2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase Review

In recent years, competition in the luxury sedan market has gradually focused on long-wheelbase versions, as consumer demand for rear-seat space continues to grow, particularly among user groups prioritizing business needs and riding comfort. The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is a flagship model in this niche market. It not only continues the luxurious essence of the Mulsanne series but also enhances rear-seat comfort through its extended wheelbase design. As a representative of top-tier luxury sedans, the core purpose of our test drive this time is to verify whether its static quality and dynamic performance align with its million-level price positioning.

From the exterior, the 2017 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase retains Bentley's classic dignified style. The body length reaches 5575mm, with a wheelbase of 3516mm, extended by 250mm compared to the standard version. The side profile is sleek and flowing, without looking disproportionate due to the extension. The front features Bentley's signature vertical chrome grille, paired with round LED headlight groups, giving it a highly recognizable look; the "Flying B" emblem on the hood automatically rises when the car is unlocked, adding a ceremonial touch. The rear design is simple and elegant, with quad circular tail lights echoing the front design, while the dual exhausts with chrome accents subtly emphasize its power performance. The body paint adopts a multi-layer spraying process, resulting in a fine texture under sunlight, in line with the standards of an ultra-luxury car.

Stepping inside, the luxurious atmosphere is instantly palpable. The cabin primarily features extensive leather-wrapped surfaces and genuine wood trim, with all touchpoints boasting soft materials and meticulous craftsmanship. The center console is symmetrically arranged and tidy, with an 8-inch touchscreen on top, which, while not particularly large, operates smoothly and supports basic functions such as Bluetooth and navigation. Notably, the rear seat is the core area of this model: the extended wheelbase provides over 1 meter of legroom, allowing passengers to easily stretch their legs. The rear is equipped with independent executive seats, offering multi-directional electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The seat cushioning is soft yet adequately supportive. The center armrest in the rear integrates control panels for adjusting air conditioning temperature, seat angles, and even rear sunshades. Additionally, it features separate air vents and USB charging ports. Regarding storage, the front center armrest box is spacious, door pockets can accommodate daily items, and the 506L trunk capacity meets the luggage requirements for business trips.

In terms of performance, the 2017 Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is equipped with a 6.8L twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a maximum power of 513PS and a peak torque of 1020N·m, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. During actual driving, power delivery is smooth at startup without abrupt acceleration sensations, but when the accelerator is pressed down deeply, the massive body can quickly accelerate, with an official 0-100km/h time of just 5.1 seconds. The power reserve is ample during highway overtakes. The transmission's shifting logic is clear, with seamless gear changes that are nearly imperceptible. The driving modes include Comfort, Sport, and Custom. In Comfort mode, throttle response is more subdued, suitable for daily cruising; in Sport mode, the throttle becomes more responsive, shift timing is delayed, and power delivery feels more direct.

In terms of handling, despite a body weight exceeding 2.6 tons, the steering wheel is precise with minimal play. The steering is light at low speeds and becomes more weighted at high speeds, making it not cumbersome to drive. The chassis adopts an air suspension system that effectively absorbs road bumps in Comfort mode, ensuring that passengers almost don't feel vibrations, even when passing through speed bumps or uneven roads. In Sport mode, the suspension stiffens, reducing body roll, but it still leans towards a comfort-oriented setup overall. The braking system performs stably, with linear pedal feedback, maintaining a good body posture during emergency braking. Regarding fuel consumption, the combined city drive consumes about 18L/100km, while highway conditions consume about 12L/100km, aligned with expectations for a large-displacement luxury car.

In terms of driving and riding comfort, the interior sound insulation is excellent. At a speed of 120km/h, wind and tire noise are kept at a low level, and only slight engine noise can be heard. The front seats also support multi-directional adjustment and heating/ventilation functions, ensuring fatigue-free long drives. It is worth mentioning that the rear seats have massage functions with multiple modes available, effectively alleviating fatigue during long-distance journeys.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase lies in its top-notch rear-seat luxury experience and stable power performance. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, it offers a price advantage (at the time, the starting price of the Ghost exceeded 2 million Malaysian Ringgit) while retaining the luxurious essence of the Bentley brand. This car is suitable for two types of customers: firstly, corporate clients needing a vehicle for business receptions, as the rear executive seats meet the seating demands of high-end clients; and secondly, private owners who value a comfortable ride, especially those who enjoy driving themselves but also prioritize rear-seat comfort.

In summary, the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase is a top-level luxury sedan that strikes a good balance between luxury, comfort, and performance. It does not overly pursue a sense of technology but adheres to the texture and sense of ceremony of traditional luxury cars. It is an excellent choice among million-level luxury sedans, with a focus on rear-seat experience.