2011 Bentley Mulsanne

With the all-new 2011 Bentley Mulsanne, there's reason to believe that Bentley has a little grudge against its former sibling Rolls-Royce. Bentley admits that it’s "a big, heavy car, and unashamedly so." When pushed, the engine noise is a muted roar, and the Mulsanne gathers speed swiftly but almost discreetly. Bentley will be offering customers a palette of 114 paint colors, 21 carpet colors, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides. Inside, the Mulsanne is traditional Bentley, discreetly updated. A 14-speaker stereo system is fitted as standard but a 20-speaker Naim system is offered as an option.

A long hood, swept back roof and trunk line, elliptical exhaust outlets and big 21-inch wheels carry both contemporary and traditional Bentley styling characteristics without appearing dated.
Further customization with match-to-sample paints leathers and bespoke components are offered through Mulliner.

Detailing is thorough, with knurled stainless steel on cabin knobs and door handles, glass-like switches, bulls-eye vents with organ-stop pulls, chrome-surrounded deep amber gauge needles and 250-degree-sweep faces, and seatbelts and buckles color-matched to the upholstery. An eight-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive, massive brakes and adjustable suspension and steering ensure the Mulsanne would be right at home on its namesake road, the Mulsanne straight at LeMans.

Compromise isn't a concept easily associated with the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne. While the smaller Bentley Continental captivates the new-money hip-hop crowd, the Mulsanne is decidedly old-school. If you go by EPA fuel economy estimates, the Mulsanne gets 30 percent better fuel economy than the old Arnage.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is offered in one very well-appointed trim level. Inside the cabin, occupants are treated to leather upholstery for nearly every surface, wood trim, glass switchgear, heated 14-way power front seats with memory, heated eight-way power rear seats with memory (outboard seats only), four-zone automatic climate control, a power tilt-and-telescoping multifunction steering wheel, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and power rear-window privacy screens.

Well-heeled clients will likely indulge in the long list of options that include 21-inch wheels, a "Flying B" radiator mascot, chrome exterior accents, rear privacy glass, ventilated seats, a heated and wood-veneered steering wheel, alloy pedals, a rearview camera, adaptive cruise control, ambient mood lighting, a Naim premium audio system and twin 8-inch rear-seat monitors. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is powered by an all-new, twin-turbo 6.8-liter V8 that produces 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque.

Safety
Safety features for the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne include front and rear side airbags for the head and thorax, stability control, traction control, antilock disc brakes with brake assist and automatic hill hold.

Naturally, comfort is paramount with any luxury car, and the Bentley Mulsanne excels in this arena.

Driving Impressions
Despite a portly 5,700-pound curb weight, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne moves with the urgency of a much lighter car.