2020 Bentley Mulsanne

The Bentley Mulsanne received its last update in 2016 and has not seen any changes since then. It houses a T Twin-Turbocharged 6.8L V8 SMPI engine that is capable enough of producing 505 hp along with 752 lb.-ft. Of torque. Elevate to the Speed variant and things spice up a bit more with 530 hp along with 811 lb.-ft. Of torque. However, that extra spiciness is a blow of $30,930 to your wallet.

Apart from the engine, the Mulsanne offers an interior that definitely does not seem from this planet. Every nook and hook of the Mulsanne’s interior screams eliteness and extravagance. Every bit of the interior is eye-catching and comes wrapped in extraordinarily fine leather, veneer or metal.

The Bentley Mulsanne is offered in two trims- Mulsanne Sedan and Mulsanne Speed Sedan. Going by its name, the Speed Mulsanne produces 25 more hp than the base trim’s 505 hp. The Speed Sedan also produces 811 lb.-ft. Of torque, as compared to the stock 752 lb.-ft. Of the base trim. The company also provides a lot of customization options (at an eye-watering cost though) and lets the buyer fabricate an interior scheme according to their taste and preferences. The Bentley Mulsanne, apart from these 2 trims, also offers the Extended Wheel variant, which (as the name suggests) stretches the wheelbase by an extra 250mm. These 250 extra millimeters of luxury cost you around $361,500, which is around $55,000 more than the base variant. 

Model	Sedan	Speed Sedan
MSRP	$304,670	$335,600
Key Features	505 Horsepower	530 Horsepower
	752 lb.-ft. Torque	811 lb.-ft. Torque
	Wide Oval Polished Stainless Steel Exhaust Tailpipes	Speed Premier Specification
	Polished 20-inch Mulsanne Speed Forged Alloy	Dark Tint 21-inch Mulsanne Speed Forged Alloy
	Floating-ellipse style, LED Rear Light Clusters	Carbon Fiber Waistrail Inlay
	Full iPod and MP3 Player Compatibility	265/40R Z tires
	20x9.0 inch Wheels	21x9.0 inch Wheel

We Recommend:

The Mulsanne offers ample power to glide through any expressway or to perfectly carve the corners. However, if compromises have never been your thing, and only the best of the best can tempt you, we recommend you to go for the Speed Sedan.

Acceleration is effortless and the engine's power seems infinite; the big Mulsanne hustles like a much smaller sedan. - Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission:

The Bentley Mulsanne carries a massive 6.5L V8 under its hood. This engine is capable enough to churn out 505 hp @ 4200 rpm. The base Mulsanne also generates 752 lb.-ft. Of torque, which kicks in at just 1750 rpm. The Mulsanne’s engine is an orthodox pushrod V-8, though it houses a wide range of technical updates. Features such as variable phasing of the uni camshaft, cylinder deactivation, and flimsy pistons enhance the Mulsanne’s performance.

All this power is delivered to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic transmission. The transition duties are carried out pretty smoothly in the Mulsanne and there is not even a hint of any lag. The gears though are swapped automatically but just in case, on some fine sunny day, the enthusiast within you demands a shot of adrenaline, you can always take the control of these swaps in your hand. 

Models	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost ll
MSRP	$304,670	$198,700	$339, 775
Engine	T Twin-Turbocharged 6.8L V8 SMPI	6.0L SOHC Bi-Turbo 36-Valve V12	Turbocharged 6.6L V12 DOHC
Transmission	8-speed automatic	7-speed automatic	8-speed automatic
Horsepower	505 hp @ 4200 rpm	621 hp @ 4800 rpm	563 hp @ 5250 rpm
Torque	752 lb.-ft. @ 1750 rpm	738 lb.-ft. @ 2300 rpm	605 lb.-ft. @ 1500 rpm

The Mulsanne when compared to the rivals, boasts the smallest engine, thus produces the least power. The Mercedes Benz Maybach leads the displacement figures by a big margin, followed up by the Rolls-Royce Ghost ll and finally the Bentley Mulsanne.

Acceleration:

Cars like these are not built to take down racing stripes or to reach from one traffic signal to another one, faster than other cars. Rides such as the Bentley or Rolls have never been meant for straight-line acceleration. However, under that long hood of the Mulsanne what you get is a 6.8L V8, and if that's not enough, this V8 is further assisted by a pair of turbochargers. The Mulsanne can dash from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds, which happens to be a respectable sprinting span for a machine with such weight and dimensions. 

Models	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost ll
0-60 MPH	5.3 Secs	4.6 Secs	4.8 Secs
Quarter Mile	13.1 Secs	13.1 Secs	12.7 Secs
Engine	6.8 L	6.0 L	6.6 L

The Mulsanne is fast but not as fast as any of its competitors. The ride requires a span of 5.3 seconds in order to shoot through the 60 MPH mark. Whereas, on the other hand, the Maybach takes just 4.6 seconds to showcase a similar skill, followed up closely by the Rolls-Royce Ghost ll.

Braking:

Considering the Mulsanne’s hefty weight and impressive accelerating capabilities, a good braking performance is a must. Though the Mulsanne’s 60-0 distance figures are not yet available, still the standard braking fitments do a pretty good job.

Model	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost ll
Brake Front (in.)	15.7	15.4	16.1
Brake Rear (in.)	14.6	14.4	15.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5919	5296	5490
60-0 MPH (ft.)	N/A	114	107

Ride and Handling:

The Bentley Mulsanne is a flagship model of the Bentley lineup and truly acts like one. The Mulsanne is more than just a high luxury quotient. The ride delivers unparalleled power and performance. The twin-turbocharged V8 generates ample power and the 8-speed automatic transmission carries all this power to the rear wheels with supreme ease. The upshift and downshift transitions come out to be pretty smooth as well. The car is undoubtedly a great set of wheels for chauffeur-duties, however, it won’t disappoint you when occupying the driver’s seat.

The Mulsanne offers 3 drive modes that customize the drive dynamics in their own unique ways. First of all, is the mode “ Bentley” which creates the most balanced configuration between comfort and dynamics. Second, comes the “Sport” mode which lowers the ride height, increases grip and body control and enhances the driver’s connection with the surface. The third mode is the “Custom” mode which gives the driver a free-hand to adjust all these settings according to his preference.

The part where the Bentley Mulsanne lets us down is the suspension. The suspension arrangement of the ride is smooth but not as flawless as of the Merc or the Rolls.

The Mulsanne’s chassis is smooth as hell and absorbs even the toughest of the shocks with ease. The steering feels acute and is great at feedback.

Cars like the Mulsanne are just not built for those who care about their ride’s relationship with fuel. The Mulsanne amongst all its competitors provides the owner with the poorest fuel-economy, all credits to its
mammoth weight and solid build quality. There is no doubt that rides of such character make a lasting mark, but what's short-lived is the fuel in a Mulsanne's fuel tank. The ride's mammoth curb weight of 5919 pounds has a major negative implication on its fuel-efficiency. The rest of the deal is sealed by the twin-turbos which complement the Mulsanne's chunky and fuel-chugging 6.8L V8 powerhouse. 

Model	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S650	Rolls Royce Ghost ll
MPG (City)	11	13	12
MPG (Highway)	18	21	19
MPG (Combined)	14	16	14

The Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650 offers the best-in-class fuel efficiency. Followed up closely by the Rolls-Royce Ghost ll. The Mulsanne, on the other hand, offers a combined fuel economy equal to the Rolls but lags in the City and Highway MPG figures by the difference of just one mile. The running costs for a Bentley Mulsanne are high, but so is the ride's charm and swank.

The 2020 Bentley Mulsanne is a leather-lined, wood-adorned rolling lounge for the well-heeled motorist. - Car and Driver

Seating and Comfort

Bentleys have always been recognized for their plush and uber-luxurious interiors. Anything that you touch or see inside the Mulsanne reminds you of the ecstasies of life. Every surface, button, and knob comes wrapped in the finest grade leathers and veneers. Seats are upholstered with orthodox soft-touch leather, and provides ultimate comfort and emits the characteristic leather tang. The driver’s seat inside the Mulsanne has a tall and straight sitting stature. The seating is infinitely comfortable and can be adjusted in 12 ways. In the rear, you get 8-way adjustable, heated seats. Quirks such as automatic sunshades, buttons to control the entire rear seat including lumbar support, back support and headrest along with an optional massaging function that is simply the epitome of comfort and premium-ness are some of the other star features of the Mulsanne's interior.  

Some of the prominent interior features of the Bentley Mulsanne are:

• Quad zone climate controls
• Optional massaging function
• Leather-wrapped interiors throughout
• 20 speaker 2200 watt Naim audio system
• 10.1-inch tablets for each rear passenger

Model	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost l
Passenger Capacity	5	4	5
Front(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	40.1/N/A/41.9	39.7/59.7/41.4	40.6/59.4/41.7
Rear(Head/Shoulder/Leg) (in.)	38.1/N/A/42.9	39.2/N/A/59.1	39.0/55.8/42.3

Infotainment

The Bentley Mulsanne gets an 8.0-inch touchscreen, with satellite navigation as the focal infotainment panel and a 14 speaker audio system as standard. However, a 20 speaker Naim sound arrangement is optional and brings a 20-GB onboard hard drive storage along with it. The infotainment system is highly customizable. It lets you change the character of the engine dynamics wherein you can choose from 3 dynamic powertrain modes - Comfort, Bentley, and sport. Apart from customizing the drivetrain modes, you can set the car's mood lighting to your preference and even adjust the brightness of the blind spot monitoring system. With features such as in-car WiFi, 4G Connectivity, and Google Integration, you are always connected to music stores, entertaining Google Play apps, and many other online services.

Cargo Volume

Cargo volume definitely does not seems like Bentley Mulsanne's greatest strengths. The ride offers a compact and congested trunk, which can accommodate a pair of full-size trolley bags, and some duffle bags in it. However, just in case you plan to stuff your Mulsanne's trunk with your family's weekend trip luggage, get ready to face disappointment. The ride, however, makes a desperate attempt to compensate for its trunk space shortcomings and offers quite a bit of clever storage inside the cabin.

Model	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost ll
Cargo Volume (ft3)	15.6	12.3	17.3

It comes as a stun to see that the longest and the most stretched out vehicle in the fragment has one of the smallest boot spaces. With 15.6 cubic feet in the back, the Bentley Mulsanne has not so much intrigued us while the Rolls Royce Ghost gets an astounding 17.3 cubic feet in the freight.

Despite its massive dimensions, the Mulsanne simply scoffed at the corners thrown at it and barely raised a brow as we mashed the throttle to get it up to speed.- CarAdvice

Dimensions and Styling

The Bentley Mulsanne is the longest, widest and heaviest car in the segment. Even though the front fascia is much more aggressive, the car’s chassis is still not as appealing and exciting as its competing rivals. The front and rear headlights with the unique daytime running lights look aesthetically beautiful. The Mulsanne range has an impressive street existence, all credits to its macho, sharp lines and the broad bends of the super formed aluminum bodywork. When on the road, the Mulsanne can be recognized in a snap and is sure to make heads turn. Uni-piece front bumper, grilles, bonnets, and fenders lend the ride a wide and dominating stance. An attention-pulling radiator shell includes high-quality stainless steel vertical grille vanes. Flush fitting, all-LED front headlamp bunches and a choice of 21" wheel alternatives loan a specialized edge to the Mulsanne's polish.

The 2018 Bentley Mulsanne does not have any exterior changes from its previous version.

Model	Bentley Mulsanne	Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650	Rolls-Royce Ghost ll
Curb Weight (lbs.)	5919	5296	5490
Length (in.)	219.5	214.7	212.6
Width (in.)	75.8	75.0	76.7
Height (in.)	59.9	58.7	61.0
Ground Clearance (in.)	5.5	5.2	5.9
Wheelbase (in.)	128.6	132.6	129.7
Track Width (in.) F/R	63.2/65.0	64.3/64.2	63.9/65.4

 

Exterior Features

Some of the prominent exterior features of the Bentley Mulsanne are:

• Wide and aggressive front grille
• Plethora of colors and shades to choose from
• Soft-close doors
• New fenders featuring "B" motif vents
• Wide oval polished stainless steel exhaust tailpipes

The 2020 Bentley Mulsanne hosts a broad array of standard driver-assistance features such as automated emergency braking, forward-collision warning, and blind-spot monitoring. However, some of the active driver-safety assist features come at an extra cost. These features are: 

• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Stability And Traction Control
• Blind Spot Warning Indicator
• Multi-angle cameras
• Front And Rear Parking Sensors

Mercedes Benz Maybach S S650: With a noteworthy bridge in pricing, this offering from the three-pointed star riffs out monstrous 621 ponies which is impressively higher than the Bentley Mulsanne, however just edges beneath it with regards to the extravagance and the lavishness of the insides. On the off chance that power and performance is something that you prefer over a fancy interior, go for the Maybach S650 without any second thoughts. In any case, if cruising along the lanes in high speeds in ultra-premium extravagance is your paradigm, The Bentley Mulsanne will leave you enchanted.

Rolls-Royce Ghost ll: The pinnacle of extravagance in the vehicle business. The mammoth from the legendary Rolls Royce satisfies its name and demonstrates its class and magnificence in each viewpoint. Somewhat higher on the value point, the Rolls Royce Ghost still performs at standard with the Bentley Mulsanne. On the off chance that cost is your worry, we'd propose going for the Mulsanne and if cash is something that is in plenitude with you, we would request you to not even give the decision of procuring the Ghost any second thoughts.

 

Seeing the Brand’s history and legacy, we won’t say that the Mulsanne isn’t worth that wallet smashing price tag, but yeah, we really want to say that. The Mulsanne is a great set of wheels when seen in particular. It has got that charm and posh vibe on its side, but the Flying B definitely lets us down when compared with the competitors. The Mulsanne underperforms in many aspects such as power, utility, fuel economy and cargo space.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What type of automatic transmission does the Bentley Mulsanne equip? 

The 2020 Bentley Mulsanne equips an 8-speed  automatic ZF transmission. 

What is Valet alert?

Valet alert is a feature in the Bentley Mulsanne that sets a Speed and Perimeter alert for your Bentley, and lets you set a maximum speed limit and define a geographical boundary for the vehicle. The owner receives a notification on the smartphone, in case either of these limits is breached.

Is the available Real-Time Traffic Data Reliable?

Yes, the data is reliable in most cases, since the information is gathered using anonymous movement profiles of mobile phones, smartphones with online navigation apps and online navigation systems.