A former British Touring Car support racer, Nick is the founder of ChooseMyCar and brings years of industry insight to the world of cars and car buying.
Overall Rating
4.6/5
Based on expert evaluation and real-world testing
Performance
4.5
Comfort & Interior
4.8
Running Costs
3.2
Practicality
4
Expert Review
Our ratings are based on thorough testing and expert evaluation. We consider all aspects of the vehicle, from performance to value for money, ensuring you get a transparent and reliable assessment.
Overview
Thinking about a luxury saloon that defines automotive excellence? The Bentley Mulsanne might be exactly what you’re looking for. This flagship luxury saloon represents the pinnacle of British craftsmanship, offering an unparalleled combination of handbuilt quality, effortless performance, and timeless elegance. It’s the car for those who want the ultimate expression of luxury motoring without compromise.
From the moment you see it, the Mulsanne commands respect. Its imposing presence and classic Bentley design language create an aura of success and sophistication that rivals like the Rolls-Royce Phantom or Mercedes S-Class simply cannot match. But the real magic happens when you experience the interior. Every surface is crafted from the finest materials, with hand-stitched leather and real wood veneers creating an atmosphere more akin to a luxury yacht than a motor car.
Driving the Mulsanne is a truly special experience. The mighty twin-turbo V8 engine delivers tremendous power while maintaining the refined, whisper-quiet demeanour expected of a Bentley. It glides effortlessly along motorways and handles city streets with surprising agility for such a substantial vehicle. While it commands a premium price reflecting its exclusive nature, you’re investing in automotive artistry that represents the very best of British luxury manufacturing.
What's the Bentley Mulsanne Like to Drive?
The Bentley Mulsanne is powered by a magnificent 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing around 505 horsepower in standard form, with the Speed variant delivering 530 horsepower. This translates to a 0-60 mph time of approximately 5.1 seconds, which is remarkable for a car weighing over 2.6 tonnes. The engine’s character is all about effortless power delivery, providing massive torque reserves that make overtaking feel almost telepathic.
Where the Mulsanne truly excels is in its refined driving dynamics. The air suspension system adapts constantly to road conditions, ensuring passengers enjoy a magic carpet ride regardless of surface quality. The steering is precise yet light at parking speeds, gaining weight and feedback as speeds increase. This creates a driving experience that’s both commanding and comfortable, perfectly suited to covering long distances in supreme comfort while maintaining the capability to tackle winding country roads with confidence and composure.
Key Features
Essential specifications and features
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Engine
6.75L Twin-Turbo V8
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Power Output
505 - 530 bhp
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0-60 mph
5.1 seconds
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MPG Combined
15 - 18 mpg
- Boot Space
- 443 litres
- Safety Rating
- (Euro NCAP)
Inside the Bentley Mulsanne: Comfort & Features
Step inside the Mulsanne and you enter a world of unparalleled luxury craftsmanship. The cabin is a masterpiece of traditional coach-building techniques, featuring hand-stitched leather upholstery available in countless colour combinations. Real wood veneers are book-matched and hand-polished to create flowing grain patterns across the dashboard and door panels. Every switch and control feels substantial and operates with mechanical precision that speaks to the car’s handbuilt heritage.
The front seats offer exceptional support and multiple adjustment options, including massage functions and climate control. Rear passengers enjoy limousine-like space and comfort, with individual climate zones and entertainment systems. The cabin remains remarkably quiet at all speeds, thanks to extensive sound deadening and triple-sealed doors. Technology includes a premium infotainment system and premium audio, though the focus remains firmly on traditional luxury rather than cutting-edge digital features that define the Mulsanne experience.
The Bentley Mulsanne stands as one of the finest luxury saloons ever created, representing automotive craftsmanship at its absolute peak. It successfully delivers an experience that combines traditional British luxury with modern performance and reliability. The handbuilt interior quality and attention to detail are simply unmatched, creating an ownership experience that feels truly special every time you use it. The main considerations are the substantial running costs and the car’s impressive size, which requires confidence in urban environments. However, these are small compromises when viewed against the Mulsanne’s exceptional qualities. For those who can appreciate and afford the finest automotive luxury, the Mulsanne offers an ownership experience that few cars can match, making it an easy recommendation for discerning luxury car enthusiasts.
How Much Does It Cost to Run a Bentley Mulsanne?
Owning a Bentley Mulsanne represents a significant financial commitment that extends well beyond the purchase price. The twin-turbo V8 engine delivers real-world fuel economy of around 15-18 mpg, meaning fuel costs will be substantial for regular users. Insurance premiums sit in the highest groups, reflecting both the car’s value and powerful performance capabilities.
The initial purchase price positions the Mulsanne firmly in ultra-luxury territory, with used examples starting around £80,000 for older models. Maintenance costs are correspondingly high, with annual services requiring specialist knowledge and genuine Bentley parts. However, the car’s exceptional build quality and robust engineering mean reliability is generally excellent when properly maintained. For those seeking flexible ownership options, car finance packages can make this exclusive vehicle more accessible while spreading the investment over manageable monthly payments.
How Does It Compare?
Compare key features and specifications
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bentley mulsanne
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Rolls-Royce Phantom
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Mercedes Maybach S-Class
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| Starting Price | £180,000 | £200,000 | £140,000 |
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Performance
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| Engine | 6.75L V8 Twin-Turbo | 6.75L V12 Twin-Turbo | 4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo |
| Power | 505 bhp | 563 bhp | 496 bhp |
| 0-60 mph | 5.1 seconds | 5.3 seconds | 4.8 seconds |
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Running Costs
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| MPG Combined | 17 mpg | 16 mpg | 25 mpg |
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Practicality
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| Boot Space | 443 litres | 460 litres | 395 litres |
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Standard Features
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| Key Features | Handcrafted interior, Traditional luxury, V8 character | Ultimate refinement, Bespoke options, Starlight headliner | Modern technology, Efficient performance, Advanced safety |
Is the Bentley Mulsanne Practical for Everyday Use?
Despite its luxury focus, the Bentley Mulsanne offers surprising practicality for everyday use. The 443-litre boot provides ample space for luggage on extended journeys, easily accommodating several large suitcases. The rear seats fold to expand cargo capacity when needed, though most owners will prefer to maintain the cabin’s pristine condition. Interior storage includes well-placed compartments for personal items without compromising the interior’s elegant aesthetics.
The Mulsanne’s substantial dimensions mean it requires confident handling in tight spaces, though parking sensors and cameras assist with manoeuvring. For business executives or those who appreciate the finest automotive craftsmanship, it provides an ideal combination of prestige and comfort. Its presence makes it suitable for important occasions while remaining refined enough for daily use, particularly when compared to other luxury saloons in this exclusive market segment.
“Owning a Mulsanne has been an absolute privilege. The craftsmanship is extraordinary and every journey feels like a special occasion. The V8 engine sounds magnificent yet remains incredibly smooth. It’s expensive to run but the quality justifies every penny.” by James Montgomery
The Bentley Mulsanne represents the ultimate expression of British luxury car manufacturing, combining traditional craftsmanship with modern engineering excellence. It packages unmatched interior quality, impressive performance, and timeless elegance into a vehicle that defines automotive luxury. While running costs are significant, the Mulsanne delivers an ownership experience that transcends mere transportation.
You choose the Mulsanne because you appreciate the finest things in life and want a car that reflects your success and taste. Its handcrafted interior, powerful V8 engine, and commanding presence make every journey memorable. For those seeking the pinnacle of luxury motoring, the Bentley Mulsanne remains uncompromising, especially with used Bentley cars offering excellent value in today’s market.