The Mulsanne, flagship of the Bentley marque, will be retired with the all-new Flying Spur taking its place as the pinnacle of the range of British luxury cars. With the Flying Spur to receive a hybrid powertrain by 2023, the move symbolises Bentley’s commitment to change and its journey to define the future of sustainable luxury mobility.
In fact, the company had already taken its first step on the road towards electrification with the launch of the Bentayga Hybrid – the luxury SUV sector’s first, true plug-in hybrid and the most efficient Bentley ever.
As a farewell, Bentley will produce the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner in just 30 examples, each one very exclusive. The car is inspired by – and takes its name from – the legendary 6¾-litre engine, which this year celebrates its 60th year in continuous production.
“The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in maintaining Bentley’s position as global leader of the luxury limousine segment. The flagship of our model range, its longevity is a testament to our ongoing commitment to hand-building the finest motor cars in the world. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition is the culmination of that achievement,” said Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing & Aftersales at Bentley Motors.
The truly unique Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner celebrates one of the most iconic cars in Bentley’s illustrious history, and will be based on the existing 530 bhp, 1,100 Nm Mulsanne Speed. Subtle references to the 6¾-litre V8 are evident across the car:
The interior ‘organ stop’ ventilation controls are replaced by designs capped by miniature versions of the engine oil cap. A unique 6.75 Edition motif is stitched into the seats and recreated in chrome badging for the exterior and the engine bay. The same logo will be projected by the LED Welcome Lamps. The faces of the clock and minor gauges will feature schematic cutaway drawings of the engine itself.
On the exterior of the car, gloss black brightware will accentuate the individual customer’s choice of paintwork, but with headlamps and tail lamps wrapped in bright chrome. Dark tint treatments to the Flying B bonnet mascot, Mulliner Serenity radiator grille and exhaust finishers bring definition to the front of the car, while the 21-inch 5-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheel will feature a unique bright-machined finish with gloss black pockets.
Under the bonnet, the engine intake manifold will be finished in black in lieu of the traditional silver, and the Engine Number Plaque – traditionally signed by the craftsman that built the engine – will be signed by Bentley’s Chairman & Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark.
Many unique features are offered, eg 4 single-tone hides and a centre console stack, together with the rear cabin console, finished in silver-painted veneer. A unique metal commemorative plaque is fitted to the front console and fascias and waistrails will be finished in high-gloss Grand Black, with the latter also featuring inserts in Dark Engine Spin Aluminium.
When it first appeared in 1980, the Mulsanne set the benchmark in the luxury sector. Its powerful V8 engine was first used in the 1959 Bentley S2 and although it has been redesigned many times over the decades, the basic principles and dimensions that have defined the engine for 6 decades remain the same.
