New Bentley Mulsanne Speed revealed

The all-new Bentley Mulsanne Speed has been revealed to the public at the Paris Motor Show.

Its 6.75-litre V8 engine – which has been in production since 1959 – has received a hike in power, meaning it now develops 530bhp and 811lb ft of torque, the latter at just 1750rpm. This means that although the Mulsanne Speed weighs over 2.6 tonnes, it will accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds and hit a maximum of 190mph.

Despite its improved output, the engine now meets Euro 6 emissions regulations and produces 13% less CO2 – down to 342g/km. The average fuel consumption has also been boosted to 19.3mpg which, according to Bentley, means an extra 50 miles per tank of fuel.

Alongside the mechanical upgrades, there are four new paint colours – taking the total shades available to 125 – and styling tweaks that include a tinted radiator and lower bumper grilles, as well as the front and rear lights. There are also new 21-inch alloy wheels available in a variety of finishes.

The cabin features diamond-quilted seats and door trims, drilled alloy pedals and a distinctive knurled finish to the gearlever and 'organ stop' vent controls. Two-tone leather seats and Piano Black veneers, inlaid with carbonfibre, are standard, but buyers can select from up to 24 additional hide colours and 10 further veneers.

Optional extras include a 60GB hard drive for media storage, twin 8.0-inch rear screens, electrically operated rear picnic tables, on-board wifi, a frosted glass bottle cooler, plus a 2200-watt Naim premium audio system.

The standard Mulsanne has also had similar upgrades, including a more efficient engine, software upgrades to improve refinement, plus new colours and trims.

The Mulsanne Speed costs £252,200. Deliveries start at the end of the year.