Bentley Mulsanne 2018 Review

As a core player in the Southeast Asian luxury car market, Bentley has always occupied the top-tier sedan segment with its positioning as a "mobile palace." The 2018 Mulsanne Speed, as the performance-enhanced version of the brand's flagship sedan, is both a culmination of the family design language and offers stronger performance with its 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In this test drive, we focus on whether its luxurious practicality and power tuning align with Malaysian users' demand for "understated luxury + balanced driving and riding," to determine whether this RM 1,336,800 model is worth the price.

In terms of appearance, the Mulsanne Speed continues the classic square outline of the brand, showcasing a calm overall style with subtle hints of sportiness in the details. The front features the brand's signature mesh grille, with thicker chrome accents surrounding it, complemented by smoked LED headlights on both sides, offering high recognizability. The side profile presents straight lines, with 21-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels (as equipped on the test car) exuding a more dynamic feel compared to the standard version. The muscularity around the wheel arches is not exaggerated but still feels powerful. At the rear, the quad exhaust with chrome-plated tips is a hallmark of the Speed version. The taillight assembly uses circular LED lights, which, when illuminated, echo the design of the front, maintaining the majesty of a luxury car while reflecting its performance-oriented identity through subtle design differences.

Entering the cabin, the first impression is the sense of material robustness — the dashboard and door panel interiors are covered in large areas of genuine leather with a fine texture. Matte-finished wooden trim avoids an overly polished look and pairs well with the metallic air conditioning knobs and buttons, creating an overall ambiance that leans toward traditional British luxury. The central infotainment screen measures 10 inches and is touch-enabled, featuring a minimalist interface that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto (adapted for the Malaysian market). Its operational smoothness meets current mainstream standards, though the menu structure is somewhat complex and might require an initial adjustment period. The seats are a highlight. The front seats support 16-way electric adjustment with three memory settings, offering extensive lumbar support and leg rest adjustments that make long drives less tiring. The rear seats prioritize comfort and are equipped with independent climate control, seat heating/ventilation, and a central armrest that houses a storage compartment and USB ports. However, the lack of a rear entertainment system is a notable omission compared to competitors in the same segment.

In terms of space, the car measures 5575mm×1926mm×1526mm, with a wheelbase of 3266mm. Rear legroom exceeds two fists, and headroom is about a fist and two fingers, ensuring comfortable seating even for passengers up to 185cm tall. Storage capability is average, with a relatively spacious front central armrest box large enough to hold three 500ml water bottles. The door storage pockets are deep enough to accommodate long-handle umbrellas. The trunk offers a standard volume of 480 liters. While not particularly large, its well-structured opening makes it easy to store two 28-inch suitcases along with a carry-on, meeting the needs for business or short family trips.

As for performance, the 6.8-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine delivers impressive numbers — 537PS maximum horsepower and peak torque of 1100N·m, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. In everyday driving under the "Comfort" mode, throttle response is smooth, and acceleration is steady, without abrupt bursts of power even when you step harder on the accelerator. Instead, power is delivered linearly, in alignment with the tuning philosophy of a luxury car. Switching to "Sport" mode accelerates downshifts noticeably, and throttle sensitivity increases. Its 0-100km/h acceleration time of 4.9 seconds is remarkable for its 2.6-ton weight. During overtaking, a slight press of the throttle suffices, showcasing abundant power reserves. At high speeds, engine RPMs maintain around 1800rpm, and the gear shifts remain smooth, with almost no perceptible jerking.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a relatively heavy feel, with less play compared to typical luxury cars and precise directional feedback. The suspension system adopts air springs and adaptive damping; in Comfort mode, it effectively absorbs most speed bumps and potholes in the city center of Kuala Lumpur, with minimal body roll. In Sport mode, the suspension becomes stiffer, offering better-than-expected body roll control when cornering. Even when passing a roundabout at 80km/h, the body posture remains stable. However, being a large luxury car, the inertia from its weight is noticeable during quick lane changes, resulting in a lower handling limit. Nonetheless, its stability during everyday driving is sufficient to inspire confidence.

As for fuel consumption, the official combined fuel efficiency is 15.9L/100km. In actual tests, fuel consumption in congested urban areas (such as Jalan Ampang in Kuala Lumpur) is about 18-20L/100km, while highway cruising at 110km/h consumes around 12-13L/100km. This performance is in line with that of a large-displacement turbocharged engine, and fuel consumption is likely not a key concern for the target audience. Noise control is excellent, with wind and tire noise well suppressed at 120km/h on the highway. Only a faint engine sound enters the cabin, which does not affect in-car conversations or music listening.

In summary, the 2018 Mulsanne Speed’s core highlight lies in its "balance between luxury and power"—it offers the material quality and spatial practicality of a traditional luxury car while meeting occasional driving desires with its Speed version tuning. Compared to its competitors in the same class (such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost), it is about 20% cheaper, with little compromise in luxury features and performance, making it a standout for value. However, the lack of a rear entertainment system and the slow update speed of its in-car system are shortcomings. This car is suitable for two types of Malaysian users: first, business professionals who value a "low-key luxury" vehicle that serves as both a client-friendly vehicle and a car to drive; and second, family users seeking a "balance between driving and riding." The 3266mm wheelbase provides ample rear space for family trips.

Overall, the Mulsanne Speed is not a vehicle that pursues extreme sportiness, but a "versatile luxury GT." Its luxury is understated, its performance adequate but not aggressive, offering comfort for daily driving and the capability to handle occasional spirited driving. For those who dislike ostentatious designs and prioritize inner quality, this car is worth considering.