Bentley Has Given Up On Its Biggest, Most Opulent Sedan For Good

A return for Bentley’s Mulsanne limousine looks unlikely any time soon, given fluctuating fortunes in the global luxury automotive market and a perpetual shift towards high-end SUVs, according to Bentley CEO Frank-Steffen Walliser.

The Numbers Make A Mulsanne A Waste Of Money

Speaking exclusively with Automotive News, Walliser, formerly head of Porsche’s motorsport and 911 divisions, explained that production of a new Mulsanne is seemingly off the table given the “stagnating” market for luxury sedans. Launched in 2010, the Mulsanne reigned as the luxury British marque’s flagship limousine before being discontinued in 2020.

“The market for large sedans is stagnating and is a fraction of SUVs,” Walliser explained to Automotive News. “A Mulsanne offers a different driving experience than an SUV, that is true. But when you look at the numbers, it’s clear that a new Mulsanne would be a hobby project.”

Related

History Of The Bentley Mulsanne

Sadly, the era of Bentley’s current iconic flagship is coming to an end.

Walliser’s reference to the Mulsanne as a “hobby project,” however, suggests that limited-edition models, like the Batur (of which only 18 were made for specific customers), may still be on the cards.

Mulsanne Stays Dead, But I.C.E. Models Will Continue

With a Mulsanne revival unlikely, Walliser confirmed that Bentley’s immediate focus is on electrifying its current line-up. With previous plans for the luxury British marque to go fully-electric by 2030 now scrapped, Bentley will continue to release at least one hybridized model every year to the end of the decade. This includes a new SUV flagship – the Luxury Urban SUV – set to be the first all-electric Bentley, and due to be released in 2027.

Related

More New Combustion Bentley Models Coming This Year

Bentley has delayed its all-electric plan by five years, and several V8 hybrid models will bridge the gap.

“[Plug-in hybrids] are very well received by customers,” Walliser continues. “We made a big change on our PHEVs and reduced the number of cylinders, from 12 to eight. Of course, we hear criticism from time to time, depending on the country. But essentially everyone says: The drive is better and suits the car.”

Moreover, the Bentley boss confirmed that, given the flexible nature of EV regulations worldwide, Bentley would continue to offer ICE examples of the Continental, the Flying Spur, and its Bentayga SUV.

“It depends on the market, and on the regulation, which in my opinion is anything but fixed. And of course, on the customer’s wishes. Our plan to bring a BEV or a PHEV annually leaves room for flexibility.”

Related

The Car Brands Most At Risk From Trump’s Huge Tariffs

Tariffs are nothing new in the automotive world, but for some brands, their American dream could go up in smoke.

Bentley Likely To Limit U.S. Imports Over Trump Tariffs

Asked about Bentley’s reaction to the Trump administration’s tariffs, Walliser further explained that, like parent company Volkswagen, Bentley would be relying on existing U.S. inventory – apparently good to run through to September/October this year – and, much like Aston Martin and Polestar, is likely to limit U.S. imports. Admittedly, new tariff rules put into effect last week may help soften the blow, but there is a blow nonetheless.

Focus will instead turn to Bentley’s existing market in Europe, burgeoning sales in the Middle East, and an admittedly “shrinking market” in China – the brand’s second-largest market worldwide – owing to a declining luxury segment. Indeed, Walliser expects recovery “will take at least another year.”

Source: Automotive News