Launched in 2010 as a replacement for the 2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series 
, the Bentley Mulsanne is about to receive its mid-cycle update according to a batch of spy shots we just received from our paparazzi. Having already received an equipment upgrade in 2013 and a more powerful 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed version in 2014, the Mulsanne will receive a new face for the 2017 model year, along with a mild interior update and possible an uprated powerplant.
Details are scarce as of this writing, but this prototype spotted in Spain sports a handful of new design features on the outside, along with a longer-than-usual wheelbase. The limousine surfaced just as Bentley unveiled the 2017 Bentley Bentayga SUV ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show , a vehicle which is supposed to increase the brand’s sales to never-before-seen figures.
But while the Bentayga is likely to become a big hit and maybe even bite into Mulsanne sales as it hits the market, the sedan remains an important car in Bentley’s lineup, especially now that it will get a longer wheelbase and the kind of convenience features business people with personal drivers usually enjoy and look for in an executive car.
Updated 10/20/2015: Our spy photographers caught the upcoming Mulsanne facelift testing one more time, this time in its regular version. The car was caught on both the Nurburgring race track and Eifel where it was tested in cold and foggy conditions.
Continue reading to learn more about the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne.
Spy Shots
October 20, 2015 – Facelift Bentley Mulsanne caught testing at Nurburgring
September 10, 2015 – Facelift Bentley Mulsanne will also get a LWB version
Exterior
Though five years is a long time without a visual update, the Mulsanne isn’t getting much done to its 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.
The Brits worked hard enough to give the Mulsanne a new bumper, what a appears to be a reshaped grille, and slightly revised headlamps.
Still, the Brits worked hard enough to give the Mulsanne a new bumper, what a appears to be a reshaped grille, and slightly revised headlamps. The bumper is arguably the biggest change up front.
The individual piece between the main grille and the wide air intake is now fully integrated into the apron. Also, the single-piece vent has been ditched in favor of a three-piece unit that adds a bit of sportiness to the sedan. It also makes it unique in the lineup, as all the other Bentleys feature different bumper configurations.
As for the traditional Bentley grille, it seems to have received a subtle update that makes it a bit lower and wider, but the lack of chrome detailing makes it a bit difficult to guess its true shape and size. Finally, the smaller light units have been moved upward and gained LED circles as seen on the new Bentayga SUV.
The profile of the car remained unchanged as far as features go, but this example sports a longer-than-usual wheelbase, longer than even the current LWB version. Around back, the new Mulsanne is identical to the old one, except for the slightly wider chrome insert at the bottom of the trunk lid.
Interior
Note: 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed interior shown.
Don’t expect the Mulsanne’s interior to get a major overhaul, but look for an array of small updates that will make stepping inside this limousine a more pleasant experience. If the facelifted 2016 Bentley Continental GT is any indication, the Mulsanne should receive updated seats with the new “straight-fluting pattern” for the leather upholstery, and a new quilting pattern.
If the facelifted 2016 Bentley Continental GT is any indication, the Mulsanne should receive updated seats with the new “straight-fluting pattern” for the leather upholstery, and a new quilting pattern.
The instrument cluster is also in for new dials and graphics, while the center console should get new metallic inserts.
A wide array of optional features will be offered, including including semi-aniline leather upgolstery and Alcantara headliner color matched to the available interior leather colors.
Although legroom and shoulder room will likely remain unchanged in the standard version, the LWB variant should offer significantly more space thanks to its elongated wheelbase.
The prototype also features a sunroof over the rear seat section, meaning the passengers will get a laundalet-like experience with the benefits of a metal top.
Technology-wise, the facelifted Mulsanne should get Bentley’s latest, including the Bentayga’s updated infotainment system, the 10.2-inch Androit tablet for the rear seats, and the SUV’s premium sound systems.
Drivetrain
Note: 2015 Bentley Mulsanne Speed engine bay shown.
There’s no word so to what upgrades Bentley will operate under the Mulsanne’s hood, but I expect the sedan to use the same twin-turbo, 7.75-liter V-8 engine. Now rated at 505 horsepower and 752 pound-feet of torque, the V-8 should deliver around 520 horses and 780 pound-feet due to updated internals. The Mulsanne is likely to retain the current eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. The extra oomph should reduce the time spent to hit 60 mph from a standing start from 5.3 seconds to around 5.1 ticks.
Prices
Pricing is not yet available, but given the current Mulsanne retails from $290,000, it’s safe to assume that the facelifted version will fetch more than $300,000 before options.
Competitors
2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
Much like the Bentley Mulsanne, the Rolls-Royce Ghost remained mostly unchanged in its first five years on the market. The first facelift was unveiled for the 2015 model year, bringing minor exterior changes such as reshaped LED headlamps, revised bumpers and enlarged air intakes up front. Inside, the redesigned front and rear seats, and new veneers and chrome inserts round off the Ghost Series II.
Engine-wise, the new Ghost carries the same twin-turbo, 6.6-liter, V-12 engine as its predecessor. Output remained unchanged, but, at 562 horsepower and 575 pound-feet of torque, this luxury sedan is no slouch. The 0-to-60 mph sprint is achieved in only 4.7 seconds with help from an eight-speed, ZF automatic transmission, while top speed sits at 155 mph. Pricing for the 2015 Ghost Series II starts from around $290,000.
Find out more about the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II in our review here .
Conclusion
Much like the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, the upcoming Mulsanne will be more about refined visuals and updated tech than an extensive facelift. It’s a common strategy in this niche, and it makes a lot of sense to rich owners who spend their time in the back seat rather than behind the wheel. So don’t be surprised if the production car breaks cover with the same features as the prototype shown here. And you can bet on it remaining unchanged for another five years or so.