Bentley Mulsanne facelift revealed

The new extended and facelifted Bentley Mulsanne line-up has been revealed ahead of its unveiling at the Geneva motor show. As part of an extensive revamp to the range, the Bentley Mulsanne line-up now features four models, which include updated versions of the standard Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed, and two new Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase models one with an extra 250mm of rear legroom and the other offering six seats in a four-up, face-to-face rear-seat configuration.

Bentley has also facelifted the entire Mulsanne range. Changes to the exterior include a new front-end forward design of the A-pillar, including the bumper, bonnet, radiator, shell, grilles and lights. The model also gets a new stainless steel grille with vertical slats that are 80mm wider than before, and a pair of floating all-LED headlights, which offer adaptive technology for better night vision, and which adjust their lighting pattern according to prevailing conditions.

Aping the design of historic Bentleys, it also has the more recently used mesh detailing of modern Bentleys cited behind it. The rear of the new Mulsanne features a new bumper and rear lights set in a ‘B’ shape. Interior changes include a new style of seats, new door trims and armrests, glass switchgear and what Bentley claims is an industry-leading choice of 24 different colours of leather finish, available in a single or twin-colour arrangement.

The facelifted Mulsanne also gets a number of technology updates, including a new 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Other new technology includes headlights that automatically adjust according to the road conditions, a blind-spot monitoring system and a new stability control system that can intervene if it detects a potential accident.

The standard car is powered by a 6.75-litre V8 that produces 505bhp and 103.96kgm of torque, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic ZF transmission. The car can go from 0-100kph in 5.1sec and has a top speed of 296.11kph. New chassis hardware includes active engine mounts and revised suspension bushes, which deliver a more controlled ride that drivers can adapt between Bentley, Sport, Comfort and custom modes.

Meanwhile, the 6.75-litre V8 powering the Mulsanne Speed produces 530bhp and 112.12kgm of torque. The engine is mated to recalibrated eight-speed gearbox, resulting in a 0-100kph time of 4.8sec and a top speed of 305.77kph. It also has a Sports Suspension mode for a more dynamic driving experience. Visual differentiators from standard models include a dark tint finish on exterior chrome details, unique 21-inch alloys, a different bumper design and sports exhausts.