Bentley Mulsanne Speed 2015 driven and tested
Wafting along a seven-mile bridge that arches out of Miami and descends into Key West, Florida there are pale blue waters lapping up against the supports with the Atlantic Ocean to the east of us and the Gulf of Mexico to the west. From behind the infra-red glass and doors that effectively supress ambient noise, it’s only the sleek yet muscular powerboats that have entered for one of the island’s invite-only ocean races that can momentarily shatter the peace. Powerboats are not merely boats here; they’re a symbol for success, speed, exclusivity and relentless pursuit of engineering perfection. Several metres above them there is the Mulsanne Speed – strikingly similar in what virtues it offers. Its bow rising under acceleration from the gradual transfer of weight, leaving behind shockwaves from the 6.75-litre V8 not unlike churned propeller wash…This is every bit luxury powerboat as it confidently glides into Florida’s picturesque coral oasis.
With the enviable accolade of being the fastest ultra-luxury driving experience in the world today, the Mulsanne Speed pays homage to a revered legacy that has its early roots in the Speed Six of 1928. Ahead of its time the Speed Six was Bentley’s most successful racing car and the Mulsanne Speed is about striking that balance of soothing refinement with invigorating performance.
Every iteration of the 6.75-litre V8 twin turbo, a journey that began in the early 1950s, is more powerful and efficient than the one it replaces. After all this is the engine that best defines the brand with a balance of muscular capacity and modern induction. Although its heart has remained close to the original there have been some key improvements; the latest version gaining two turbochargers for improved linear power, variable valve timing and cylinder deactivation. While power has tripled in those fifty five years, one must admit that the engine’s 99 per cent fewer emissions over that same period is an equally groundbreaking achievement. For a more current comparison the Mulsanne Speed has 25ps and 80Nm with a 13 per cent emission improvement over the previous generation engine.
Performance figures echo those of supercars without the unwanted compromise in ride quality or spaciousness. Extracting the ultimate performance from the Mulsanne Speed is wonderfully simple and effortless as a perpetual swell of torque start from idle and rises with every gear, carrying the Mulsanne’s size with eloquence. Teleport to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds in a manner that never feels overtly rushed or experience its surefootedness at speeds of 305km/h. The burly V8 reminds of a traditional V8 charm; organic and trustworthy with the energy to mean turbo lag has completely vanished. Since the Mulsanne Speed appeals to a younger generation, consideration to the car’s engine noise heard from inside the cabin had to be perfectly measured and the result is a rich and vibrant engine note under hard acceleration that quickly mutes once settled at an average highway gait. Honouring the badge, this is a car that rewards the driver and while the default settings offer the best blend of attributes, a wider selection of modes will completely transform it.
Driving the Mulsanne Speed across a vast runway in the Everglades – an airport created at the prospect of supersonic commercial airline travel – one can engage some of the sportier options from ride firmness adjusted through the air suspension to faster responses from the gearbox. Now the Mulsanne Speed takes on a new persona of a commendably agile car, shrinking around the driver and using those enormous tyres and brakes to full effect. Every driver is different which is why in the Mulsanne Speed one can tailor their personal preferences under a custom menu, ensuring that when the road begs to be driven the driver has his preferred feedback instantly.
For the Global Media Event, Bentley had their most eye-catching and flamboyant colours on show and they certainly made a bold statement on the multi-cultural Miami streets. Four new hues sit alongside the existing 120 paint colours and each is applied by hand and to different depths for a perfectly even finish over the car’s entire curvature. Once fine-sanded the fresh coats are hand polished for twelve hours until taking on a mirror shine.
The underlying attention to detail is apparent upon entering the cabin. Once isolated from the outside world the Mulsanne Speed becomes an office on the move or a place to unwind. The interior assembly however does not begin back at the factory but around the world where exotic trees (200 years in age) are harvested – new ones replanted – while veneer experts travel the world to inspect the root burl that has been steamed and sliced finely at 0.6mm thick. In the Speed this combination of walnut, cherry or oak is complimented by optional carbon fibre or black piano panels in the doors. Leather is blemish-free and wonderfully supple because hides are taken from colder climates where there are fewer insects. With 3000 hides entering the factory every week, each one has to be further inspected before being shaped and stitched by hand – a process that can take up to 150 hours. That can only be completed once the owner has selected the individual leather aesthetics from 24 colour hides in six different colour splits to the ten different veneers. It’s a process to savour, with the likelihood of never seeing a Mulsanne Speed customised in the same way adding to the exclusivity.
While cabin aesthetics are enough to differentiate the Mulsanne Speed, one begins to appreciate how easy it is to continue with business while on the road. Electrically-operated tables are suited to tablets and wireless keyboards – the benefit being portable tablets can easily be carried on the move – and the car’s on-board Wi-Fi system means you’re always in contact. Exchange productivity for relaxation by reclining the rear seats, putting on the Bluetooth headphones and watching a film on one of the 8-inch screens. The optional bottle cooler stores champagne and bespoke flutes while another recommendation would be the 20-speaker Naim audio system. If this sounds like your preferred Bentley experience, the Comfort Package includes rear seat headrests with adjustable sleeper wings, foot rest and loose cushions matched to the car’s interior.
The Mulsanne Speed is no mere car. When Bentley’s engineers were tasked with creating a car that had two characters it tested years of tradition, knowledge and resources. No other company has the racing expertise to complement the craftsman back at Crewe’s factory and both fortes are ready to savour, depending where you sit. There is however no loser between being driven or driven in, an elegantly appointed interior lavishes passengers while the unwavering hand-built 6.75-litre V8 twin turbo exceeds one’s understanding of ultra-luxury speed.
