The Bentley Mulsanne: A Car Fit for an Aristocrat

By: Craig McPherson

The last ever Bentley Mulsanne built, for none other than the late Queen Elizabeth II herself (Credit: autoevolution).

When it comes to British Luxury, Bentley, while not quite as popular as Rolls-Royce, is still highly beloved. For over a century, they have been innovating in luxury and speed. One of their most important models is also one of their most interesting. This is none other than the contemporary limousine; the Bentley Mulsanne. While it was discontinued in 2020, it would spend most of its run as the “flagship” model for Bentley. This is the story of the Mulsanne. 

Development of the Mulsanne first began in 2005. Early design concepts were created at the Bentley Design Studio in Crewe, England. It would have a completely new exterior design, powered by Bentley’s signature twin-turbo 6.75 liter V8 engine. The project was referred to as “Project Kimberley”, named after the Kimberly Diamond in South Africa. The result of this project was the original Mulsanne. The name Mulsanne comes from the Mulsanne Corner of the famous Le Mans race circuit, first introduced to the public at the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2009. Production and sales would begin properly the next year. 

The Mulsanne stood out due to its steel monocoque, aluminum doors, fenders, and bonnet. The mighty, elegant body was created through a unique process called Superforming. This is when aluminum panels are heated at 500 degrees celsius, and the shape is created through air pressure afterwards. The variety of customization offered by the Mulsanne was truly obscene. Not only did it come in more than 100 different colors, it also had 24 different interior colors and 9 different types of wood for the interior.

After 2 very successful years, Bentley would create the first upgrades for the Mulsanne in 2012. These special features would culminate in a sportier variant known as the Mulliner Driving Specification, where it had 21-inch alloy wheels, flying “B” wing vents, and a diamond-quilter leather trimmed cabin. They would also offer large tilt-opening tinted glass sunroofs and electric bottle coolers. In 2015, another variant would be introduced; the Mulsanne Speed. The Speed had a dark tint finish on the matrix-style grille, and more distinguished headlights. It was also Bentley’s first model to have a directional-style wheel and tire set. The wheels could rotate in a specific direction, improving speed and handling. 

In 2016, the Mulsanne was redesigned yet again. This time, it was given an extended wheelbase to add approximately 10 extra inches of legroom in the backseat area, as well as extending leg rests and a new sunroof that could be controlled by either the driver or passengers. 

2019 would be the centennial anniversary of Bentley. To commemorate this, they created the Mulsanne W.O. Edition. This design was named after Walter Owen, the founder of the company. The design itself was inspired by Owen’s own car; a 1930 Bentley 8 liter sedan. Only 100 were made, and a measly 20 of them were sold in the United States. Unfortunately though, the Mulsanne’s time would come to an end by 2020. It would also be the final ever Bentley model to use the 6.75 liter engine, which they had been using since 1959. 

The Mulsanne’s lifespan may not have been the longest, but it certainly made its mark in the world of Bentley, and the greater world of British Automobiles. As the president and CEO of Bentley, Mark Del Rosso, said: “It is a slice of history in the truest sense, and a very special way of incorporating a genuine part of Bentley’s heritage into this very special car.”