Luxury car maker Bentley claims to have redefined the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world with a new pinnacle flagship, Mulsanne Speed. The reengineered powertrain, featuring Bentley’s mighty 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 churns out 537 PS (530 bhp / 395 kW), 1,100 Nm (811 lb.ft) and selectable sports suspension and steering on demand. All this power propels the Mulsanne Speed to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds (0‑100 km/h in 4.9 seconds) and on to a top speed of 190 mph (305 km/h).
The new engine is paired with a recalibrated gearbox designed to enhance the driving experience of the Mulsanne Speed. The gear strategy is optimised for the new, higher wave of torque, and is designed for instant torque delivery on throttle application. A new “S” mode gives the driver even more control, and maintains the engine speed above 2,000 rpm so that the turbochargers are always ready to deliver instantaneous performance.
An extensive recalibration of the engine management system has yielded benefits beyond increased torque and power. The cylinder deactivation system, that runs the engine as a V4 during light load, has been re-tuned for smoother transitions between V8 and V4 for even greater refinement. In modern Bentley tradition, the extra performance is matched by markedly improved efficiency; a 13% gain means a range extended by 50 miles (80 km).
New and contemporary styling features define the Mulsanne Speed as a statement in quintessential British luxury. On-board technology and connectivity are discreetly integrated beneath the finest materials, created with unrivalled craftsmanship and exquisite handcrafted details.
Speaking about the new Mulsanne Speed, Wolfgang Dürheimer, Chairman and Chief Executive of Bentley Motors said, “The new Mulsanne Speed is the car that defines Bentley, as a flagship for driving luxury performance. Our customers don’t compromise, and we’ve adopted the same approach in the design, engineering and crafting of our new flagship. The Mulsanne Speed is distinguished, calm and relaxing, but always with a connection to the road and relentless dynamic performance on demand. In this car, every journey becomes a drive.”
The Mulsanne Speed will be unveiled at the Paris Motor Show on Thursday 2nd October, and will be available for customer delivery this winter.
This work combines with a new gearbox control strategy and the engine hardware improvements to give a new level of efficiency for the Mulsanne engine.
Bentley Mulsanne Speed Technical Specifications
| Engine | |
| Type | 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 |
| Max Power | 537 PS / 530 bhp / 395 kW @ 4,200 rpm |
| Max Torque | 1,100 Nm / 811 lb.ft @ 1,750 rpm |
| Transmission | |
| Type | ZF 8-speed automatic with Quickshift, Block Shifting and wheel-mounted paddleshift |
| Driveline | Rear wheel drive |
| Ratios | 1st: 4.71; 2nd: 3.14; 3rd: 2.10; 4th:1.67; 5th: 1.29; 6th: 1.00; 7th: 0.84; 8th: 0.67 |
| Final Drive | 2.92 |
| Brakes | |
| Front | 400 mm ventilated iron |
| Rear | 370 mm ventilated iron |
| Wheels and Tyres | |
| Wheels | 9J x 21″ |
| Tyres | 265/40 ZR21 |
| Steering | |
| Type | Hydraulic rack and pinion with speed-dependant variable assistance |
| Turns lock-to-lock | 3.3 turns |
| Turning circle | 12.9 m / 42.3 feet |
| Suspension | |
| Front | Double wishbone, anti-roll bar |
| Rear | Multilink rear suspension with toe and brake reaction control |
| Damping | Self-levelling air suspension with Continuous Damping Control, automatic ride height control and four driver-selectable modes |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 3,266 mm / 128.6″ |
| Overall length | 5,575 mm / 219.5″ |
| Width (across body) | 1,926 mm / 75.8″ (width with mirrors folded) |
| Width (inc. mirrors) | 2,208 mm / 86.9″ |
| Overall height | 1,521 mm / 59.9″ |
| Fuel tank | 96 litres / 21.1 gallons / 25.4 US gallons |
| Boot volume | 443 litres / 15.64 cu. ft |
| Kerb weight (EU) | 2,685 kg / 5,919 lb |
| Gross vehicle weight | 3,200 kg / 7,055 lb |
| Performance | |
| Top speed | 190 mph / 305 km/h |
| 0-60 mph | 4.8 secs |
| 0-100 km/h | 4.9 secs |
| 0-100 mph | 11.1 secs |
| 0-160 km/h | 11 secs |
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