2020 Bentley Mulsanne

The 2020 Bentley Mulsanne, a symbol of British luxury and craftsmanship, entered its final year of production in this iteration. Powered by a hand-built 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, the Mulsanne produced a formidable 505 horsepower and a staggering 752 lb-ft of torque in its standard form, and 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque in the Speed variant. The Mulsanne was exclusively equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners adored the Mulsanne for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and undeniable presence. Criticisms often revolved around its considerable size, fuel consumption, and the complexity of its systems, which could lead to maintenance challenges.

Category

Engine

6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks originating from various points in the engine, including valve covers, oil pan gasket, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals. In the case of turbocharger lines, replacement of the lines may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the location and extent of the leak
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, unusual noises from the engine (whining or hissing), and potentially black smoke from the exhaust. Diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to turbocharger performance may be present.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (includes parts and labor for replacing one or both turbos)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifts between gears, noticeable slipping during acceleration, and potentially a “transmission malfunction” warning on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to pinpoint the cause, which could range from software issues requiring a reflash to valve body problems requiring replacement. In more severe cases, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (reflash) - $8,000+ (full transmission replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sitting unevenly, a noticeable sag on one or more corners, a compressor running excessively, or a “suspension fault” warning on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Locating and repairing the leak. This may involve replacing air struts, air lines, or the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+ per corner (air strut replacement), $500 - $2,000 (compressor replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Freezing/Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment screen freezing, becoming unresponsive to touch, exhibiting glitches, or failing to boot up properly.
  • Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the infotainment system.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $0 (software update) - $5,000+ (infotainment system replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery draining prematurely, especially if the vehicle is left unused for extended periods. This can result in difficulty starting the engine or complete battery failure.
  • Solution: Diagnosing parasitic draws by electrical components. Replacing the battery.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Sensor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensor, or blind spot monitoring sensor failure that causes these systems to not function properly.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty sensors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the motors that control the movement of the seat.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty actuators
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per seat.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary:

The 2020 Bentley Mulsanne, while a masterpiece of automotive engineering, can present owners with some notable issues. Engine oil leaks and turbocharger issues can lead to significant repair bills. Suspension and electrical issues may occur, but are not as common as engine issues. The severity of these issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, with repair costs potentially reaching into the thousands of dollars. Potential buyers should ensure a thorough inspection, including a detailed service history review, to mitigate the risk of unexpected expenses.