It's not everyday you're handed the keys to a Bentley Mulsanne, but if you can resist the urge to jump straight in it's worth contemplating, for a few moments at least, some of the statistics that go with Bentley's newest super-saloon.

BENTLEY MULSANNE

At nearly 5' tall, 6'4" wide and over 18' long, the Mulsanne is one mighty motor-car. 21" wheels fill the arches, the sidelights are the size of a hatch-back's headlamps and the headlamps bigger still.



Under the bonnet lies a hand-built 6.75 litre twin turbo V8 that develops 505 bhp and 752lbft of torque. Coupled to an 8-speed automatic gearbox 0-60mph takes just 5.1 seconds, and flat-out is 184mph. In today's world of featherweight super-cars you may think that's pretty un-remarkable. But consider this; The Mulsanne weighs 2.6 tonnes. The exterior styling mixes old school Bentley traditionalism and cutting edge modernity in equal measure. A process called super-forming helps create the bodywork's intricate details whilst good old-fashioned craftsmanship helps create the rest. It's a similar story inside too.

Twenty-one hand stitched hides cover everything from the seats to the headlining - it smells magnificent. Add handpolished, veneered oak marquetry, stainless steel ventilation controls and piano black switches, plus a 20 speaker 2200 watt hi-fi, individual massaging seats and carpet so deep you can't see the soles of your shoes, and it's easy to see where your £220,000 goes.

Press the starter and you're rewarded with a melifluous muted burble. Despite its girth, on the move, the Mulsanne never feels as large as it looks. There's a precise lightness to the steering, the gear-changes are imperceptible and even at speeds I shouldn't mention Bentley's flagship feels completely stable. Progress is effortless. The Mulsanne represents the epitome of automotive luxury: It is a car without equal. Liam Bird



Bentley Mulsanne
Engine Twin-turbocharged 6750cc V8
Power 505 BHP @ 4200rpm
Torque 752lbft @ 1750rpm
Transmission ZF 8 speed automatic
Performance 0-62mph 5.1 sec
Max Speed 184mph
MPG 16.7 Combined
CO2 393g/km
Price From £220,000
Car shown £262,350

Bentley Cardiff 293 Penarth Road Cardiff CF11 8TT 029 2034 7950 www.cardiff.bentleymotors.com Many thanks to Bentley Motors Crewe, for the loan of their Mulsanne.