Bentley announces UK pricing for Mulsanne
New flagship sedan likely to cost around $650k by the time it lands in Oz...Bentley has announced UK pricing and various other details relating to its all-new Arnage-replacing Mulsanne, which launches in Europe in mid-2010.
The company says the Mulsanne will wear a £220,000 pricetag in Blighty, which, according to our extrapolation, equates to a price around $650k in Oz.
Revealed at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance in August, and subsequently displayed at the Frankfurt motor show, the Mulsanne has reportedly attracted more customer interest than had been factored into the 2010 production targets.
Bentley says more than 1000 private customer previews of Mulsanne have been held at the company's factory in Crewe as well as a series of preview events held at dealerships across the UK, Continental Europe and the United States.
"Even at this very early stage, the expression of interest we've received easily exceeds our 2010 production targets," said Bentley Motors sales and marketing boss Stuart McCullough.
"Mulsanne's credentials are a pure expression of Bentley design and craftsmanship, and that's struck a chord with Bentley enthusiasts across the globe as well as many of the potential customers we have welcomed for tours in Crewe this year.
"We've been encouraged by the positive commentary, notably from our American customers as the Mulsanne was privately previewed in seven metro markets across the country."
Production of the Mulsanne will commence in the second quarter of 2010 at Bentley's Crewe headquarters, where a new body production facility, dedicated to Mulsanne, is being completed.
The new facility will enable cutting-edge production methods -- such as 'superforming' of the aluminium front wings (for better surface definition) -- to complement Bentley's traditional technique of hand-brazing of steel joints for a 'hewn from solid' appearance.
Mulsanne buyers will be able to choose from a palette of 114 paint colours, 21 carpet colours, nine wood veneers and 24 interior leather hides, all of which will be tanned using a decades-old process to ensure the cabin never loses its scent.
In addition, Bentley's bespoke service will enable customers to specify colours and trims to satisfy their own tastes. With more standard leather and wood veneer than any other Bentley in the modern era, the Mulsanne will take nine weeks to build.
The limo's motive power again comes from a 6.75-litre V8, but it's an all-new unit that's lighter than its predecessor, as well as being equipped with technology such as cylinder de-activation and variable cam phasing. According to Bentley, this contributes to a significant reduction in both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.
The mod-con list is also comprehensive, as behind the heritage-inspired dials and new glass-effect switches lurk features such as iPod and mp3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a SIM card reader, as well as a 3G MMI system.
Those opting for NAIM's premium audio system will be treated to what's claimed to be the world's most powerful system fitted to a production vehicle -- a 20-channel 2200-watt "sound experience".
Watch Carsales TV's behind-the-scenes video of the Bentley Mulsanne here
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