ML: Isn't sophisticated subtlety better than holier-than-thou grandeur? Just sayin'. But, I have to say, inside the Mulsanne really does shine. I mean, there's nothing more Bentley than a full wood-panelled dash. Some might see it as a bit in-your-face flash, but it's pure opulence. It's like you're in a moving estate; like you've just stepped into the reading room of Prince Charles for a spot of tea and some scones. Sure, the Continental GT has some nice touches (piano-black inserts and a sportier gauge cluster), but the Mulsanne wins this, hands down.
MSP: Correct. The GT has real touches – woods, cowhide and the lot – but the Mulsanne is destined for those that expect nothing less than the best in the world, hence why crude plastics, which are also seen in the GT, are not found in the Mulsanne. Them buttons you see strewn about on the dashboard are actually glass. Here's another point: The GT's seats are great, as one would expect, but they are nothing but church benches when compared to those in the Mulsanne, especially those in the rear.
ML: Yes, but my “crude” plastics and less-plushy seats mean the GT weighs a whole 600 lbs less than the Mulsanne, which means I don't feel like I'm driving a moving yacht when I get behind the wheel. Speaking of driving, now we have to get down to the nitty-gritty. We already know I have more horsepower and a W12, so that automatically makes me the winner, right?
MSP: Ever heard of the expression “riding on a cloud?” My Mulsanne will not only hover above all the nastiness, but still reach 100 km/h in 5 seconds. And even though you've got 4 extra cylinders, who'd complain about a twin-turbocharged sultry V8? Crudeness looses.
ML: Since when are clouds exciting? The Mulsanne might have 3/4 litres on the GT, but that doesn't help it win the driving debate. I absolutely love the handling and sporty feel of the GT. Sure, it's a Bentley, but it can be fast too. True, it's heavy in some situations, but with a twin-turbocharged W12 pumping out 567 horses coupled to the AWD and a 6-speed quick-shift transmission, this Bentley can be a real beast on the road, and I'd have to say. Oh, and my 0-100? Yeah, 4.6 seconds. Gotcha beat there too.
MSP: And that's why the civil and refined will always go for the Mulsanne. Unlike the GT, four occupants can be cajoled to the nines at all times all the while cruising in total comfort and quiet at 300 km/h. The Mulsanne may “only” be RWD, but did I mention the 8-speed automatic transmission? The 752 lb-ft of torque?
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| 2012 Bentley Mulsanne (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |
MSP: Correct. The GT has real touches – woods, cowhide and the lot – but the Mulsanne is destined for those that expect nothing less than the best in the world, hence why crude plastics, which are also seen in the GT, are not found in the Mulsanne. Them buttons you see strewn about on the dashboard are actually glass. Here's another point: The GT's seats are great, as one would expect, but they are nothing but church benches when compared to those in the Mulsanne, especially those in the rear.
ML: Yes, but my “crude” plastics and less-plushy seats mean the GT weighs a whole 600 lbs less than the Mulsanne, which means I don't feel like I'm driving a moving yacht when I get behind the wheel. Speaking of driving, now we have to get down to the nitty-gritty. We already know I have more horsepower and a W12, so that automatically makes me the winner, right?
MSP: Ever heard of the expression “riding on a cloud?” My Mulsanne will not only hover above all the nastiness, but still reach 100 km/h in 5 seconds. And even though you've got 4 extra cylinders, who'd complain about a twin-turbocharged sultry V8? Crudeness looses.
ML: Since when are clouds exciting? The Mulsanne might have 3/4 litres on the GT, but that doesn't help it win the driving debate. I absolutely love the handling and sporty feel of the GT. Sure, it's a Bentley, but it can be fast too. True, it's heavy in some situations, but with a twin-turbocharged W12 pumping out 567 horses coupled to the AWD and a 6-speed quick-shift transmission, this Bentley can be a real beast on the road, and I'd have to say. Oh, and my 0-100? Yeah, 4.6 seconds. Gotcha beat there too.
MSP: And that's why the civil and refined will always go for the Mulsanne. Unlike the GT, four occupants can be cajoled to the nines at all times all the while cruising in total comfort and quiet at 300 km/h. The Mulsanne may “only” be RWD, but did I mention the 8-speed automatic transmission? The 752 lb-ft of torque?
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| 2012 Bentley Mulsanne (Photo: Sébastien D'Amour/Auto123.com) |