Used 2018 Bentley Mulsanne Base Sedan Review

The 2018 Bentley Mulsanne is one of the most expensive cars you can buy today. For the $300,000-plus cost of admission, you get a 3-ton, 18-foot (19-foot for the extended-wheelbase) luxury sedan that is as close to hand-built perfection as you'll find. As the price suggests, no expense is spared. Only the finest leather, metals and wood are selected. And if those aren't satisfying enough, you can opt for a customized Mulsanne that is tailored to your tastes.

More likely than not, you'll be enjoying the Mulsanne from one of the plush passenger seats. But the driver won't feel left out thanks to a massive turbocharged V8 under the sculpted hood. Wherever you might be seated, you'll be treated to one of the most comfortable rides on the planet.

There's no doubt the Bentley Mulsanne makes a statement. It's an extravagance that proclaims wealth, taste and refinement. In this rarefied air, there's really only one other ultimate luxury sedan that is competing for your impressive budget: the half-million-dollar Rolls-Royce Phantom. If you're fortunate enough to be considering either, there is no wrong choice.

Bentley offers three versions of the Mulsanne to suit customer needs. The Mulsanne and the Mulsanne Extended Wheelbase, which adds almost 10 inches of rear legroom, are both powered by the same turbocharged 6.75-liter V8 (505 horsepower, 752 pound-feet of torque). There's also the Mulsanne Speed, which wrings an extra 25 hp and 60 lb-ft of torque from the V8. All three largely share the same equipment and options. Bentley offers a number of packages that add significant upgrades to this already lavish vehicle and nearly limitless options for customization.

Standard equipment highlights include four-zone automatic climate control with separate rear-seat controls, power rear-window privacy screens, 14-way power-adjustable front seats and eight-way power-adjustable rear seats (all with heating), a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, an eight-speaker sound system, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen and, of course, leather upholstery and wood trim.

Outside the cabin, the Mulsanne includes an air ride suspension, LED headlights and taillights, a sunroof, automatic soft-close doors and trunk, parking sensors, 20-inch wheels, and keyless entry and ignition.

There are several packages, which Bentley refers to as "specifications," that offer some extensive upgrades.

The Comfort Specification adds massage and ventilation to both front seats and the rear outboard seats, special comfort headrests with faux suede pads, and two extra loose cushions. On the extended-wheelbase Mulsanne, the Comfort Specification also adds airline-style reclining seats with footrests. The Premier Specification adds the much-needed Flying B hood ornament, stainless-steel door-pillar finishers, a special filler cap, two umbrellas, a valet key, a veneered cellphone drawer for the front center console, and a remote-control garage door opener.

The Entertainment Specification adds dual 10.4-inch rear-seat tablets and veneered picnic tables, which deploy from the front seatbacks. These tablets can be removed from their mounts and used even outside the car. With this package, you also get the absolutely bonkers 2,200-watt, 20-speaker Naim sound system.

Finally, the Mulliner Driving Specification adds special 21-inch wheels (although a version of this package can be had without the wheels), branded treadplate plaques, a sport-tuned suspension with driver-selectable modes, diamond-quilted and perforated seats and door panels, a leather headliner, and uniquely machined shift lever, air vent controls, foot pedals and interior door handles.

The Mulsanne comes with a host of other optional extras, such as three choices of drink cabinet (cocktail, bottle cooler with tumblers or bottle cooler with Champagne flutes — all with bespoke crystal), extra rear-seat vanity mirrors, black rear-window curtains with power controls, adaptive cruise control, front corner-view cameras, a chromed radiator shell and lambswool rugs.

A number of connectivity options allow owners to track their car with GPS or control the infotainment from a connected smart device. Also on offer are digital television reception, in-car Wi-Fi with a 4G internet connection, and integrated iPad and keyboard docks built into the rear-seat picnic tables.

It's also worth mentioning the options for color, trim, veneer and embroidery, which number in the hundreds. But, as Bentley is happy to tell you, its ability to customize any aspect of the car, from custom marquetry to installing specially built compartments such as humidors or jewelry boxes, is limited mostly by the buyer's imagination and pocketbook.