A More Aggressive Front Design

Bentley's first SUV,BentaygaBentley is expanding its sales with the launch of the "Bentayga," its first-ever SUV. It's no exaggeration to say they've entered a new domain. Who would have imagined a tall Bentley just a few years ago?

Perhaps riding this momentum, the "Mulsanne" has now evolved. Bentley's flagship model has arrived with a significantly transformed image.

However, as this is not a full model change, the powertrain hasn't undergone major modifications. The familiar 6.75-liter V8 twin-turbo remains, delivering over 500 hp. The standard model boasts 512 hp, and the Speed version 537 hp. Top speeds reach 296 km/h and 305 km/h, respectively – figures worthy of a supercar. This time, only the programming of the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission has been updated.

Mulsanne

So, what has changed? First, the front design. What was once a somewhat elegant face has become decidedly more aggressive. The new vertical grille, 80mm wider on each side and making its Mulsanne debut, along with the headlights, which are said to replicate the sparkle of diamonds with LEDs, create a distinct atmosphere.

However, one must not overlook the matrix grille hidden behind these vertical bars. This is where the racing spirit is expressed. The smaller lights on either side are daytime running lights, and the body-colored circular elements in the center cleverly pop out to act as headlight washers. The bumper has also changed significantly, with its lower section connecting to the grille's shape. Impressively, the details are varied depending on the grade.

An Evolved Interface That Amazes

The venue for the international press event was Innsbruck, Austria. Some may recall it as a ski resort that hosted the Winter Olympics. The route took us across the German border and near Munich before turning back. The test cars were the standard Signature model and the high-performance "Speed" version.

What truly surprised me upon experiencing the car was the evolution of the interface. What was once slightly sluggish has been rectified. It features an intuitively operable 8-inch touchscreen monitor and a tablet-style device for rear passengers. This 10.2-inch tablet appears to offer a wide range of applications.

Mulsanne Speed

Also noteworthy are the added electronic driving aids. These include adaptive headlights that adjust their beam based on surrounding conditions, blind-spot warning, and advanced cruise control. While these are now standard on rival vehicles and not entirely novel, they are certainly convenient. Features that became standard on the Bentayga are now being adopted here.

In terms of driving impression, the Speed, the high-performance model, leaves a strong impression, making the Mulsanne feel sportier overall. This is because the air suspension settings are sportier than before; even in Comfort mode, it doesn't offer the same plushness as before. Of course, it's not overly stiff, and you don't feel bumps jarring your backside. That's the magic, and a testament to Bentley's long-standing expertise.

The "B" Mode: Taking the Best of Both Worlds

The "B" mode for the air suspension is also a crucial point. This setting, representing Bentley's recommended ride comfort, automatically switches between Sport and Comfort. In essence, it offers the best of both worlds. While "Sport" is suitable for solo drives on winding roads, this mode is recommended when carrying passengers. After trying various settings during this test drive, this was my conclusion.

Wheel sizes are 20 inches for the Signature model and 21 inches for others. Each design is exclusive. Naturally, these larger diameters do not directly alter the ride quality. As mentioned, Bentley's suspension tuning is exquisite.

Mulsanne Speed

While this covers my impressions, the Extended Wheelbase version (not planned for introduction in Japan), used for chauffeured transfers from the airport to the hotel, also left a lasting impression. This was due to the champagne cooler equipped on the bulkhead side of the rear console, complete with glasses. Such amenities are befitting of a Bentley, naturally evoking the phrase "First Class on Wheels." Truly remarkable.