If you are not interested in cars with ultimate luxury, such as a Rolls-Royce, then you will certainly love a Bentley. It is an excellent blend of performance and luxury, and sometimes even within your budget. But the difficulty is in choosing the right model with so many options in the market. Currently, between a Bentley Mulsanne vs Flying Spur, the decision will be even harder than you can imagine. The choice is between two masterpieces. Both cars are designed to give you immense comfort, elegance, and pure driving pleasure.
Let’s break down the features of each car to find out which luxury car is the one you need, looking into details from their iconic design to their satisfying performance. Compare their differences to set these two supercars apart.
Bentley Mulsanne
The Bentley Mulsanne truly speaks out the brand’s name. It was specially designed with the iconic V8 engine from the 1950s. This Bentley sedan is the epitome of luxury with handcrafted parts both inside and outside. You can see some of the old-school designs within the car’s outlook that stand out. The shocking part is that the craftsmanship is so intricate with handwork that it takes 200 hours to build the interior, packed with bespoke materials and every comfort imaginable.
There is a 23.9-karat gold emblem and an opulent rear seat experience. Inside, you also get champagne flutes, table trays, and a dedicated fridge to celebrate a limo experience. The car was first released for customers in 2010, but by 2020, it was discontinued, keeping the legacy of Bentley’s name.
Key Features:
- Includes a 6.75-liter V8 engine.
- Very opulent with a dominant stature and wide proportions for space.
- A lot of torque and almost noiseless.
- The interior is made of the finest materials, like deep wood and thick carpets.
Advantages of the Mulsanne
- The engine is very powerful with a lot of torque for more speed.
- The car can accelerate easily and at a higher rate.
- Its interior is spacious and highly comfortable.
- Advanced suspension reduces noise and keeps the ride smooth even at high speeds.
- Superb safety features with multiple airbags and stability control systems.
Drawbacks
- The engine is quite old, and there is no option to change it to the updated V12.
- Although a luxurious car, the price is too high.
- Fuel consumption is also high.
Bentley Flying Spur
Although an older version than the Mulsanne, the Flying Spur was redesigned and reintroduced into the market in 2019. It was originally made in 2005, intended for power, luxury, and daily usability. Inside, you have the option of both a twin-turbo V8 or a mighty W12, which can give out 616 horsepower. It is a bit heavier, but still remains stable at high speeds, with the all-wheel-drive system and the adjustable air suspension.
Similar to the Mulsanne, this one also gives the VIP experience inside the cabin with a lounge-like decoration, wrapped in rich wood veneers, hand-stitched leather, and deep carpeting. A perfect combination of comfort and luxury with a higher speed.
Key Features:
- The W12 engine gives enough horsepower to reach 0-60 mph in around 4.3 seconds.
- Air suspension with different stiffness settings keeps the car stable.
- Doors feel very sturdy, like an aircraft’s door, which helps with noise cancellation.
- The outer side is more simplistic in design but still imposing.
Advantages
- Dual engine option with an exceptionally powerful 6.0-liter twin-turbo W12.
- The acceleration is quick due to the powerful engine.
- Very stable ride and manageable grip for a heavy and speedy car.
- Maximized comfort and elegance within the interior.
- Features suitable for driving the car daily.
Drawback:
- Security features are a bit limited.
- Maintenance costs are quite high.
Differences in the Features of Bentley Mulsanne vs Flying Spur
The cars differ from each other greatly, with separate focuses on luxury and performance. Take a look at the ways the features are different.
Performance
The Bentley Mulsanne is engineered to have gentle strength with the legendary 6.75-liter V8 engine. It delivers immense power and 1020 Nm of torque, helping the car to have a smooth ride without friction. Inside, it’s very soft, comfortable, and noiseless. Unlike sports cars, this one is designed to offer relaxation and smoothness in driving.
In contrast, the Bentley Flying Spur is equipped with the V8 or the W12 engine. The engine’s rapid and refined acceleration with 770 Nm of torque. It gives out the performance of a fast car due to features like rear-wheel steering and active all-wheel drive. Even when turning into curves, the car remains composed. It doesn’t offer the comfort of a Mulsanne, but it obviously gives the modern driving experience and a sharper drive.
Engine
The V8 engine of the Mulsanne can generate 505–560 horsepower depending on the model. So, the acceleration is also high, reaching 0–100 km/h in 5.3 seconds, while keeping the car stable. The car also uses a 6-speed automatic transmission and a multi-point fuel injection system. However, the average fuel economy is lower at 12 mpg, running only 658 km due to its heavier construction.
Depending on the model, it comes with a powerful 4.0-liter V8 or a 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbo engine. The acceleration is sharp, reaching 0–100 km/h in just 4.1 seconds. This is supported by an 8-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters. Apart from that, the car is also very efficient, allowing an average of 15 mpg over a range of 776 km.
Interior Design
Inside the Mulsanne, it’s almost like being in a limousine. The cabin features thick, soft carpets and rich wood veneers. Rear passengers will get power-reclining seats, tray tables, privacy shades, and even a fridge. Every surface is designed with materials that have higher longevity. Additionally, you get headroom both in front and back, and cargo space. This car is timeless in providing an aristocratic experience.
The Bentley Flying Spur has some traditional designs with modern touches. It also has the premium leather and genuine wood of every Bentley model. Inside, you get features like a rotating touchscreen display and wireless charging. The driver’s seat is extremely equipped for a satisfactory drive. Overall, the cabin is even larger than the Mulsanne, modern, and feels expensive.
Outer Body
Looking outside, we find the Mulsanne keeping up with the traditional look. There are some LED lights, keyless access, and a panoramic roof. But mostly, the design sticks to a classic, old-fashioned car, significant to older models of Bentley.
A true, modern car is what is represented by the exterior of the Flying Spur. The outside is bursting with modernization, rich in various advanced features. This includes LED headlights, DRLs, and taillights, along with auto-adjustable headlights for better vision and safety, especially during the night. You will find side mirrors with integrated turn indicators and a sunroof and moonroof. There are other practical features, such as remote trunk opening, rain-sensing wipers, adjustable headlights, and alloy wheels. All these show that this car is intended to keep up with modern technology.
Brakes and Steering
To offer a smooth ride, the Mulsanne uses ventilated front discs and standard rear disc brakes. This makes the braking system strong and reliable, offering ultimate comfort, but not suitable for speedy rides. The steering system has a 41 ft turning diameter is large enough to maneuver in tight spaces. It also has air suspension on both sides for extra smoothness.
In contrast, the Bentley Flying Spur has ventilated disc brakes on both sides to support high power and speed. Its rack-and-pinion steering system is designed for precision and easy management of the car during high speeds. The relatively tighter turning diameter of 36 ft also makes it easier to make sharp turns. To further manage high accelerations, there are air suspensions on both sides, making the car agile but controlled.
Safety Features
Both cars are heavy in safety features. The Mulsanne’s one is the classic feature we see in old-fashioned cars. This consists of central locking, power door locks, an anti-theft device, and an alarm. There are six airbags, anti-collision technology, driver monitoring, blind-spot detection with collision avoidance to keep you safe in case of hard brakes, speedy bumps, or collisions. There are several control systems, seatbelts, and speed warnings to help you focus on the road without worrying about safety.
The modernized Flying Spur is fully equipped as a spy’s headquarters. There are eight airbags, adaptive cruise control and lighting, xenon headlights, including the usual ABS and traction control. You also get an alarm system. But unlike the Mulsanne, things like blind-spot and driver monitor, anti-collision system, traffic sign recognition, child locks, and some of the warning systems are missing. This actually is very limited in terms of protection. But the car is secured for sports car driving.
Cost
For the Mulsanee, the price started roughly at $405,471. So, this is undoubtedly one of the most expensive sedans made by Bentley. The high cost is due to, of course, the bespoke materials and hand craftsmanship, but also to its limited edition launch as a flagship product. Its value will drop to around 47% within five years of use.
On the other hand, the Flying Spur, while modern, is quite accessible in terms of price.
The price starts at $228,690, which is almost half compared to the Mulsanne. But the resale value is greater since the price will drop to 46.8%, less than the Mulsanne. The lower price also helps with the resale factor.
But keep in mind that Bentley models and prices vary every year, depending on factors like public demand and resale value.
Bentley Rental Services
Bentley costs are very high since it is a luxury brand. But like all luxury cars, this one is also available for renting. You can rent any Bentley car for special events like a wedding, business meeting, or even personal use. The cost will depend mainly on the distance you cover, the model you choose, the location, and the time duration.
To rent a Bentley, either visit websites like BillionRent.com or visit your local dealership. Usually, companies offer a default package, but you can personalize it as per your needs. Generally, the rates start from $500 to $1000, which can be as high as several thousand, depending on duration and model.
Key Factors to Consider for Renting a Bentley
- Typically, the rental package will include a professional driver, but you can drive the car yourself as well.
- You can rent for a day, week, month, or even for a long-term deal.
- Rental cost depends on distance, model, location, and duration.
- Hourly and daily rates are higher than long-term rental packages.
- Factors like mileage, fuel, and insurance also affect rental costs.
Bentley Mulsanne vs Flying Spur: Which Car is Worth Your Money?
Looking at their differences, we see that both cars are excellent in their own ways. They are obviously some of the best models made by Bentley. Your choice will depend on your needs and preferences. If you are a person to enjoys a relaxed ride, finds happiness in luxury, and wants a smooth drive with your family, then Mulsanne is your best choice. This car offers you the ultimate luxury, especially for the back passengers. But if you are more into performance, speedy rides, and modern features, then the Flying Spur is the one for you. This dynamic car is even lower in price. But if you are still uncertain, you can always rent them and try them out to see which one is more fun for you.
FAQ
How efficient are Bentley cars?
The older models with V8 or W12 engines aren’t very efficient. The W12 is the least efficient one, running with 13 to 17 L per 100 km. But hybrid cars like the Flying Spur are very efficient, using only 5 to 6 L per 100 km.
Are Bentley cars safe?
A Bentley is now considered the safest car in the market from the luxury groups. This car features sturdy outer construction, advanced systems and controls, especially with brakes, and multiple airbags. All of these provide maximum safety for the passengers.
Why did the Mulsanne production stop?
Back in the days of its initial launch, the Mulsanne was quite popular and was sold a lot every year, around 1200 units. Later, the number dropped to only 500 units a year. So this model was discontinued, and the company focused on making upgraded versions and hybrid cars.
What are the competitors of the Mulsanne?
While the Mulsanne is a classic luxurious car with advanced features, it still has to compete hard with supercars like the Rolls-Royce Phantom and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Both of them exceed Bentley in luxury, design, and innovative technology.
How much is the service charge for a Bentley Flying Spur?
Bentley maintenance costs are quite high, since the parts are made of expensive materials. On average, the service charge for the first year can be around $2000 to $3000. This can increase up to $9000 within a decade of running the car.
