Bentley Mulsanne 2011 Review

As the demand for exquisite craftsmanship and customization in the luxury sedan market heats up, the ultra-luxury D-segment car market has always been a stage for brands to showcase their technical prowess and historical heritage. The 2011 Bentley Mulsanne, positioned as Bentley's return to a classic long-wheelbase flagship, stands out with its handcrafted luxurious interior, a 6.75-liter V8 engine delivering effortless power, and a rear-seat experience far superior to its peers. This review will comprehensively analyze whether this car meets the expectations of top-tier consumers for a "British flagship," from static design and dynamic performance to real-life usage scenarios.

In terms of exterior design, the 2011 Mulsanne retains Bentley's iconic understated style, but its lines are sleeker than its predecessor. The front face features a classic rectangular grille with densely packed vertical chrome bars inside, flanked by round LED headlights. Below the headlights are slim LED daytime running lights, offering high recognition. The car's side profile forgoes complicated waistlines in favor of a straight shoulder line extending from the headlights to the rear, complemented by 20-inch multi-spoke chrome wheels, enhancing the aura of a flagship vehicle. The rear design is simple, with rectangular taillights echoing the front face. The taillight interior uses ring-shaped LED sources that light up brightly and distinctly. The central "B" emblem on the trunk lid is a classic Bentley element, and the dual oval chrome exhaust tips subtly hint at its performance capability. The overall exterior avoids overly flamboyant design, with every detail serving the positioning of "dignified elegance."

Opening the car door, you are greeted by an overwhelming sense of luxury. The dashboard is adorned with large swathes of walnut trim, featuring clear wood grains and a polished finish that feels exquisite to the touch. The instrument cluster uses traditional mechanical gauges complemented by a monochrome LCD screen in the center, maintaining a retro aesthetic while also offering practicality. The leather-wrapped steering wheel provides a comfortable grip, with multimedia controls and cruise control buttons on both sides for easy operation. The seats are made of premium leather, being soft yet supportive. The front seats come with electric adjustment, heating, and ventilation functions, while the rear seats also include a massage function, fully upholding the flagship vehicle positioning. The center of the dashboard is equipped with an 8-inch touchscreen display supporting Bluetooth connectivity and navigation; however, its interface is relatively simple, lacking an abundance of complex functions – perhaps a deliberate choice by Bentley to maintain the purity of the interior.

In terms of space, the 2011 Mulsanne has physical dimensions of 5575mm×1926mm×1521mm, with a wheelbase of 3266mm, offering extremely spacious rear seat accommodations. A passenger standing 180cm tall sitting in the rear will have more than two fists' worth of legroom and around one fist of headroom, ensuring no sense of confinement. Regarding storage capabilities, the front central armrest compartment is spacious enough to hold items like mobile phones and wallets. The door storage pockets can also accommodate bottled water and umbrellas. The trunk has a capacity of 480 liters, which, although not particularly large, is sufficient for everyday use or short trips. Its wide opening makes it convenient for loading and unloading luggage. The rear row is also equipped with an independent air conditioning system and power outlets, further enhancing rear passenger comfort.

The powertrain is one of the core highlights of the 2011 Mulsanne. It is equipped with a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, delivering a maximum power of 512 horsepower and a peak torque of 1020 Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. During daily driving, the engine's power delivery is very smooth, and the throttle response is not overly sensitive even at low speeds, ensuring passenger comfort. When switched to Sport mode, power response becomes significantly quicker, and pressing the accelerator deeply instantly delivers a thrusting sensation, achieving a 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 5.3 seconds — quite an impressive result for a large sedan weighing 2.7 tons. When cruising at high speed, the engine speed remains at around 1500 rpm, and virtually no engine noise can be heard inside the cabin, while the gear shifts are exceptionally smooth with almost no jerkiness.

In terms of handling, the Mulsanne performs beyond expectations. The steering wheel is precise, with minimal play, and despite its large body size, the car remains quite agile during turns. The chassis is equipped with an air suspension system that supports height and stiffness adjustments. When set to Comfort mode during daily driving, the suspension effectively absorbs road bumps, ensuring that passengers inside the car feel minimal vibration even when passing over speed bumps or uneven roads. In Sport mode, the suspension becomes firmer, significantly reducing body roll and enhancing stability during cornering. The braking system also delivers excellent performance, with a moderate pedal travel and linear braking force. In emergency braking situations, the vehicle maintains a stable posture without noticeable nosedive phenomena.

In terms of fuel consumption, as a large-displacement luxury sedan, the Mulsanne's fuel economy is understandably not low. According to actual tests, fuel consumption on urban roads is around 18-20L/100km; during highway cruising, it can drop to about 12-13L/100km, with a combined fuel consumption of roughly 15L/100km. While this level of fuel consumption may not be the primary concern for the target audience, it is still a factor to consider in terms of daily running costs.

When it comes to ride comfort, the Mulsanne's performance is exemplary. The vehicle incorporates a large amount of soundproofing material, excellently controlling wind noise and tire noise during high-speed driving, thus providing exceptional cabin quietness. The seats offer outstanding comfort, ensuring that both front and rear passengers will not feel fatigued even during long hours of travel. Worth mentioning is that the rear seats feature multiple massage modes, effectively alleviating fatigue from extended journeys.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne lie in its luxurious handcrafted interior, powerful yet smooth powertrain, and exceptional ride comfort. Compared to competitors in the same class, such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the Mulsanne is relatively more affordable (though still pricey) while offering slight advantages in power performance and handling. On the other hand, compared to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach, the Mulsanne's handcrafted craftsmanship and brand heritage provide more appeal. This car is ideal for successful individuals who prioritize quality and seek a balance of comfort and performance. Whether for business receptions or family use, it admirably fulfills its purpose.

In conclusion, the 2011 Bentley Mulsanne is a flagship luxury sedan that is "well-rounded" in every aspect. Without an overly flamboyant design, it exudes understated luxury in every detail. It may not be aggressively tuned for handling, but it is capable of delivering robust power when needed. If you are looking for a top-tier luxury car that satisfies both business needs and a comfortable driving experience, the Mulsanne is definitely worth considering.