Bentley rolls out Shaheen edition Mulsanne in Dubai
Mon, 11 Nov 2013
Bentley doesn't do quite as many special editions for local markets as Rolls-Royce does, and when it does, they're usually based on the Continental range. But the new Shaheen edition which Bentley unveiled at the Dubai Motor Show is based on its flagship sedan, the Mulsanne.
Named for and inspired by the Shaheen eagle, the special Mulsanne is distinguished by two-tone Tungsten and Onyx paint, with Magnolia and Beluga leather and dark burr walnut trim inside. It comes already upgraded to the Mulliner Driving Specification, which includes 21-inch alloys, diamond-quilted leather and adjustable suspension and steering.
Of course there are special logos inside and out, and sheikhs ponying up the unspecified premium can also opt for iPad picnic tables, onboard wifi, glass sunroof and a bottle cooler for chilling the champagne that, somewhat ironically, is haram – forbidden under Sharia law that governs many of the countries where Bentley is selling this car.
BENTLEY INTRODUCES NEW MULSANNE SHAHEEN TO THE MIDDLE EAST
- Bentley flagship special edition makes Middle East debut at Dubai Motor Show
- Special Edition Mulsanne created specifically for Middle East market
- Recent winner of the 2013 MEMA awards, Bentley Continental GT Speed Convertible also on display
(Dubai, 5 November 2013). The Bentley Mulsanne Shaheen, a vehicle specifically created for the Middle East market, made its debut today at the Dubai Motor Show. The new luxury flagship model draws its inspiration from the Shaheen eagle, a bird of prey that is embedded in Middle Eastern culture and society.
The craftsmen and women of Bentley Mulliner have created this special edition by taking inspiration from the colourings of the Shaheen eagle using Tungsten over Onyx paintwork, with Magnolia and Beluga leather and Dark Stained Burr Walnut Veneer for the interior. Final touches include a bespoke signature Mulsanne Shaheen logo adorned on the rear iPad picnic tables using a gold overlay.
The Mulsanne Shaheen will come complete with the Mulliner Driving Specification, blending a range of striking design features including unique 21-inch alloy wheels, Bentley Flying 'B' wing vents and Diamond Quilted leather trimmed cabin with driver-selectable, sports-tuned suspension and steering, underscoring the performance credentials of Bentley's 6.75 litre V8 ultra-luxury flagship saloon.
Geoff Dowding, Regional Director Asia, Middle East & Africa, commented, "The Middle East is the biggest market for our flagship Mulsanne, so this year we really wanted to create a car especially for our customers here. Our in-house Mulliner design team from the factory in Crewe, UK spoke directly with many Mulsanne customers to create this limited addition Mulsanne Shaheen".
Further options include iPad picnic tables, a Wi Fi hotspot, a large tilt-opening, tinted glass sunroof and an exquisitely designed, electrically operated bottle cooler. The Mulsanne is the flagship of the Bentley family, combining coach-built elegance and hand crafted luxury with immense power and sportiness that together offer the world's most exclusive driving experience.
The Mulsanne's 6.75 litre V8 develops 512 PS (505 bhp / 377 KW) while the massive torque (1020 Nm / 752 lb.ft) is delivered from 1750 rev/min. This dramatic torque delivery from just above idle and right across the rev range ensures that with a mere tap of the accelerator the driver is immediately rewarded with a characteristic deep, muffled V8 burble and phenomenal acceleration.
The Mulsanne has achieved strong sales year to date in the Middle East, increasing by 53 per cent compared to the same period last year. The Middle East has performed impressively across all model lines; the new Flying Spur, Continental GT and Mulsanne with overall increased sales of 25 per cent for 2013.
Globally, Bentley Motors has built on its successful performance for the first half of 2013, after announcing that global customer deliveries to the end of September have grown by nine per cent, compared to 2012.
Geoff Dowding commented: "Strong performance from our W12 models continued, with the Continental GT Speed and Continental GT Speed Convertible proving successful in all territories. This, added to increases in our V8 and Mulsanne models, maintains our impressive performance and strongly reinforces our position as market leader among our direct competitors in the luxury car market."
Also present on the Bentley stand at the Dubai Motor Show will be the recently launched Flying Spur which is the fastest, most powerful four-door Bentley model ever. Powered by Bentley's renowned 6.0-litre, twin turbo W12 engine developing an astonishing 625 PS, the new Flying Spur sprints from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The new Bentley model, with its unrivalled blend of effortless drivability, exquisite luxury and craftsmanship, sculpted design and state-of-the-art technology, will build on the worldwide success of its iconic predecessor.
Joining the New Flying Spur and Mulsanne Shaheen are the latest additions to the GT range, the Bentley Continental GT Speed and the Continental GT Speed Convertible; which is the fastest four-seat convertible in the world. With the weather in the Middle East cooling to more pleasant levels, it is the perfect time of year for exhilarating, roof-down driving. The GT Speed Convertible was awarded the Luxury Convertible of the year at the recent Middle East Motoring Awards ceremony in Dubai.
By Noah Joseph
See also: Lamborghini, Bentley recalling models with carbon-ceramic brakes, Bentley readying four-door coupe for 2018, Bentley CEO says Mulsanne Convertible isn't going to happen [w/poll].