Exclusivity, a word which knows no bounds. Since the inception of the automotive industry, some manufacturers have managed to grace the streets with 4-wheeled attires so pulchritudinally well that they have spoilt us or rather those who can afford to disperse cavernous amounts of money with an abundance of choice to experience exclusivity which transcends everything else. Even the players in the monopsony market such as Rolls-Royce add a solid pinch of unbelievable luxury with its exclusive range of cars despite their mettle of making machines which are already poignant to the T.
In a similar fashion, our hearts exalt when we hear the name Mulliner-aphorism to denote the finest of Bentley’s range globally. Since the continuation of the Mulsanne in 2019, the Flying Spur sits at the helm of the British marque’s 4-door luxury division and has been coherently revitalised since with the highly acclaimed Mulliner edition breaking cover earlier this year. It’s being referred to as the Pinnacle 4-door Grand Tourer so does it live up to the statement and the hype contrived around it?
Middle East is the region where some of the greatest honchos, corporate executives, emeritus reside and with the market being awash with luxury SUVs, Grand Tourers and luxobarges, the Mulliner edition of the Flying Spur brings with it some really unique tomfooleries.
It all commences with the visual splendour. The masterpiece coming from the stables of Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division, the handcrafted Flying Spur Mulliner edition spews its discrepancies against the ‘ordinary’ model by incubating special 22” Mulliner wheels which carry a grey livery and sheen on it for a ferocious look. Lavishing the wheels, wow-factor are self-levelling wheel caps which remain fixed in their position so the Bentley emblem is apparent even when the wheels are rotating.
The front visage portrays a bulbous “double-diamond” grille atop which sits Bentley’s hallmark, Flying-B mascot. Beneath the grille, is yet another mesh grille in chrome imparting it a majestic appeal. The twin circular headlamps with LED lights on their silhouette look regal even after these years. Wing vents with Mulliner lettering on them intimate all the gapers that it is the most special take on luxury mobility by Bentley. Satin Silver finish for the wing mirrors adds sporty charm to the sedan which is otherwise, an epitome of minimalism. Such exquisite is the attention to detail that the fuel and oil caps are bejewelled.
Arousing sense of occasion and inviting you to the cabin are scuff plates which illuminate. Even the overmats welcome you to the car. The hand-stitched seats have Mulliner embroidery on them. The unique heterogeneous blend of a hue of leather called Ascot which is spread over the dash, instrument cluster and the door trims and Camel, which swathes the seats reeks magnificence. Micro-piping, accent line and embroidery fuse in yet another colour with this couple. The 3D door trims of leather will make one indulge in the ultimate luxury experience from Bentley. The most remarkable feature on the Flying Spur Mulliner edition is the infotainment system which flips to show either analog dials, digital menu or just a slab of polished wood for retro theme. Other bits include opulent AC vents, brushed silver Mulliner clock and heated steering wheel to complete its lounge-like experience.
A car so consummate needs an exceptional powerplant. For the Middle East, V8 for the parsimonious folks and a full-bore W12 engine configuration for the ravenous fanatics seeking inexorable surge of power are available. The smaller 4.0-litre V8 engine belts out power enough to spin the tires and make the luxury limo cross the ton mark in just 4.0 seconds. However, the 6.0-litre W12 format is used for breath-taking progress. It crosses the ton mark in just 3.8 seconds lambasting even some sports cars. It belts out a healthy 626 hp and a stonking 900 Nm of torque to help the heavy-weight limo conquer this feat.
