Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (305 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2020
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed to negative, with a strong consensus that the vehicle failed to meet expectations for its class and price.
6 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 3 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentUnfavorable comparison to competitors
Widely regarded as inferior to Rolls-Royce and Mercedes-Benz S-Class rivals in reviews and owner discussions.
- RecurrentProhibitively expensive and complex repairs
Parts are described as prohibitively expensive with lead times of weeks or months; specialized hydraulic brake and suspension system noted as particularly complex and reliant on obsolete components.
- RecurrentLarge size impractical for urban environments
Noted as being "way too big" for most city streets and difficult to maneuver when narrow.
+ 3 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedSevere depreciation
New vehicle reported unsold for two years, selling for a massive loss.
- IsolatedPoor reliability (per specific review)
Cited in reference to a specific media review which "proved it quite unreliable.".
- IsolatedInterior build quality inconsistencies
Isolated mention of mismatched wood trim being a point of contention at this price point.
The version owners recommend
Mulsanne Speed: Isolated feedback specifically highlights the "Mulsanne Speed" variant for its superior performance, suggesting it addresses some of the dynamic criticisms of the standard model. No detailed trim comparisons are available within the data.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Rolls-Royce Phantom, Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Maybach S-Class.
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Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed to negative, with a strong consensus that the vehicle failed to meet expectations for its class and price. The model is frequently described as underwhelming, particularly in direct comparisons to key rivals like the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with one specific media review cited as being "brutal" and highlighting the car as "truly awful" by comparison. Owner discussions reference significant depreciation, with one report of a new vehicle remaining unsold for two years and eventually selling for approximately 54% off its original MSRP (approx. $200,000 USD vs. $437,000 USD equivalent). Positives are isolated and include praise for its substantial road presence, a well-regarded interior that mixes modern and vintage elements, and the performance of the high-output "Speed" variant. However, these are overshadowed by widespread criticism of its driving dynamics, perceived lack of refinement versus competitors, and practical ownership concerns regarding size and repair complexity.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a traditional, understated luxury flagship but consistently judged as inferior to its direct rivals. It is described as having more road presence than a BMW 7 Series but lacking the ultimate luxury, refinement, and driving experience of a Rolls-Royce Ghost or Phantom. Compared to the Mercedes-Maybach, the Mulsanne's interior is considered superior, but the Maybach is noted for being more ostentatious. The vehicle is characterized as the "old money" counterpart to the more driver-oriented "new money" Continental line within Bentley's own lineup. A recurring theme is that it does not execute its core luxury proposition as effectively as its competitors, leading to its unfavorable reception.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available for specific configurations. One isolated remark suggests avoiding the vehicle if frequently driven in dense, narrow urban environments due to its large size making it "impraticable."
General recommendations
Not recommended for buyers seeking the pinnacle of luxury sedan refinement, superior driving dynamics, or strong value retention. May appeal to a niche buyer prioritizing understated, traditional Bentley design and substantial road presence over segment-leading comfort and technology. Potential buyers should be prepared for catastrophic depreciation, extremely high and complex repair costs with long lead times for parts, and significant challenges with maneuverability in tight spaces. A pre-purchase inspection by a specialist is essential, and ownership likely necessitates a secondary vehicle for practicality.
Remarks
The model's discontinuation is noted, with feedback indicating it has not been directly replaced, leaving the Flying Spur as the brand's sedan flagship. The specific "brutal" media review is a recurring point of reference in community feedback, significantly shaping the negative consensus. The complex, Citroën-derived hydraulic system for brakes and rear suspension is highlighted as a major ownership liability, with conversion to a conventional system deemed virtually impossible. The 6.75-liter V12 engine is acknowledged as a carry-over from an earlier era of Bentley/Rolls-Royce collaboration. Analysis is based on approximately 35 substantive owner and enthusiast discussions, with a significant portion being comparative commentary rather than direct long-term ownership reports.
Specifications
6.75 V8
6.8L 8-cylinder · 512 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2016–2020