One of the fan favorites in Bentley's lineup in the early 2000s was the Bentley Arnage, which, despite having a rough production start, had turned out to be among the best cars Bentley had ever built. Its discontinuation in 2010 saw Bentley introduce a well-fitting successor, the Bentley Mulsanne. However, unlike other Bentleys under the production belt at Crewe, it didn't have the refined W12 or beastly V8 under the hood. Bentley stuck with the 6.75-liter V8 they had refined and modernized since the early 1950s. The Mulsanne's design struck a balance between Bentley's offerings at the time and the Arnage thanks to four years of development and design before it debuted in 2009 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance. However, since the Flying Spur was already in the limelight, the Mulsanne had an in-house competitor that would later dethrone as Bentley's flagship sedan. Dwindling sales were the reason for the Mulsanne's demise in 2020, with Bentley's CEO Adrian Hallmark saying that they barely sold 500 units a year.
In the Bentley Mulsanne's press release, Bentley said they had explored other engine options, but a reworked version of the proven 6.75-liter V8 emerged as the best solution. In the 2012 Mulsanne, it makes 505 horsepower and a massive 752 lb. ft, which is more torque than you can get in any new Bentley today. That's enough for satisfactory acceleration, even by today's standards. 0-60 mph takes around 5.0 seconds, and the top speed maxes out at 187 mph. But the impressive acceleration shouldn't be mistaken for exceptional ability, as with a curb weight of nearly 6,000 pounds, canyon carving isn't something you'd want to do in a Bentley Mulsanne.
Bentley cars have always been synonymous with the finest interiors, and the 2012 Bentley Mulsanne is no exception. Every surface, from the supple leather seats to the rich wood dashboard panels and deep carpets, exemplifies meticulous attention to detail. The interplay of materials and textures creates a luxurious ambiance while integrating then-latest technology adds a contemporary flair. The power-adjustable, heated, and massaging seats are further testaments to Bentley's commitment to passenger and driver comfort. You won't get these in any car going for less than $100,000. More about the price later. But pricing is a conversation for later. Let's now shift our focus to the 2012 Mulsanne's exterior design.
The 2012 Bentley Mulsanne's design cuts a figure between classic and modern Bentley design cues. Up front, the round headlights are typically what Bentley still uses today, complemented by the automaker's iconic matrix grille. The long hood emphasizes a sense of power, where the flowing lines start moving gracefully towards the rear through the wings, resulting in a bulky yet refined appeal. Unlike the Flying Spur, which is a copy-paste of the Continental GT, the rear end is a study of understated elegance. Bentley put some effort into it, especially in the trunk design.
Bentley went beyond comfort inside the 2012 Bentley Mulsanne's cabin. A 14-speaker 2,200-watt Naim for Bentley sound system was standard and was paired to a video monitor, DVD player and a multi-CD changer in the glove compartment. You get more than the essential remote locking ABS, stability control, and cruise control on the vehicle security, safety, and driver assist features fronts. Others include self-leveling headlights, tire pressure monitoring, an engine immobilizer and speed-proportional power steering, to name a few.
Thanks to time, the 2012 Bentley Mulsanne, once a symbol of luxury reserved for the elite, has entered the category of attainable elegance. Today, owning one will cost you around $70,000, four times less than what it would have cost you when new. With a quick browse of Exotic Car Trader's Bentley listings, you might find the perfect 2012 Bentley Mulsanne. If you don't, we guarantee frequent listing updates, and we also specialize in helping buyers find cars that match their preferences.
The 2012 Bentley Mulsanne balances classic and contemporary Bentley design cues, giving it a design that never seems to age. In addition to that, it delivers a satisfactory driving experience that befits its status, and inside, it showcases Bentley's long-standing tradition of luxury. What other reasons do you need to buy one? Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! Though its reign as Bentley's flagship may be over, the Bentley Mulsanne remains an icon, a symbol of both prestige and automotive artistry.
Exotic Car Trader is the fastest growing marketplace built specifically for automotive enthusiasts. Click below to learn how you can sell your car with us.
LEARN MORE