Are you always running late to your important business meetings? Are you sick and tired of luxury sedans that don’t offer at least 1100Nm? A new remedy has been announced to cure exactly these symptoms; the Bentley Mulsanne Speed.
Otherwise known as the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world, according to Bentley. The new model is more advanced, more powerful, and more efficient than ever before.
The first thing we’ll talk about is the engine. It’s the same 6.75-litre turbo V8 layout the company has been using for decades, only now it’s more powerful and more efficient than ever.
Peak power is a supercar-like 395kW while torque peaks at a truly peasant-squashing 1100Nm. That torque is available from just 1750rpm. Acceleration from 0-100km/h takes just 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 305km/h.
Thanks to advanced cylinder-deactivation technology which allows the engine to run in V4 configuration during low loads, the new model is 13 per cent more fuel efficient. Bentley says the overall fuel range is extended by 80km.
To improve the driving performance Bentley has employed a more driver-focused sports suspension system with two different modes selectable from the cabin. In Comfort mode the body oozes over bumps, and then in Sport mode the air system is stiffened for tauter balance and control.
On the outside the Mulsanne Speed gets a first-ever (for Bentley) 21-inch directional alloy wheel design with different wheels for the right and left side of the car. These are available in painted, polished or dark tint finish, forged from solid blanks and perfected by hand, of course.
Other exterior highlights include dark tinted stainless steel trimmings around the front end and grilles, with matching headlights, while at the back are a set of ‘floating ellipse’ taillights also with a tinted finish.
Lastly, the interior is pure perfection. Aside from the swathes of leather and exquisite wood inlays, Bentley offers various customisable and personalised plans. You can opt for a lavish two-tone layout with piano black veneers and handcrafted carbon fibre, or you can go for the full Mulliner Driving Specification package.
The Mulliner pack includes such pampering appointments as diamond-quilted hide for the doors and seats, special embroidery, knurling to the sports gear lever and ‘organ stop’ climate vent controls, as well as bespoke drilled alloy pedals for the driver.
If that’s not enough, hidden beneath it all is a high-end (what else?) 2200-Watt Naim audio system with 14 speakers and two 8.0-inch screens in the back with Bluetooth headphones. There’s also a 60GB hard drive, full connectivity and Wi-Fi, electric tables, and a bottle cooler with crystal champagne flutes. It’s basically a party waiting to happen, on wheels.
Bentley Australia is yet to announce details such as prices or a market entry date. As a guide the regular Bentley Mulsanne is priced from $662,857. It’s one of the most expensive new model vehicles currently on sale in Australia. Expect prices for the Speed to be rather north of that.
