Bentley Launches a Revised Mulsanne as Rolls-Royce Announces End of Phantom Production

By Derek Shiekhi - February 24, 2016

Big changes are taking place in the large ultra-luxury sedan segment. Bentley has given its Mulsanne line three models and a facelift, and Rolls-Royce announced the end of the Phantom is near.

The seventh-generation Phantom was introduced as a sedan back in January of 2003. Two years later, the Phantom Extended Wheelbase model followed. The Phantom Drophead Coupe came in 2007; the Phantom Coupé arrived in 2008.

This year marks the end of the entire Phantom VII line. According to Rolls-Royce, “During November this year, the build of the very last Phantom Coupé and Drophead Coupé at Goodwood will be completed. These models will not be replaced. Collectors around the world will be excited to learn that a spectacular collection of 50 unique Coupé’s and Drophead Coupés, called Phantom Zenith, will be built to celebrate the end of production of these truly exceptional cars.” The two-door Phantoms will be offered in colors significant in Rolls-Royce’s history and with special features such as a Tailgate Hosting Area, armrests with graphics that show the launch locations of the 100EX in Villa D’Este and 101EX in Geneva, unique instrument dials, and a special treatment of the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. Buyers will also receive a memento that “money cannot buy.”

A new Phantom is coming eventually, although the coupe and convertible models will not return. Rolls-Royce is currently testing an all-new aluminum architecture, which will form the basis of every new car from the company starting in early 2018.

In the meantime, Bentley is introducing a revamped version of its Mulsanne executive express. Make that three versions: the regular sedan, an extended wheelbase limousine with 9.8 more inches of rear legroom, and a high-performance Speed variant with 530 bhp and 811 lb-ft of torque that enable it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds and top out at 190 mph. The less aggressive Mulsanne generates 505 bhp and 752 lb-ft from a milder version of the Speed’s 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8. Those figures are good for 60 mph in 5.1 seconds and a top speed of 184 mph. All models use an eight-speed ZF automatic to put their immense levels of power to the ground.

Cosmetic changes to the Mulsanne line include a revised front end with a vertical-vane grille that’s three inches wider than before, new all-LED headlamps, a one-piece front bumper, a redesigned rear bumper, and new taillights. The Mulsanne’s sloping rear makes it look graceful and elegant, but the front grille and large round headlights make the Mulsanne look as if it’s a Chinese knock-off of a Bentley.

The Mulsanne’s interior has also been heavily modified. In the words of Bentley, it features an “all-new touch-screen-based infotainment platform with additional haptic controls, classic analogue gauges and state-of-the-art rear-seat entertainment.” The seats can be ordered in one of two styles: Fluted or Quilted. An available Naim for Bentley Premium Audio System fills the Mulsanne’s leather- and wood-lined cabin with the sound from 20 speakers, 20 channels, a 2,200 watt amplifier, and Super Tweeters. Additional entertainment for rear passengers comes from a pair of 10.2-inch Android-powered Bentley Entertainment Tablets with 4G, WiFi, and Bluetooth connectivity, as well as 32 GB of standard storage capacity.

Bentley will debut the new Mulsanne portfolio at the Geneva Motor Show in March. Perhaps there or at next year’s event we’ll see a concept version of the car’s future Rolls-Royce competitor.