Bentley's new 'Five-in-Five' plan is nothing if not ambitious, but also simple to understand: from 2025, five new electric models are coming, one each year. It's radical for the brand even by the standards of the 2020s. That said, given what's already been achieved with hybrid models - and with the box of bits it'll have access to in building an EV - it would be a brave person to bet against Bentley.
Much like last orders at the bar, though, there's nothing like an imposed time limit to make you really appreciate the here and now. Or the recent past that may already be a little hazy. To many people, and we'll include ourselves in this, nothing has epitomised Bentley in the 21st century quite like a Mulsanne. The Continental GT is better than ever, and an EV will play to the firm's traditional strengths of refinement and effortless performance perfectly, but the Mulsanne has always been in a class of its own. After all, if it's good enough for Her Majesty, it's good enough for her humble subjects...
However, this isn't any old Mulsanne. Though the standard car was launched to considerable acclaim in the early 2010s, Bentley recognised there was untapped potential in its flagship - and that momentous engine. Come 2015 and the Mulsanne Speed was introduced, with power increased for the 6.75-litre twin-turbo V8 to 537hp and peak twist to an outrageous 811lb ft. It was also made Euro6 compliant in the process, which looks as valuable an asset now as any crazy torque output. The Speed also benefitted from firmer suspension, a sharper shifting transmission, an ever-so-slightly sportier look, and, thanks to the efficiency improvements of the engine, another 50 miles in the 96-litre tank - handy.
Predictably, the Speed was an epic way to spend a quarter of a million quid. Just like the Mulsanne, really, only with even mightier performance. Here was a 2,685kg car with 190mph potential. Presumably at a whisper, too. A Flying Spur was even faster again, yes, but precious few outside VW are going to mourn the demise of the W12 when it inevitably occurs - that's the difference.
Moreover, the Mulsanne Speed depreciated almost as fiercely as it accelerated, bringing the very pinnacle of Bentley to a much lower price point just a few years after launch. Though they seem to have settled in recent years, with non-Speeds starting at around £50k, it's still an extraordinary quantity of car for not all that much. For a Speed the entry point is now around £75k, which seems appropriate given it commanded a £25,000 premium when new as well.
This one is a little more, at £86,990, but still a fraction of its asking price. It's a 2016 car that's covered 25,000 miles, notable for all the equipment you'd ever need - and a colour we've never seen on a Bentley Mulsanne before. St James Red is certainly distinctive, though some may also call it divisive; the fact this car has already has six owners suggests they've not grown to love it. Or that fuelling the V8 was even more prohibitive than expected. Whatever the case, it looks a great opportunity for a Bentley buyer now who's bored of grey, black and blue. And, just as importantly, who wants to experience the old Bentley before the new 5-a-day Bentleys are here...
SPECIFICATION | BENTLEY MULSANNE SPEED
Engine: 6,750cc, V8, twin-turbo
Transmission: 8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive
Power (hp): 537@4,200rpm
Torque (lb ft): 811@1,750rpm
MPG: 19.3
CO2: 342g/km
First registered: 2016
Recorded mileage: 25,067
Price new: £252,200 (before options)
Yours for: £86,990
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