Bentley Mulsanne: Ultimate Review Of The 6.75L V8 Sedan

The Bentley Mulsanne represents the zenith of automotive grandeur, combining a heritage of British engineering with contemporary luxury. This full-size sedan, produced from 2010 to 2020, was Bentley’s flagship model, designed to deliver unparalleled comfort for rear passengers while offering engaging dynamics for the driver. At its core lies a hand-assembled 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine, a powerplant with roots tracing back decades, delivering effortless acceleration and a signature growl that embodies the brand’s sporting luxury ethos.

Engineering Marvel: The Iconic Powertrain

The heart of the Mulsanne is its legendary **6.75-liter V8**, often referred to as the “6¾ Litre.” This engine, evolved from designs first used in the late 1950s by Bentley and Rolls-Royce, was hand-built at the Crewe factory until the model’s end. In standard form, it produces around 505 horsepower, but the high-performance Mulsanne Speed variant ups this to 530 horsepower and an astonishing 811 lb-ft of torque—more than many supercars.

Paired with a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, the power delivery is seamless. Throttle response is extraordinarily smooth, especially in urban settings, making city driving feel effortless. On open roads, like unrestricted autobahns, the engine’s torque peak at 1,750 rpm allows sustained high speeds without needing revs, pushing the car from 95 mph to 140 mph with just a roll of the accelerator. The 0-60 mph sprint takes just over five seconds despite a kerb weight exceeding 2.7 tons, thanks to the turbos offsetting the mass with linear, punchy thrust.

This table highlights the performance edge, showcasing how the Speed model elevates the experience for those seeking more vigor.

Chassis Dynamics: Comfort Meets Capability

Despite its limousine proportions, the Mulsanne surprises with competent handling. The chassis features air springs, revised bushings, and variable engine mounts for enhanced refinement. New Dunlop tires with noise-absorbing foam minimize road intrusion, creating an eerily quiet cabin at highway speeds.

Drive modes—Comfort, Sport, and a balanced setting—allow tailoring. In Comfort, it glides smoothly, absorbing imperfections with plush suspension. Sport mode firms up the setup, adds weight to the hydraulic power steering, and sharpens throttle response, masking the heft effectively on twisty roads. Body control is impressive, with ample grip enabling quick progress. Steering provides precise feedback, aiding placement on narrow lanes despite the car’s width.

• Comfort Mode: Supreme wafting for long journeys, prioritizing passenger serenity.
• Sport Mode: Engages dynamic potential, revealing Bentley’s sporting DNA.
• Balanced Setting: Ideal daily compromise with weighted steering and controlled ride.

Reviewers note it’s more driver-oriented than rivals, though tire noise can intrude slightly in Sport.

Interior Opulence: A Sanctuary of Craftsmanship

Step inside the Mulsanne, and you’re enveloped in luxury. Copious leather, wood veneers, and chrome accents feature flawless stitching. Deep-pile carpets sink underfoot, while seats offer massage functions and ventilation. The rear compartment, especially in the Extended Wheelbase (EWB) version, rivals private jets with extendable leg rests, deployable tables, power curtains, and optional refrigerators for champagne flutes.

Four passengers enjoy limo-level space, with the EWB adding 9.8 inches to the wheelbase for limo-like rear luxury. The infotainment, derived from Volkswagen Group tech (familiar to Audi owners), includes a touchscreen with DAB radio, navigation, and Wi-Fi. It’s intuitive, blending tradition with modern usability.

Build quality is impeccable—no corners cut, from hand-stitched hides to polished burr walnut. It’s a cocoon where time slows, perfect for executives or those valuing serenity.

Ownership Realities: Costs and Practicality

Luxury comes at a premium. Fuel economy hovers around 13-22 mpg combined, unprioritized for this class but notable. Maintenance, given the hand-built engine, is costly, yet the Mulsanne’s depreciation makes used examples compelling “insane value” buys, often compared to Rolls-Royce Phantoms at a fraction of original prices.

Rivals like the Rolls-Royce Ghost offer similar opulence, but the Mulsanne edges in driving engagement. It’s analog in ethos—resisting full electrification—appealing to traditionalists.

Legacy and Market Position

The Mulsanne’s 2020 discontinuation marked the end of an era for the L-Series V8. It carved a niche as Bentley’s driver-focused limo, blending emotion, brand prestige, and rare dynamics. In a market shifting to EVs, its enduring appeal lies in tactile luxury and power.

Today, pre-owned models offer access to this icon, with prices reflecting heavy depreciation—ideal for enthusiasts seeking Phantom-level grandeur affordably.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Expand your knowledge with these key aspects of the Mulsanne’s design philosophy.