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Bentley Mulsanne: the luxurious flagship, engine and what to know when buying used
Bentley Mulsanne — the luxurious flagship sedan, produced from 2010 to 2020 and becoming the marque's representative car. In this article, we look at its versions, legendary engine and what you need to know before buying a used Mulsanne.
Mulsanne in brief
Mulsanne — a large, hand-built four-door sedan with a cabin trimmed in natural leather, wood and metal. It's designed for both driving yourself and being chauffeured, especially in the long-wheelbase version.
This isn't your average used car: even when worn, it remains expensive and demands specialist maintenance, so buying requires meticulous preparation.
Which version to choose
During production, the car was updated (2016), a long-wheelbase version (Extended Wheelbase) with an even more spacious rear cabin appeared, as well as the more powerful Speed. The long version is best suited for those who prioritise rear passenger comfort.
If you want to drive yourself, the standard Mulsanne or Speed is more suitable, with Speed offering even greater power and a sportier demeanour. The latest series, such as the Mulsanne 6.75 Edition by Mulliner, are very rare.
Engine and transmission
All Mulsanne generations come with a 6.75-litre V8 twin-turbo engine whose design hails from a Bentley powerplant dating back to the mid-20th century. The standard model produces around 512 hp, while the Speed variant offers approximately 537 hp, with a massive torque output (over 1000 Nm).
Power is sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic gearbox. It’s not the fastest, but offers incredibly smooth and quiet driving, characterised by a high torque output.
What to check when buying a used Mulsanne
First and foremost — the service history. Before purchasing, insist on seeing all service documents, ideally from an official Bentley dealer or a high-quality specialist service centre. Given the car’s high price, any oversight can prove costly.
Check the air suspension (often an expensive component to repair), brakes, electrical systems, and all interior functions. For a luxury car, you need to test every button.
Inspect the condition of the leather, wood, and bodywork, as restoration can be pricey. Due to the high maintenance costs, it’s worth consulting with an independent Bentley specialist before buying.
Trim levels
Names and equipment vary by market and year; we list the most commonly encountered versions.
Mulsanne
2010–2020The standard version, with one of the most luxurious interiors in its class.
- 6.75-litre V8 engine, around 512 hp
- Handcrafted interior with leather and wood
- Often features air suspension and extensive luxury equipment
Mulsanne Speed
2014–2020The more powerful and sporty version.
- About 537 hp engine
- Often — sportier suspension and interior
- Firmer suspension setup
Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
2016–2020Long-wheelbase version with a more spacious rear cabin.
- Additional space for rear passengers
- Often — extended rear-end equipment
- The same 6.75-litre V8 engine
Version comparison
| Mulsanne | Speed | Extended Wheelbase | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Who it's for | For representing and cruising | For more dynamic driving | For rear passenger comfort |
| Engine | 6.75-litre V8, about 512 hp | 6.75-litre V8, around 537 bhp | 6.75-litre V8 |
| Price in the used market (relatively) | €€€ | €€€ | €€€ |
Choice depends on who will be driving most often: the driver might opt for the standard or Speed, while passengers will prefer the long-wheelbase version. Most importantly — a flawless service history.
Pros
- Luxurious, handcrafted interior
- Very smooth ride and ample torque
- Distinctive design and prestige
- Spacious interior, especially in the long-wheelbase version
Cons
- Very expensive maintenance and repairs
- High fuel consumption
- Difficult to find suitable specialists and parts
Frequently asked questions
What engine does the Mulsanne have?
All versions come with a 6.75-litre V8 twin-turbo engine, producing around 512 bhp, while the Speed version offers around 537 bhp.
How do the Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed differ?
The Speed is more powerful and sporty, while the standard Mulsanne is more comfort-oriented. Both have luxurious interiors, and the same main engine, just tuned differently.
Is owning a Mulsanne expensive?
Yes. Fuel consumption is high, and maintenance and repairs are more costly than for typical luxury cars, so consider all the expenses before buying.
Updated 2026-10-19 · Trim levels and equipment vary by market and model year — check the equipment of the specific car. · Translated automatically
