Bentley
Mulsanne
Rolls-Royce
Phantom
Bentley Mulsanne vs Rolls-Royce Phantom: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Rolls-Royce Phantom comes out ahead of the Bentley Mulsanne on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Mulsanne
Overall
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).
Best version to buy
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.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation: New vehicle reported unsold for two years, selling for a massive loss. Frequency: isolated but highly specific.
- ⚠Prohibitively 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 compone…
- ⚠Poor reliability (per specific review): Cited in reference to a specific media review which "proved it quite unreliable." Frequency: isolated.
Phantom
Overall
\nThe sentiment derived from owner and enthusiast discussions is overwhelmingly positive, positioning the Phantom as the definitive benchmark for ultimate luxury, refinement, and presence. The vehicle is consistently described as offering a "surreal experience" of quietude and isolation, with its ride quality characterized as effortless and serene, to the point where the sensation of motion can feel disconnected from visual cues. It is held as the standard against which all other luxury vehicles are measured, frequently cited as having "no finer car interior." The primary critique, mentioned in isolation, pertains to the use of some shared switchgear and software from its corporate parent, which some feel is incongruent with the vehicle's bespoke price and image.\n\nSentiment Confidence Level\nMedium (Positive sentiment is strong but based on a limited number of substantive experiential references).\n\nFrequently Mentioned Competitors\nBentley Mulsanne, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Best version to buy
\nInsufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." The Phantom Extended is noted for its available "Privacy Suite" with features like electrochromatic glass, catering to buyers seeking maximum separation from the driver.\n\nRecommended Configurations\nInsufficient owner data available for specific configuration recommendations. One mention suggests the Phantom Extended for those desiring modern privacy features.
Known issues
- ⚠\nUse of shared parent-company switchgear/software: some controls, dashboard layout, and software are visibly shared with more mainstream models, which is noted as a minor disappointment given the price and bespoke expectations.
The verdict
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Bentley Mulsanne, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Rolls-Royce Phantom are a dealbreaker, the Bentley Mulsanne is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Not sure which one fits you?
Answer a few questions and get a personalized recommendation.
Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Bentley Mulsanne or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Rolls-Royce Phantom than the Bentley Mulsanne. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Mulsanne or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
The Bentley Mulsanne seats more passengers than the Rolls-Royce Phantom on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Bentley Mulsanne is classed as a Sedan, the Rolls-Royce Phantom as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Mulsanne or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is more fuel-efficient on paper: 13.9 L/100km combined versus 14.6 L/100km for the Bentley Mulsanne, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Bentley Mulsanne or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Bentley Mulsanne than the Rolls-Royce Phantom. See the known issues comparison above.