The Bentley Mulsanne is a rear-wheel drive luxury sedan of the executive category, leading the model range of the British automaker, which embodies an uncompromising level of luxury and comfort and high "driving" potential ... It is addressed primarily to wealthy middle-aged and older men who are used to "take from life all"…
The second-generation four-door, which replaced the flagship Arnage model, was first demonstrated to the world community in August 2009 at an elegance competition in the Californian town of Pebble Beach, and its large-scale premiere took place next month at the international auto show in Frankfurt ...
Five years later, at the Paris Bridal Show, a "sporty" version of the sedan called Speed appeared before the public, which received a "pumped-over" engine and a sporty driving mode, becoming a little "nimble".
In the spring of 2016, the car underwent a planned modernization - making its debut in an updated form at the Geneva Motor Show. As a result of restyling "Mulsan" was transformed externally, adding solidity, tried on a number of technical improvements, "armed" with new equipment and got an "extended" modification "Extended Wheelbase".
Despite the unusual and controversial design, the Bentley Mulsanne looks quite attractive, elegant and, most importantly, majestic.
A noble front end with four “family” LED headlights, a monumental “shield” of the radiator grille and a sculpted bumper, an impressive silhouette with a long hood, powerful rear roof pillars and inflated “hips”, a mighty stern with graceful lanterns and two oval tailpipes - all kind “ Briton ”declares its high status.
This is a luxury sedan, available with a standard or extended (Extended Wheelbase) wheelbase: it is 5575-5825 mm long, 1926 mm wide, and 1521 mm high. The center-to-center distance extends from the three-volume to 3266-3516 mm, and its clearance in the normal state is 140 mm.
The curb weight of the car varies from 2685 to 2730 kg (depending on the modification).
The respectable interior of the “second” Bentley Mulsanne successfully combines classic features and modern technologies - a beautiful “toolbox” with two analogue dials and a color display between them, a weighty four-spoke multi-steering wheel, a massive center console with an 8-inch media center screen, three bargain instruments and a scattering of traditional keys and controls.
In addition to this, inside the sedan "flaunts" impeccable ergonomics, perfect assembly and extremely noble finishing materials.
In the front part of the saloon near the four-door there are comfortable seats with optimal lateral support, a large number of electric adjustments, heating and other "benefits of civilization".
The organization of the second row depends on the version: the base has a three-seater sofa, and the long-wheelbase has two individual seats with ottomans, personal tables, ventilation, a massage function and a bar in the central tunnel.
Despite its impressive dimensions, "Mulsan" has a very modest cargo compartment with a volume of 443 liters with a narrow opening (but neat finish), which can only fit a couple of large suitcases.
Under the hood, the executive sedan contains a 6.75-liter V-8 petrol engine with a V-layout, an aluminum block (but cast iron liners), two turbochargers, variable valve timing, distributed fuel injection and a half-cylinder deactivation system, available in two power levels:
- in the basic version, it produces 512 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 1020 Nm of torque at 1750 rpm;
- and on the version "Speed" - 537 hp. at 4000 rpm and 1100 Nm of rotational potential at 1750 rpm.
By default, the power unit is mated with an 8-band “automatic” that delivers full power to the wheels of the rear axle.
For all its monumentality, the car does not fail in the "driving" disciplines: the first "hundred" it exchanges after 4.9 ~ 5.5 seconds, and the maximum gains 296 ~ 305 km / h.
The fuel consumption of the three-volume tank varies from 14.6 to 15 liters for every 100 km of run in combined mode.
The second "release" of the Bentley Mulsanne is based on a rear-wheel-drive platform with a longitudinally located motor and a monocoque body, in the structure of which high-strength steel and aluminum are combined (the latter is used for the doors, hood, front fenders and roof).
An independent double lever is mounted on the front axle of the car, and a multi-link is mounted on the rear axle: in both cases - with pneumatic struts, anti-roll bars and adaptive shock absorbers.
The steering mechanism of the four-door is "implanted" with a power steering, and all its wheels are equipped with ventilated disc brakes (400 mm in front and 370 mm in the back) with ABS, EBD and other modern electronics.
In the Russian market, the second generation Bentley Mulsanne in 2018 is offered at a price of 21,419,000 rubles, while the Speed and Extended Wheelbase versions will cost from 23,534,000 and 25,335,000 rubles, respectively.
The standard equipment of the car includes: six airbags, 20-inch wheels, full LED optics, leather trim, heated front and rear seats, ABS, TCS, ESP, zone climate control, media center with an 8-inch screen, high-end audio system, electric boot lid and the darkness of other "bells and whistles".
