A darker shade of Bentley: GT Mulliner Blackline

BENTLEY has responded to the growing popularity of its Blackline exterior trim package by extending it to the GT and GT Convertible Mulliner model lines. 

The Crewe-based marque says 38 per cent of its Continental GT orders are now specified with the Blackline treatment and that it expects similar interest from Mulliner buyers – the alternative execution to chrome-garnish detailing is now available across the entire Bentley range.

The new option is a response to “increasing demand for black versions of brightware”, Bentley says. The Blackline package is claimed to complement the “myriad options available to buyers” of the brand’s popular four-seat coupe and convertible.

For the Blackline version, all of the exterior’s brightware – excluding the Bentley ‘Winged B’ badge – turns black, including the radiator grille bezel. 

The wing-mirror caps are finished in Beluga Black, while the Mulliner’s signature matrix wing vents, radiator grille and lower bumper grilles also finished in a matching hue.

The theme is continued with black-painted 22-inch wheels, of which each of the self-levelling hub badges feature a chrome ring. Bentley says a black Mulliner wheel with contrasting polished “pockets” will be available in the near future.

“The addition of the Blackline edition to the Mulliner range of GT models reinforces Bentley’s position as the world’s leading manufacturer of luxury sporting Grand Tourers, while offering bespoke solutions for the most discerning customers who want cars as unique as their own personalities,” Bentley said in a statement.

“In short, a contemporary twist on the world’s ultimate luxury coupé,” it added.

Internally, the sumptuous cabin of the GT Mulliner remains unchanged. Buyers can customise the interior in “any combination they choose” as part of the Mulliner’s Limitless Offering, or specify one of eight recommended three-colour combinations using Bentley’s “wide palette of hides and threads”.

As standard, the interior of the Mulliner incorporates Bentley’s Diamond in Diamond quilted seats, door cars and rear quarter panels, featuring contrast and accent stitching running through the diamond pattern. The British marque claims that each cabin features almost 400,000 stitches.

Depending on market, the GT and GT Convertible Mulliner are available with the choice of a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 developing 404kW or twin-turbocharged 6.0-litre W12 delivering 466kW, although the latter is notably set to be replaced by a hybrid driveline “within five years”. 

In Australia, both current engine choices are available, each paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive configuration.

Locally, the Bentley GT Coupe line-up is priced from $408,900 plus on-road costs with the GT Concertible starting at $450,100 plus on-road costs – both prices exclude bespoke Mulliner options or the Blackline package.

Bentley has sold 91 coupe and convertible models in Australia so far this year, as well as 21 sedans and 82 SUVs.