[dropcap]B[/dropcap]entley unveils its new Mulsanne model range, which reaches even greater heights of luxury and performance and sets a new benchmark for rear-seat passenger comfort, at the Geneva Motor Show 2016.
Handcrafted in Crewe, the new range comprises the Mulsanne, the performance-focused Mulsanne Speed and the all-new, ultra-luxurious Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase with its new extended wheelbase variant offering airline-style seats.
Incorporating elegantly executed styling revisions to give Bentley’s flagship a fresh, modern appearance, the range also benefits from new state-of-the-art chassis technologies to ensure the world’s most refined ride and effortless comfort, while advanced on-board features augment the trademark luxury of the Mulsanne – the ultimate statement of Bentley’s automotive artistry.
Wolfgang Dürheimer, chairman and chief executive of Bentley Motors, said: “The Mulsanne is the epitome of Bentley’s DNA – exquisite, individual and powerful. It defines luxury in the automotive world and offers a unique Bentley blend of luxury and performance.
“The three distinct handcrafted models are now available. The Mulsanne, with its understated elegance and sporting purpose, remains the consummate luxury limousine; the Mulsanne Speed is the pinnacle of luxury and performance thanks to its immense power, torque and refinement; and now the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, with its extraordinary airline-style seats and rear-passenger bias, becomes the new benchmark in automotive comfort
Bentley also unveils an important new addition to its Flying Spur range, the Flying Spur V8 S. Sitting between the current Flying Spur V8 and the family flagship W12 model, the performance-focused V8 S develops 528 PS and 680 Nm.
Complementing this impressive performance, a new responsive suspension tuning for the Flying Spur V8 S improves handling and body control, while the aluminium double-wishbone front and trapezoidal multi-link rear self-levelling air suspension with continuous damping control ensure that the Flying Spur’s legendary refinement is maintained.
The exterior of the Flying Spur V8 S features dark and sporting revisions. Bentley’s iconic matrix grille is black as standard with an exclusive body-coloured insert which, along with optional dark-tint front lamps and a Beluga gloss rear diffuser, gives the Flying Spur V8 S a dramatic on-road presence.
Inside the cabin, styling is precisely matched to the sportier exterior aesthetic and includes piano-black interior and three-spoke sports steering wheel as standard.
Tuned for power, Bentley’s renowned 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 S engine develops an additional 21 PS, developing 528 PS (521 bhp / 388 kW) compared to its V8 sibling’s 507 PS (500 bhp / 373 kW). A mighty 680 Nm (502 lb.ft) is on offer from 1,700 rpm. This powers the Flying Spur V8 S to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the V8’s already impressive sprint time.
The V8 S has a top speed of 190 mph (306 km/h) with power delivered to the road via all-wheel drive with a 40:60 rear-biased torque split for sure-footed, engaging driving in all road and weather conditions.
