Bentley prides itself on making the finest interiors in the automotive industry, and we find it hard to argue with that notion. The quality of the materials, the expert levels of craftsmanship, the beauty of the designs, and the care put into blocking noise, vibration and harshness make Bentley cabins quiet, cosseting, calming environments. And no Bentley has a better cabin than the 2017 Mulsanne, especially the new Extended Wheelbase model.
This level of luxury doesn't come cheap. The base price of a Mulsanne tops $300,000, and Bentley charges a pretty penny for many of its finer features. Here, we break down eight of the great interior features you'll find in the new Mulsanne, along with pricing for the optional features.
READ: Ultimate luxury with refined performance: 2017 Bentley Mulsanne first drive review
2017 Bentley Mulsanne, Bavarian press drive 2016
The wood. Oh, the wood.
Each of the 40 pieces of interior wood in the Mulsanne comes in as a block of walnut, cherry, or oak, and is C&C cut into the various shapes. It is then covered with one of 12 veneers. Only the most decorative portions of wood are used, those with attractive swirls or striations, and the wood is "book matched" so that the patterns match from side to side and front to back. Other automakers do a fine job of applying wood veneers, but the substrate underneath is plastic, not wood like in the Mulsanne. Bentley employs 167 wood "artisans," and it takes each of them four years to master the 17 processes involved in forming the wood.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Speed
The finest leather.
Every hide Bentley uses is individually inspected and uniquely cut to use only the most consistent, blemish-free portions. The Mulsanne interior requires the hides of 18 or 19 cows. The leather is soft, supple, and sewn into beautiful patterns. The diamond pattern shown here is from the Mulsanne Speed. Buyers can opt for 24 different hide colors. The seats are stitched, shaped, and finished by hand.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
These air vent plungers.
Not many cars today have real metal components. But if it looks like metal in the Mulsanne, it is metal, or more precisely, polished stainless steel. These air vent plungers are nicely knurled, look great, feel substantial, and move with precision. They may seem like minor parts, but they show Bentley's attention to detail.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
The refrigerated bottle cooler.
It's almost impossible to travel in a Mulsanne without a bottle of champagne. For a mere $10,970, you can get a refrigerated bottle cooler with a frosted glass door that holds a champagne bottle and three crystal champagne flutes. The jar of Grey Poupon is not included. Two other versions are available as well. One can hold two water bottles and tumblers, while the other accommodates spirit bottles, crystal glasses, and a Bentley hip flask.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase
The airline-style foldout tables.
Offered in the new Extended Wheelbase model is what we find to be the most impressive feature offered in the Mulsanne, the long console with twin deployable picnic tables. It'll cost you $12,670, but it's a work of mechanical art. It is made up of 761 pieces, and it includes springs and dampers to make the movements as elegant as possible. The mechanism is so sturdy that the outer portions of the tables can hold close to 90 pounds. The tables flip and fold so you can use them full or half length and they can be angled 20 degrees toward the passenger.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne
The removable backseat tablets.
Opt for the $19,355 Entertainment Specification with Google Maps and you get the 20-speaker, 20-channel, 2,200-watt Naim audio system, veneered rear picnic tables that fold down from the front seatbacks, and a pair of 10.2-inch Samsung tablets, also located in the front seatbacks. These tablets allow rear seat passengers to control the car's climate and entertainment systems, surf the web, and gain access to thousands of Android apps. They are also removable, so you can take them in the house to finish watching shows or movies you started in the car.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase First Edition
The airline-style seats.
Extended Wheelbase buyers can opt for the $13,670 Comfort Specification that comes with two rear airline-style reclining seats, massage and ventilation for all four seats, comfort headrests with alcantara headrest pads, and two loose bolsters. The Extended Wheelbase model has a massive 51.7 inches rear legroom, and Bentley notes that the legrests extend further than any on the market.
2017 Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase First Edition
The stitching.
All of the stitching in the Mulsanne is done by hand, and is you order contrast stitching you add another 37 hours to the car's build time. Customers can also choose various types of seat embroidery, like this "First Edition" stitching in the limited run of 50 First Edition models Bentley is building to mark the launch of the 2017 Mulsanne. Have a logo or design you want incorporated into your car? Bentley will add personalized (Bentley would prefer I said bespoke) stitching at your request.
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