Model Strengths:

Ultimate luxury and excellent performance, all new styling with a classic Bentley look.

Model Overview

Completely new for 2011, the Mulsanne is Bentley's new flagship sedan, replacing the aging Arnage. It's larger than the Arnage, with a wheelbase of 128.6 inches and an overall length of 219.5 inches giving it a significantly increased amount of interior and trunk space. For 2011, it's offered in only one body configuration, although its new architecture will allow for several versions, including a coupe and convertible, at a later date. Volkswagen purchased Bentley in 1998, and this new Mulsanne is the first complete redesign of the company's flagship high-end sedan since that time. Up front, two large round headlamps have been fitted, as well as LED daytime running lights mounted lower. Like the Arnage, it has a long nose and short deck, and a retractable Bentley mascot is optional. Buyers have their choice of 28 standard exterior colors and 24 interior hide colors. The Mulsanne's V8 is almost completely fresh, save for the twin turbos and exhaust manifolds carried over from the Arnage. Again displacing 6.75 liters, it features cylinder deactivation technology that helps raise the new car's fuel economy by 15% while boosting power to 505 hp and 752 pound-feet of torque. It's paired to a new ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. And although the new car is relatively heavy at 5,650 pounds, the new powerplant offers 0-60 times of under 5.5 seconds. Although it shares some of its mechanical and electrical components with other Audi and Volkswagen products, this is still a hand-built Bentley from Crewe, and its interior is top-notch, with high-end leather and wood surfaces used throughout. Bentley says the interior takes 165 hours to build, with the heated steering wheel cover taking nearly 5 hours to complete by hand. The MMI interface, entertainment system, air suspension system and transmission are all Audi A8 units. A host of airbags are standard, including front units and dual side airbags for both front and rear passengers. Four-wheel ABS is also part of the package, as well as traction control, stability control, tire pressure monitors, and braking assist. Options include a dynamics package, which includes a performance engine tune, recalibrated transmission, free-flowing exhaust, 21-inch wheels, and unique seats. A Mulliner edition is also available, ramping up the car's interior luxury one step further with a bevy of customizable options.

Model Changes

The Bentley Mulsanne is all new for 2011, replacing the Arnage as the company's range topper. The Mulsanne is both longer and wider than the car it replaces, and features an all-new twin-turbocharged V8 engine making 505 hp and 752 lb-ft of torque.

Model Value

The Mulsanne is aimed at buyers looking for a driver's car at the high end of the automotive spectrum-a place usually reserved for exotics and chauffeur-driven luxury cars. It features classic Bentley looks over an all-new design, and it's the first "big Bentley" built since the company was purchased by Volkswagen, so it utilizes many off-the-shelf components from cars like the Audi A8. With its high-end luxury and excellent overall performance, the Mulsanne is fit to take on offerings from Maybach, Rolls-Royce and BMW.