At the 2016 Geneva Motor Show,->ke228 the Bentley Mulsanne finally received its mid-cycle facelift after more than five years in production. The update brought a new front grille and bumper, revised headlamps, new B-shaped wings on the front fenders, and new taillights on the outside, along with new wood veneers and a new infotainment system on the inside. The same upgrade was transferred onto the Speed model and the longer, Extended Wheelbase version. At the 2016 Beijing Auto Show,->ke2062 Bentley unveiled the First Edition, a limited-edition package that makes the Mulsanne->ke3495 a more exclusive vehicle.

Available for all three models, the First Edition is mostly about interior add-ons and does very little to change the sedan's appearance. However, the interior comes with new features such as a luxury silver vanity kit and rare wood veneer, which are more than enough to turn the standard Mulsanne into a bespoke Mulliner vehicle. Bentley->ke15 plans to build only 50 examples of the First Edition across the new three-model family. Not exactly a lot compared to other mainstream manufacturers, but it's quite a lot judging by the numerous luxury features and the expensive sticker these sedans->ke142 are expected to carry.

Bentley had nothing to say about pricing, but if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it.

Continue reading to learn more about the Bentley Mulsanne First Edition.

2017 Bentley Mulsanne First Edition

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2017 Bentley Mulsanne First Edition
  • Engine/Motor: V8
  • Horsepower: 505
  • Torque: 752
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

What makes the Bentley Mulsanne First Edition special

The First Edition's appearance is rather inconspicuous, with only the "Flying B" hood ornament being different. Engraved with "First Edition" lettering, the winged emblem does very little to change the car's appearance, but it's the only sign that this Mulsanne is no regular sedan.

Step inside and you'll quickly notice what makes the First Edition special. Regardless of the model, the cabin is packed with First Edition motifs, and Union Jack-inspired First Edition embroidery on the seats. The same Union Jack emblem is shown on the bespoke tread plates.

A bespoke Mulliner sterling silver vanity kit inlaid into the rear picnic table is also available on the limited-edition Mulsanne. Created by Asprey of London, the luxurious set includes a vanity mirror, hair brush, and comb, all of which fit perfectly into a unique Mulliner-designed picnic table for discreet stowage. A diametric overlay on the rear seat picnic tables rounds off the package.

While all of the above are fitted in all three versions of the current Mulsanne, the Extended Wheelbase First Edition gets an extra feature in the form of a ripple-patterned Fulbeck veneer. Sourced from a 350-year-old English walnut tree, this wood is extremely rare and sought-after and Bentley says it was able to acquire enough to create veneer panels only for a small number of cars. The Mulsanne First Edition and Mulsanne Speed First Edition also get unique wood trim, but with Antique Ash veneer instead of the rare Fulbeck.

Engine-wise, the First Edition uses the same powerplant as the regular Mulsanne. The standard model and the Extended Wheelbase version feature the 6.75-liter V-8 with 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet, while the Speed version benefits from an extra 25 horses and 69 pound-feet, coming with 530 horsepower and 811 pound-feet on tap. Performance figures for the longer variant aren't available, but the Mulsanne will get you from 0 to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds, while the Speed will complete the same benchmark in 4.8 ticks. Top speed is rated at 184 and 190 mph, respectively.

Bentley Mulsanne

Updated for the first time since its introduction in 2010, the Bentley Mulsanne gained revised exterior and interior features for the 2017 model year. Design highlights include a new front grille, all-LED headlamps, new B-shaped wings on the fenders, and new taillights. Inside, it boasts 13 new wood veneers and a unique glass gear shifter, and 24 hide colors in single or two-tone finishes. A new infotainment system was also added, together with 10.2-inch tablets for the rear passengers. Customers with a preference for being driven can opt for the Extended Wheelbase model, which has a 250 mm (9.8 inches) longer wheelbase to the benefit of rear-passenger legroom. In addition to the larger rear compartment, the Extended Wheelbase model also received airline-style leg rests that extend outward and pivot, and a bespoke console between the two rear seats. Motivation comes from the same 6.75-liter V-8 rated at 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet, a number that has remained unchanged from last year's model.

Read our full review on the Bentley Mulsanne here.