also a mighty 2,200-watt sound system packing 20 speakers. As for rear-seat entertainment, there are dual 10.2-inch removable tablets running on Android and equipped with front-facing cameras for video calls. The Mulsanne Speed gets just about the same array of revisions, along with a recalibrated gearbox featuring an S Mode. In addition, Bentley’s engineers have fiddled around with the steering and suspension to improve feedback while the air suspension has also been upgraded. The Mulsanne lineup will take advantage of active engine mounts and revised suspension bushings, along with new Dunlop tires featuring foam-filled cavities to diminish cabin noise.
As for the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, this newcomer for 2017MY brings almost 10 inches (250 mm) of extra legroom for rear passengers now sitting on reclining seats. Bentley is also offering optional rear folding tables and each tray is made from a whopping 600 individual components. The rear center console is also different compared to the other two models, just like the bigger sunroof that lets more light enter the cabin. The standard Mulsanne and its Extended Wheelbase derivative will have a biturbo 6.75-liter V8 with 505 horsepower (377 kilowatts) and 752 pound-feet (1,020 newton meters) of torque. Go for the Mulsanne Speed and power of the same V8 engine increases to a mighty 530 hp (395 kW) and 811 lb-ft (1,100 Nm). In both cases, the motor works with an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission sending power to the rear axle.
In terms of performance, the standard Mulsanne needs 5.1 seconds until 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour and tops out at 184 mph (296 kph). The Speed version does the sprint in 4.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 190 mph (305 kph). The refreshed Mulsanne family will share the spotlight in Geneva from March 1 with the new Flying Spur V8 S.
