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Opening the door though reveals a much more impressive sight. Bentley claims to have spent almost half the build process of the Mulsanne crafting the interior, and it shows. The whole cabin is drenched in cream leather and the fantastic wood veneer dashboard is peppered with chrome vent controls that look like the offspring of engine valves and organ stops. The driving environment is a vast improvement on the previous big saloon in the Bentley range; the Flying Spur, although appointed with some luxurious materials, felt too much like an Audi parts bin at times. The Mulsanne feels bespoke.
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With the key in my pocket I settle into the driver’s seat, which is more supportive than I expected. My time with a Rolls-Royce Phantom felt like piloting a boat, with almost flat, high seats and a large steering wheel. In the Mulsanne I can move the seats low, almost to the floor, and the steering wheel is entirely reasonable in its dimensions. A stab of the Start fires up the 6.75-litre V8 engine under the long bonnet that stretches out ahead of me, topped with a silver flying B emblem. There’s a faint shudder as pistons start their work, but it’s so hushed and quiet that I check the dashboard to make sure everything has come to life.
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It doesn’t take long to get used to being behind the wheel. When driving the Phantom, I felt terrified for the whole time, conscious that I was in charge of a very expensive bit of kit and never really getting comfortable with its enormous dimensions. The Mulsanne is also enormous and at $$$, far from cheap, but it’s much more intuitive to pilot. Once I’ve got used to the large proboscis (aided by the Flying B marking the front-most boundary), I’m threading the Mulsanne out onto the E11 motorway heading from Dubai towards Abu Dhabi.
Leaving the on-ramp I press the sculpted metal accelerator into the thick carpet and head for 140kph. The big Bentley sits back, and the engine noise – from the inside, at least – increases to a hum. The V8 develops 505bhp, but it’s the 752lb ft of torque that pushes me back in my seat. It might weigh 2585kg but boy, can the Mulsanne shift, and in contrast to its sound the accelerative impact is more physical than I expected. It’s like being forcibly restrained by a librarian; an impressive but disconcerting experience.
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In truth, despite its power, Bentley’s newest saloon doesn’t encourage quick driving. It’s the type of car that has the potential to be fast but doesn’t need to show it off. It’s above that kind of boasting. As we pull up to the front of the hotel, the valet parking attendant’s eyes light up, and we’re given a welcome that I suspect might be a fraction more deferential than normal. The Mulsanne is the consumate luxury mile muncher, motoring at its most relaxed and an expression of a restrained, elegant and knowledgable style. It’s not sporty, despite its power, name and heritage, but that doesn’t mean I’m not looking forward to the four-hour journey home.
Thanks to the Qasr Al Sarab resort and EVO Middle East.
