Decade-long production of Bentley Mulsanne comes to a close

MANILA: After over 10 years in production, the final Bentley Mulsanne reached completion last June 25. This is an indication of the end of an exceptional and memorable reign of the flagship model.

As most end-of-production celebrations have been truncated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bentley colleagues had socially distanced photos with the final vehicles. They also shared their thoughts on the departure of the leading Bentley model on camera.

On the same day, Bentley unveiled the collection of imagery of the penultimate customer vehicle, the Mulsanne Speed “6.75 Edition by Mulliner” with Rose Gold over Tungsten finish. It will be delivered to a lucky customer in the US. This edition is limited to just 30 examples.

In total, Bentley has handcrafted 7,300 units of the luxury sedan in its manufacturing facility in Crewe, Cheshire.

Over 700 people have spent approximately three million hours in the last 11 years to design the ultra-luxury sedan for Bentley. The production of the Mulsanne bodies needed an estimate of 42 million spot welds, and it took more than a million hours alone to create the exquisite leather interiors. Approximately 90,000 hours were spent in polishing the vehicles, ahead of over four million individual standard checkpoints in total. 

The vehicle has continuously changed throughout its lifespan since its debut.

The new Mulsanne, built from the ground up in Crewe, was officially launched at Pebble Beach in 2009, features  new variant of the classic 6.75-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine.

The first upgrades of the Mulsanne in the form of a highly unique Mulliner Driving Specification were revealed in 2012. A roster of stunning new configuration features includes the Bentley Flying “B” wing vents, distinct 21-inch alloy wheels, and a diamond-quilted, leather trimmed cabin, complemented with a large tilt-opening tinted glass sunroof and an elaborately designed, electrically controlled bottle cooler.

The second in the range of three Mulsanne derivatives, namely the Speed, was revealed in 2015. Bringing to life the swiftest ultra-luxury driving experience, the Mulsanne Speed includes an upgraded 6.75-liter V8 engine, delivering 537hp and 1.100Nm, with configurable driver-focused sports steering and suspension. Contemporary and modern design features highlighted the Mulsanne Speed as a statement of typical British luxury.

A new Mulsanne family was introduced in 2016 at Geneva, as the vehicle gained a series of updates to increase further the criteria of luxury provided in the world’s flagship luxury sedan.

A selection of intricately executed design modifications distinguishes the new Mulsanne from its predecessor. The whole front-end style of the car (forward of the A-pillar) has been entirely reconfigured. The bumpers fore and aft, lights, grilles, radiator shell, bonnet, and fenders, have all be modified to provide the vehicle a more coordinated and modern appeal.

In terms of its interior, the new Mulsanne takes pride in distinct glass switchgear, new door armrests and trims, and reconfigured seats. The Bentley model also boasts of an excellent navigation technology through its new infotainment system. This helped in elevating the standard for visual and audio entertainment while on the move.

Aside from this, the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, which is the third Mulsanne variant, was created with a focus on the rear-seat passenger legroom. The 250mm extension of its wheelbase (from 3,266mm up to 3,516mm) was meant to improve the interior space of the third Mulsanne variant. This made it the most generously proportioned top luxury limousine worldwide, and the comfort of traveling on four wheels has also been attained.

Some additions to the gorgeously appointed console to separate the ornate folding table, privacy curtains, airline-style electronic leg rests, and two rear seats complemented the unmatched luxury environment.

Elusive tributes to the engine of the car are present throughout the vehicle. To name a few, designs capped through small versions of the engine oil cap replace the interior “organ stop” ventilation controls. The minor gauges and clock facets show the cutaway illustrations of the engine itself.

Dark tint finishes on the Flying B bonnet logo, exhaust finishers, and Mulliner Serenity radiator grille add depth to the front part of the vehicle. Meanwhile, the 21-inch, five-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheel features an exceptional bright-machined finish having gloss black pockets.

Photos from Bentley

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