Bentley MulsanneJune 2010

Almost 30 years ago, near-moribund Bentley was rejuvenated by the Mulsanne Turbo, this big, ultra-traditional saloon electrified by the addition of a turbo to its 6.75 litre V8. The resulting wall of torque lit up the tyres and the lives of anyone lucky enough to travel in this unlikely machine - and Bentley's sales too.

Much history has passed since, not least Bentley's separation from Rolls-Royce, but the spirit of the legendary Mulsanne Turbo is rekindled with this all-new example - though it's still powered by the same 6.75-litre turbocharged V8. That said, only the odd bolt is interchangeable, this latest version of the 51-year old V8 is thoroughly renewed. This new Mulsanne is positioned between Rolls-Royce's Ghost and Phantom, and in price terms at least, faces no other competition.

Like that old Mulsanne, this new Bentley sits its occupants aristocratically high to view the world from an exquisitely constructed interior of wood and leather. And if that sounds unsurprising then it is, the predictability of this interior a little disappointing compared to the Rolls' cabins. Outputs of 505bhp and no less than 752lb ft of torque make this a very swift car, but it's not the relentlessly effortless beast that the original was, the eight-speed transmission often causing a pause.

Sink the throttle deeper and use the paddles, however, and this Bentley is savagely fast, and utterly serene with it. It has the chassis to cope not only with the power but also the 2.6 tonnes that it carries, the Mulsanne coursing through corners with unexpected poise and enough panache for the experience to be thoroughly enjoyable. Push it hard and you'll find the odd hairline crack in its composure, and steering that turns slightly mushy too - but this is a mighty (and high) cross-country weapon. It makes a good noise when pressed too, while providing library-silence at other times.

But, it's flawed. Bentley has paid to little attention to weight-reducing and fuel-saving measures for this heavy car (its body is mostly steel, unlike the alloy Rolls-Royces), the front seat cushions are too small, the wide-opening front doors are awkward to close and the boot is much too small, especially for buyers of this kind. But for all that, it's still a terrific high-speed, high-end experience.