Autofocus: Bentley Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner
Bentley has officially introduced the final edition of its esteemed Mulsanne, the epitome of luxury limousines. Limited to a mere 30 exclusive units, the 2020 Bentley Mulsanne Mulliner 6.7 Edition serves as a fitting farewell to a masterpiece in British automotive engineering and craftsmanship. This exceptional vehicle draws inspiration from, and pays homage to, the iconic 6¾-litre engine, which marks its 60th year of continuous production this year.
Once the production of the thirty 6.75 Edition cars concludes, the Mulsanne will exit the stage, paving the way for the all-new Bentley Flying Spur to assume the mantle as Bentley’s flagship model. Positioned as the pinnacle in Bentley’s opulent lineup, the Flying Spur is set to embrace a hybrid powertrain by 2023. This strategic shift reflects Bentley’s steadfast commitment to change and its journey to shape the future of sustainable luxury mobility.
Having already embarked on the path towards electrification with the launch of the Bentayga Hybrid, the pioneering luxury SUV featuring the sector’s first true plug-in hybrid technology, Bentley solidifies its position as the world’s most coveted luxury car brand. This move towards electrification signifies Bentley’s dedication to ushering in a new era of sustainable luxury and efficiency.
Chris Craft, Member of the Board, Sales, Marketing, and Aftersales at Bentley Motors, reflects on the legacy of the Mulsanne and the introduction of the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner:
“The Mulsanne has played a pivotal role in upholding Bentley’s global leadership in the luxury limousine segment, serving as the flagship of our model range. Its enduring presence is a testament to our unwavering commitment to meticulously handcrafting the world’s finest motor cars. The new Mulsanne 6.75 Edition stands as the pinnacle of this achievement.
While the production of the Mulsanne is set to conclude in Spring 2020, this decision aligns with a period of substantial customer demand for our other existing model lines. In light of this, we will be redeploying our skilled manufacturing colleagues currently dedicated to the Mulsanne to other areas of our business.”
The Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner, a truly distinctive model, pays homage to one of Bentley’s most iconic cars. Based on the powerful 530 bhp, 1100 Nm Mulsanne Speed, renowned as the most driver-focused ultra-luxury sedan ever crafted, this edition incorporates subtle nods to the revered 6¾-litre V8 engine:
- The interior ‘organ stop’ ventilation controls are replaced with designs featuring miniature versions of the engine oil cap.
- A unique 6.75 Edition motif is intricately stitched into the seats and replicated in chrome badging for the exterior and engine bay, with the same logo projected by LED Welcome Lamps.
- The clock and minor gauges showcase schematic cutaway drawings of the engine, adding a distinctive touch.
Externally, gloss black brightware complements the customer’s chosen paintwork, with headlamps and tail lamps encased in bright chrome. Dark tint treatments to the Flying B bonnet mascot, Mulliner Serenity radiator grille, and exhaust finishers define the front. The 21” five-spoke Mulsanne Speed wheel boasts a unique bright-machined finish with gloss black pockets.
Under the hood, the engine intake manifold is finished in black, departing from the traditional silver, and the Engine Number Plaque, traditionally signed by the craftsman, will now bear the signature of Bentley’s Chairman and Chief Executive, Adrian Hallmark.
Inside, the cabin boasts four single-tone hides – Imperial Blue, Beluga, Fireglow, and Newmarket Tan – with a bespoke color split featuring Silver accents. Various elements, such as seat piping, accent hide around the center console, deep pile overmat bindings, and perforated hide on the seats and door inserts, showcase the accent color. The center console stack and rear cabin console are finished in silver-painted veneer, adorned with a unique metal commemorative plaque on the front console. Fascias and waistrails feature a high-gloss Grand Black finish, with inserts in Dark Engine Spin Aluminium.
The Bentley Mulsanne, an iconic four-door saloon, first graced the luxury sector in 1980. Designed, engineered, and hand-built in Crewe, England, the Mulsanne’s 6¾-litre engine holds the distinction of being the world’s longest-serving V8 of its kind in continuous production. Initially employed in the 1959 Bentley S2, the powerful engine, while undergoing redesigns over the decades, maintains the same fundamental principles and dimensions that have defined it for six decades.