2016 Geneva Motor Show: Bentley Grand Limousine and Mulsanne facelift unveiled

Bentley has unveiled the Mulsanne Grand Limousine at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. It has been designed, engineered and handcrafted by Mulliner, Bentley's coach building division. Compared to Bentley's new Mulsanne, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine is one metre longer and 79mm taller. It gets a unique aviation inspired rear cabin which accommodates four passengers in a face-to-face sitting configuration.

The Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner gets a two-tone Silver Frost and Moroccan Blue colour and the Flying 'B' mascot has been engraved with 'Coachbuilt by Mulliner'. On the inside, the Mulsanne Grand Limousine gets an electrochromic or smart glass division that can switch the rear-cabin window glass between clear and opaque at the touch of a button. The car also gets a new HVAC system which has been developed by Mulliner.

In terms of features, it gets iPad charging and docking stations, veneered fold-out tables, a bottle cooler with frosted glass and crystal flutes and a soft drink cabinet. As expected of limousines, it too gets an intercom system to facilitate communication with the driver.

At the 2016 Geneva Auto Show, the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne facelift was also unveiled. The updated luxury limousine is now offered in three variants. There's the standard Mulsanne, a more powerful Mulsanne Speed and a new Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase version.

The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne gets a new front fascia with a stainless steel vertical-vane grille, floating all-LED headlamps, aluminium hood and doors, chrome-capped headlamp washer nozzles. There are also new tail lights and a redesigned bumper.

The Bentley Mulsanne is powered by a 6¾-litre V8 engine which makes 512PS and 1,020Nm of torque. The engine comes mated to an eight-speed ZF automatic transmission. It can accelerate from 0-100kmph in around 5.1 seconds and attain a top speed of 296kmph.

The new Bentley Mulsanne can be specified with what is claimed to be the world's most powerful automotive OEM  audio system that features 20 speakers, 20 channels, a 2,200 watt amplifier and super tweeters. There's a pair of 10.2-inch Android tablets with 4G, WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity which are integrated into the back of the front seats. With the touch of a button the screens can be deployed from their stowed positions. The Android-powered tablets feature a Bentley-specific interface.

The Drive Dynamics Control system is controlled by a rotary switch mounted next to the gearshift selector and offers three standard modes to choose from – Bentley, Sport and Comfort. The fourth Custom mode allows the driver to tune the Mulsanne to a preferred driving style. It gets 20-inch alloy wheels with 265/45 tyres as standard.

As the name suggests, the Mulsanne Speed gets a more powerful version of the 6¾-litre twin-turbo V8 engine which makes 537PS and 1,100Nm of torque. The engine gets mated to a 8-speed ZF gearbox. It can accelerate from 0-100kmph in 4.9 seconds and attain a top speed of 305 km/h. In S' the engine speed remains at above 2,000rpm so that the turbochargers remain spooled and can deliver instantaneous performance.

To distinguish it from the standard version, the Mulsanne Speed gets a dark tint finish on the exterior brightware, 21-inch hand-finished alloys, dark tinted front and rear lamps, rifled sports exhausts and Speed fender badging. On the inside, it gets diamond-quilted seats, a knurled gear lever, drilled alloy sport pedals.

The Bentley Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase gets a 250mm extension over the standard Mulsanne's 3,266mm wheelbase. It gets airline-style electronic legrests which are integrated into the base of the two rear seats. They can be extended outwards and pivoted offering rear passengers the choice of upright and reclined seating positions.

The two rear seats are separated by a well-appointed console which gets USB ports, pen holders, cup holders and a stowage area. They can also be specified with a deployable, folding table. It even gets a sunroof over the rear cabin with Alcantara sun blind.

For more news on launches and unveils at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show, click here.