German Car Zone

Wow, for you to say that its design comparable to the DB9 for flawlessness, then I can't wait to see it in person. Especially, since I think the DB9/DBS is just about perfect, and the Brooklands is great example of powerful understatement in design. I guess I'll have to drive up for the LA auto show this year and take a gander. (Well, not only the Mulsanne but the LFA, 458, the Ghost, new 911 turbo/GT3, Evora, XJ, Balboni, SLS...what else am I missing?)

Speaking of the Ghost, Centurion, how would you compare that to the Mulsanne, especially with regards to the interior?

Also, is that van Braeckel in the attached pic?

Yes, that is van Braeckel in the photo.



My feelings about the Ghost are mixed. Although I was daunted by how striking it looks in purple, its appearance falls flat in colours like white. RR have done an admirable job shrinking the Phantom into a slimmer and fresher package. That is a part of problem though, the Ghost walks in the shadow of the Phantom. It's an attractive package non-the-less but does somewhat lack originality.

It is very easy to get captivated by the highly decorated interior of the Ghost and fend off the slightly antique looking Mulsanne dash is which is coupled by simpleton rear cabin. At first sight I was scratching my head over how cautious VAG have been in designing the Arnage interior and it's not until two a three weeks ago that the interior really came to me. It has been a case of poor choice of wood colour. The photograph below is that truly brought the pieces together for me. Many of the recent interiors we've seen by the likes of the Panamera, Ghost and F458 represent a new breed of excessively designed interior. There is no denying of their attractiveness, they are appealing. But the Mulsanne interior is one of the only recent designs which are not trying to be something. It features a well recognisable T-shaped layout, surrounded by handsome leather and paired with classic accessible black buttons.

Bentley are walking the path of simplicity and they are on the road to success. The Mulsanne was a major crowd pleaser at Frankfurt autoshow were many people were standing there mesmerising and admiring the powers of simplicity. I'm certain that the Mulsanne will win many fans.

^^^

I whole-heartedly agree that while the blue exterior in the Frankfurt showcar is pretty, the light wood (poplar?) in the interior was not doing it any favors. While I like how the simple dash layout gives way to a sense of elegance, i.e. where the wood in the dash meets the wood on the door trim, it's the little things that Bentley ought to have addressed in making this car something that is supposed to be treasured. By applying obvious Audi switchgear for the HVAC and infotainment unit, this, to me, is cost cutting. Take for example the steering wheel.....in the Ghost, you get the sense that it's based on a BMW product, but only after staring at it for a bit. Whereas in the Mulsanne, the steering wheel looks like a two-tone steering wheel, instantly you feel that it has been lifted from an A8.

Maybe when I see it in person, the interior quality will overwhelm me to a point where I'll forget these oversights, but I doubt it.

I was fortunate enough to view a Mulsanne in person yesterday (Saturday), a light blue colour with a cream interior. Exterior is a mess in my eyes compared to the near perfection of the previous model. It is an amalgamation of many different design languages into an intangible mess. The front attempts to be striking and purposeful and yet morphs into an entirely bland and emotionless side profile. The rear is a simply evolution of that design seen on the Continental series, an obvious attempt at family ties. The interior on the other hand is much better then in photo. I do not however, understand the colour schemes of a purple top dash and steering wheel and a blue leather covered gear level. I think the interior would look best in dark leather with a strong wood accent.

I know that this one still has some camo on, but looks huge in black…

^ Mulsanne T ? Looks like fog lights at the bottom and I have yet to see a photo with the main headlights on.