2017 Bentley Mulsanne Mulsanne Review

The luxury car market in Malaysia has always been an arena for top-tier brands, and the Bentley Mulsanne, introduced as the flagship model in 2017, continues to hold a central position in the large luxury sedan segment. The most striking features of this car are not only Bentley's iconic handcrafted craftsmanship but also its well-balanced performance between luxury and power—a 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivering 513 horsepower, while the interior configuration meets the highest standards of comfort. In this review, we will thoroughly analyze this car from static design, dynamic driving to daily practicality to see whether it can still meet the demands of today's high-end consumers.

First, let’s talk about the exterior. The 2017 Mulsanne's design continues Bentley's classic stately style, with an overall profile that is long and sleek. Its 5575mm length and 3266mm wheelbase give it a commanding presence on the road. The front features a large rectangular grille, paired with the Bentley emblem, making it highly recognizable. The two round LED headlights have fine internal structures, and automatic headlights come as standard. The side profile avoids overly complex lines, using just one simple waistline extending from the front fender to the rear to create a layered sense of depth. The 20-inch multi-spoke rims further reinforce the luxurious vibe. At the rear, the design is simple, with oval-shaped LED taillights echoing the design of the front headlights, and dual chrome exhaust tips subtly hinting at its powerful performance. The overall exterior design does not deliberately pursue youthful appearance but instead displays a steady and elegant demeanor, aligning with the positioning of a top-tier luxury sedan.

Stepping inside, the interior craftsmanship of the Mulsanne is a direct reflection of the advantages of handmade customization. The dashboard features extensive use of wooden accents and leather upholstery, providing a delicate touch. The steering wheel is a three-spoke design with integrated multifunction buttons, offering a full and comfortable grip. The central control area is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen, which, although not large by today’s standards, responds smoothly and supports basic functions such as Bluetooth and navigation. The seats are made of top-quality leather, with front seats offering multi-directional electric adjustment, heating, ventilation, and massage functions, ensuring long-distance comfort. The rear cabin is a standout feature of the Mulsanne, with two independent seats equipped with leg rests and electric adjustment functions. The central armrest conceals storage compartments and a control panel, allowing rear passengers to adjust air conditioning temperature and seat angles independently. In terms of space, the wheelbase of over 3 meters provides a clear advantage, with rear legroom exceeding two handspans. Passengers up to 180 cm in height can easily cross their legs. The 560L trunk capacity is sufficient to accommodate 2-3 suitcases, making its practicality above average among large luxury sedans.

Starting up the vehicle, the 6.8T V8 engine emits a deep and refined sound. The official 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time is 5.1 seconds. During actual driving, the power output is smooth at startup, and stomping on the accelerator unleashes the maximum torque at 3250 rpm, delivering an immediate and strong push-back sensation. Overtaking requires almost no hesitation. The 8AT transmission has clear shift logic with seamless gear changes. The steering system is tuned to feel stable, with minimal play, providing a slightly heavier hand at low speeds but offering sufficient confidence during high-speed driving. The chassis uses air suspension, supporting multiple mode adjustments. In standard mode, it absorbs most road bumps; going over speed bumps produces almost no noticeable jolt. In sport mode, the suspension stiffens, effectively controlling body roll and maintaining a stable posture during turns. As for fuel consumption, the official combined consumption is 15L/100km, with actual city driving ranging between 18-20L, while highway driving can reduce it to around 12L, which is in line with expectations for a large displacement luxury car. Noise control is excellent; at 120 km/h, wind and tire noise are nearly inaudible inside the cabin. The engine noise is also well-isolated, with only a slight trace entering during hard acceleration, without affecting overall comfort.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne lie in its handcrafted luxurious interior, spacious rear seating, and powerful performance. Compared to other models in the same class, such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the Mulsanne's price (RM 1,244,800) offers better value for money, and its performance is superior. In contrast to the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the Mulsanne surpasses in brand character and handcrafted customization. This car is suitable for two types of users: firstly, business owners needing a vehicle for corporate receptions, as the independent rear seats and luxurious ambiance satisfy high-end business needs; secondly, individual users pursuing personalized luxury, as the handcrafted interior and large-displacement engine provide an exclusivity that ordinary luxury cars cannot replicate.

In conclusion, although the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne has been on the market for a few years, it remains at the top level in luxury, performance, and space, making it a full-size luxury sedan that balances prestige and practicality. If you are not looking for the latest tech features but instead value the texture and aura of a traditional luxury car, the Mulsanne is still a worthy choice.