News Source: topspeed.com

Launched in 2010 as a replacement for the Bentley Arnage,  the Bentley Mulsanne  has finally received its mid-cycle update. After months of speculation and camouflaged prototypes spotted as early as October 2015, we finally have confirmation that an updated sedan  will arrive in dealerships in time for the 2017 model year.

Not surprisingly, Bentley  didn’t meddle much with the Mulsanne’  s design. The British brand is known for keeping a product around for more than a decade and throw in a few updates from time to time. This is exactly what happened with the Mulsanne, but to Bentley’s credit, the facelift brings more modifications to the exterior than expected. Maybe it’s all because Bentley has a new SUV  in dealerships, which will most likely bite into Mulsanne  and Flying Spur  sales. With the Bentayga  around to offer the same levels of luxury and a roomy interior, the Mulsanne needed a more comprehensive makeover in order to remain attractive.

Alongside the standard sedan, Bentley also unveiled the Extended Wheelbase and Speed versions of the Mulsanne. As the name suggests, the former comes with a longer wheelbase for enhanced rear-seat legroom, while the latter features a more powerful drivetrain among Speed-specific styling cues. All three cars will be showcased at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show  between March 1st and 13th.

Although five years is a long time without a visual update, Bentley didn’t change much to the Mulsanne’s bold front fascia. And, that’s far from surprising, as all Bentley facelifts, including the refresh the Continental range received for 2016, are rather mild.

Still, the Brits worked hard enough to give the Mulsanne a new front grille and bumper. Arguably the biggest change up front, the new grille is 80 mm (3.1 inches) wider and features stainless steel vertical slats over the matrix mesh seen on the previous Mulsanne. This new grille pays homage to Bentley models of the past, including the Embiricos and R-Type Continental.

Positioned to either side of the grille are a pair of new all-LED headlamps that feature advanced adaptive technology with beam patterns that automatically adjust to driving conditions. The outer lamps have also been updated and raised in the fender so that their bases are in line with the main headlamps. The bumper is now a one-piece unit and features a redesigned grille section with B-shaped elements on the sides and a center unit that mimics the main grille. While the side vents have matrix grille layouts, the one in the middle also features the vertical slats of the upper grille.

Moving onto the sides, we can spot only one notable change in the new B-shaped wing vent incorporated into the lower section of the fender. The window trim seems to be finished in the brighter chrome seen on the front grille.

At the rear, the revised Mulsanne comes with new taillights and a mildly revised bumper. The bumper is 26 mm (one inch) wider at the lower corners and no longer features a bulge under the trunk lid. Speaking of that, the chrome strip under the lid is thicker than the previous model. Finally, the taillights sport a new B-shaped pattern with two main lights instead of three.

At first glance, the interior of the new Mulsanne is identical to the previous model. That’s because the design remained unchanged. Customers will get the same dashboard covered in acres of wood and leather, the four-spoke steering wheel with integrated controls, the wide center stack, and the two-tone door panels with upper wood sections. But, while Bentley didn’t meddle with the styling, it did create new appointments for the luxurious interior. New features include up to 13 hand-selected wood veneers, bright-polished stainless steel, and a unique glass switchgear.

The comfortable seats can also be ordered in two new styles, fluted or quilted. Moreover, customers will be able to select between 24 hide colors and single or two-tone finishes.

More updates are evident in the tech department. The main highlight is the new infotainment system with updated navigation, connectivity, and audio system. The main eight-inch touchscreen is connected to a 60-gigabyte hard drive, while the front seats come with 10.2-inch Bentley Entertainment Tablets integrated into their backs. The Android devices feature 4G, WiFi, and Bluetooth and give users access to over a million Android apps, including Skype, Google Play and Spotify. The device has 32 gigabytes of on-board storage and can be used away from the car, in the office and at home. They can stream audio and even send new destinations to the car’s navigation system.

For the ultimate audio experience, the new Mulsanne can be specified with a Naim for Bentley premium sound system with 20 speakers, 20 channels, a 2,200-watt amplifier, and Super Tweeters. Judging by the specs, you can probably host a live concert in there, given you can fit the entire band.

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, giving passengers the choice between upright, relaxed, and reclined seating positions.

There’s also a bespoke console between the two rear seats, appointed in the finest handcrafted veneer, metal, glass, and leather. The console houses USB ports, pen holders, cup holders, and a stowage area. Optionally, customers can have a deployable, folding table, electric curtains, and a large, tilting and sliding sunroof over the rear cabin.