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Of all the cars that gather respect for the owner, the Bentley Mulsanne may be the best.
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The Mulsanne sports "old world" lines and a stately appearance, but still manages a modern look without being too silly.
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The base model has a ridiculous amount of features, and even more are available through Bentley's personalization catalog, but one would expect as much given the price.
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The luxury offered boarders on excess. The only plastic in the car is a few button surfaces. Everything else is metal, wood, or leather. In fact, Bentley estimates that as many as 19 cow hides are used in upholstering each Mulsanne.
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There is a startling amount of technology hidden under the classic dash and hood. Electronic stability control and all the comforts modern luxury buyers expect all come standard.
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With over a billion combinations of features, trim, and paint options, it is possible that no two Bentley Mulsannes will ever be the same.
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At nearly a quarter million dollars, this is not a car one simply walks to the dealership and buys. The high degree of personalization involved in purchasing the Mulsanne requires buyers to special order one.
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Understated is not a good word to describe the Bentley Mulsanne. It was described as "a big, heavy car, and unashamedly so," by a member of Bentley's Board of Directors. It is luxury through and through, and while not flashy, is not afraid to stand out.
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Only 800 Bentley Mulsannes will be made each year, so buyers will have to be lucky or quick to be able to own one.
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The Mulsanne is luxurious for one or two, comfortable for three, and can hold four. It is no limo, but it will take whoever straps in anywhere is style.