2016 Bentley Mulsanne Facelift and new Extended Wheelbase Mulsanne revealed

The 2016 Bentley Mulsanne Facelift (pictured) debuts in Geneva

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Bentley has revealed a facelift for the range-topping Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed, with cosmetic and equipment updates and a new EWB model.

The Bentley Mulsanne is the flagship of the Bentley range, and the car that links Bentley to its history in a way the Continental models just don’t. And now it’s getting some cosmetic titivation, new technology and a new model for 2016 – the Mulsanne EWB.

The extended wheelbase Mulsanne joins the regular Mulsanne and Mulsanne Speed to make up a three model range, with the EWB offering those that ride in the back and bark their orders “…the most relaxing automotive environment in the world” according to Bentley.

The Extended Wheelbase car is 250mm longer than the regular Mulsanne, and all that’s in the back to give enough room to party, with plenty of sybaritic indulgences fitted such as electric leg rests, Champagne fridge, foldable tables, window blinds and a big glass roof.

As well as launching the EWB, Bentley has also taken the regular Mulsanne and Speed and given it something of a cosmetic and equipment makeover.

The most striking visual change is the new stainless steel vertical grille, which is now a chunk wider and extends all the way from the bonnet and below the new front bumper and is inspired by historic Bentleys like the 1950s R-Type Continental. And it’s certainly imposing.

There are also new floating LED lights which can light your way in Town, Country or Motorway mode, the outer lamps now come in line with the main lights and there are new tail lights with a B-shaped signature and new rear bumper. A section of 21″ alloys round of the exterior changes.

Inside, you can now have your Mulsanne with either Fluted or Quilted leather in 24 different colour schemes (and any number if you dig deep), there’s a new 8″ infotainment system – which includes Apple carPlay, and a new 2200 watt Naim sound system. In the back, there’s a pair of 10″ Android tablets built in to the back of the front seats.

The Mulsanne now has active engine mounts and more sound absorbing – cutting noise by 40dBA – and a section of driving modes, Bentley, Sport, Comfort and Custom, which lowers the Mulsanne at speed to reduce lift and improve stability.

The now ancient – but very able – 6.75 litre V8 remains, with 505bhp in the regular Mulsanne and EWB, and a more fulsome 530bhp in the Mulsanne Speed, enough to chuck the Mulsanne at the 62mph horizon in just 4.8 seconds (the EWB and regular Mulsanne take 5.2 seconds). Cylinder deactivation helps economy, but the official number is still only 19.3mpg and you’ll do well to hit double figures in the real world.

The facelifted 2016 Bentley Mulsanne and SPeed – and the new EWB Mulsanne – will debut next week at the Geneva Motor Show.