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Bentley Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner is a six-passenger mouthful

Automakers that specialize in low-volume, hand-built cars really listen to their customers. That's why we're looking at this, a super-sized, customer-commissioned Bentley Mulsanne, called the Grand Limousine, that's been built by the company's in-house coachbuilder Mulliner. The most notable change, of course, is the size. Mulliner adds an extra three feet to the Mulsanne's overall length and three inches to its height for uncompromised interior space. As you can see by looking at the gallery, that change allowed Bentley to fit a second pair of rear-facing seats. The actual cabin itself is entirely bespoke, but there's more than some hand-picked hides and wood trim here. The windows are made from electrochromatic glass that can change from clear to opaque with a single button press, not unlike the Mercedes-Benz SL's Magic Sky Control. Backseat passengers will also have access to an updated HVAC system, fold-out wood tables, iPad docking/charging stations and a full array of drinks storage, including a bottle cooler with a frosted glass and champagne flutes. And if you'd rather pass on alcohol, there's a special soft drink cabinet so that you can take your Mountain Dew addiction on the road. Naturally, there's also an intercom so that the one-percenter in back can talk to the 99 percenter in front. Check out the Mulsanne Grand Limousine in the official gallery, and stay tuned for live images of this gorgeous luxury sedan from the floor of the 2016 Geneva Motor Show. BENTLEY UNVEILS THE MULSANNE GRAND LIMOUSINE BY MULLINER – THE ULTIMATE EXPRESSION OF BESPOKE, COACHBUILT LUXURY MAR 1, 2016 Privately-commissioned, bespoke Mulsanne is perfect showcase of Mulliner's skill and vision One metre of additional length and a new higher roof affords passengers luxury of space and comfort Luxurious private-aviation-inspired rear cabin with face-to-face seating 'Smart glass' assures privacy; in-car technology enhances experience Hand-crafted in Crewe by Mulliner, Bentley's coachbuilding division (Geneva, Switzerland. 1 March 2016) Bentley unveils the Mulsanne Grand Limousine by Mulliner at the 2016 Geneva Motor Show today, showcasing the ultimate expression of bespoke automotive luxury, craftsmanship, individualisation and refinement. The Mulsanne Grand Limousine is one metre longer and 79 mm taller than Bentley's new Mulsanne and features a unique interior with private-aviation-style seating configuration in the rear cabin.

Volkswagen breaks 40-year-old sales record in 2012

The last time Volkswagen moved this many vehicles in America in one year, Richard Nixon was still a President in good standing, Let It Be was a radio hit and each car wearing the VW badge boasted an air-cooled engine. That's right, with a grand total of 580,286 vehicles sold in the US last year, the VW Group has broken its own four-decades-old sales record by 2,899 vehicles.
Of that 580k total sold, 438k were Volkswagens and 139k were Audi products - increases of 35.1 percent and 18.5 percent, respectively, in year-over-year sales. The ultra-premium members of the VW group also fared well; Bentley delivered 2,315 vehicles for a 23.3-precent increase, and Lamborghini delivered 520 units for a 52.9-percent jump. Bugatti, we're told is "right on track."
Jetta (pictured) sales paced the marque with 170k models sold, and Passat also finished very strong with sales of 117k total. Tiguan also racked up its best year on file, with 31,731 models shifted.

Bentley has built more than 20,000 Bentaygas in four years

It might not feel like it, but Bentley has been building an SUV for four years now. The Bentayga was introduced in 2015 and entered production at the beginning of 2016. Since then, the model's lineup has expanded to a range of six variants and numerous powertrain options. In total, Bentley has built more than 20,000 examples of the Bentayga, and demand does not appear to be dropping.  Like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini, and Aston Martin, Bentley turned to the crossover and SUV market for a bump in sales, and the Bentayga has been a brand MVP ever since. Buyers have the choice between the Bentayga, Bentayga V8, Bentayga V8 Design Series, Bentayga Speed, Bentayga Diesel, and Bentayga Hybrid, as to ensure there's something for every type of buyer.  The launch powertrain in the Bentayga was a twin-turbocharged W12. It made a claimed 599 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. At full blast, it is capable of running 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds and tops out at 187 mph. Bentley topped those impressive numbers with the release of the Bentayga Speed. It too used a twin-turbocharged W12, but on those models, it made 623 horsepower. With a top speed of 190 mph, Bentley claims the Speed is the fastest SUV in the world.  Downgrading in engine size and power, the Bentayga V8 was unveiled in 2018 with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter eight-cylinder engine. It makes 542 horsepower and 568 lb-ft of torque, and with the foot to the ground, it can do the 0-60-mph scoot in 4.4 seconds. Top speed is capped at 180 mph. Bentley offers a Bentayga V8 Design Series for those searching for a more specialized look.  The other two options are the hybrid model or the diesel model. The diesel, which is not available in the U.S., has a triple-charged 4.0-liter V8 that produces 429 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. The plug-in hybrid, Bentley's first foray into brand electrification, combines a 17.3 kWh lithium-ion battery pack, an electric motor, and a V6 engine. Together, the system makes a claimed 443 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque.   If those versions of the Bentayga were too bland, Bentley has also offered several special-editions of the questionably designed luxury off-roader. There was the Pikes Peak edition that commemorated the Bentley setting the Pikes Peak SUV record. There was a Stetson edition with Texas flair. And we can't forget our personal favorite: the Bentley Bentayga Falconry by Mulliner. Related Video: