if you are rich enough to be chauffeured around (not by taxi, btw), doesn’t mean it has to be slow. in fact, it should be faster and in “ultra-luxury,” which you can do so in the new Bentley Mulsanne Speed, touted as a ride that will offer you the world’s fastest ultra-luxury experience. under its beefy hood sits a 63⁄4 V8 twin-turbo engine that makes 530 horsepower and turns out a breathtaking peak torque of 1,100 Nm (811 lb-ft) realized from 1,750 rpm. this mighty power plant is mated to a re-calibrated ZF 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifter, launching it from standstill to 62 mph in 4.9 seconds and it only takes another 6.1 seconds before the needle touches 100 mph, and finally topping out at 190 mph.
the real kicker is, the immense power output and performance have not dampened its efficiency a bit; Bentley said the Mulsanne Speed is in fact 13 percent more efficient, extending its range by a good 50 miles. the signifiant torque hike is made possible – thanks to the redesigned combustion system, promoting a much faster and more controlled combustion process, that works alongside the new variable valve timing and optimized turbocharger control. driving experience is further improved with the new ‘S’ mode that keeps the engine speed above 2,000 rpm, keeping the turbochargers lock and ready for instantaneous performance.
other highlights include an extensive re-calibration of the engine management system, all-round air suspension, user customizable driving setting with a broad range of parameters, unique dark tint finish in select parts and areas, hand-finished 21-inch directional style wheel, twin rifled exhaust tailpipes, polished stainless steel Speed badging, four new exterior colors exclusive to Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed, and interior that spells nothing except ultra-luxury. in case you are dying to know, the inside is of a two-tone finish and features new stitch lines, Piano Black veneer, diamond-quilted hide door panels and seats, indented hide headlining, embroidered Bentley emblems on all seats, coined finished interior door handles, knurled sports gear lever, drilled alloy sports foot pedals and a choice of 24 hide colors, in 6 different color splits, and ten veneers.
but those are just creature comfort. there is also technology convenience and enjoyment that comes in the form of a 60GB onboard HDD for your collection of music and movies, electrically-operated tables, recesses and connections for iPads and matching keyboards, onboard WiFi, a 2,200W Naim for Bentley premium audio system, 14-speaker system, rear seat entertainment system comprising of two 8-inch screens and Bluetooth headphones.
