The Mulsanne Speed may have fallen victim to changing buyer tastes, but for the traditionalists who remain - and want a classic big Bentley sedan - there is nothing quite like it. A fettled 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 engine provides 530 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque to propel this mobile lounge to 60 mph in only 4.8 seconds. An eight-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission choice and sends power to the rear wheels.
The Speed gets darkened exterior trim to set it apart from the regular Mulsanne, while other features extend to 21-inch alloy wheels, rifled exhaust tailpipes, LED headlamps and taillights, and a vast array of exterior color choices, including a duo-tone option. The interior is a relaxing and indulgent oasis of wood/metal finishes, diamond-quilted hide, and Speed-specific highlights like alloy sports foot pedals. Four-zone climate control, power-adjustable seats, and a 14-speaker sound system are equipped as standard.
Very few - if any - Mulsanne Speeds will ever be delivered without owners spending a fair amount of time (and plenty of money) adding to the base specification. Bentley is more than happy to oblige with an array of enticing add-ons.
The Comfort Specification (priced at over $5,000 last year) adds on ventilated/massaging seats, two loose cushions, and even footrests for the rear passengers. At $21,375, the Entertainment Specification replaces the standard audio system with a Naim for Bentley sound system, while also adding veneered picnic tables and two deployable 10.4-inch screens to the back. At over $7,000, the Speed Premier Specification includes two umbrellas, 21-inch Mulsanne Speed wheels in a dark tint or polished finish, and the Flying 'B' radiator mascot.
A raft of standalone features are available, too, from a refrigerated bottle cooler (yours for over $10,000) to adaptive cruise control, veneered door panels, ventilated front and rear seats, and Black or Ivory rear cabin curtains.