AS befits one of the most iconic names in British motoring history, the latest model from Bentley's Crewe headquarters is the second most expensive production car in the country - beaten only by the Rolls-Royce Phantom.

The stylish, sumptuously appointed Mulsanne costs a princely £220,000 and is appreciably bigger than the Arnage model it has replaced.

It may tip the scales at more than 2.5 tonnes but the Mulsanne has a shedload of punch, capable of hitting 62mph from a standstill in just five seconds - and on to a top speed potential of 184mph.

Of course with a twin-turbo 6.7-litre V8 engine under the bonnet, fuel consumption isn't exactly frugal - the official figure being an average 16.7 miles per gallon.

But the technology on board puts its predecessor in the shade, with everything from Bluetooth to reversing cameras, iPod docks to active cruise control, anti-collision alerts and street sign recognition all there - housed in traditionally crafted, finely polished wood.

Variable suspension and ride height can be dialled in on demand while the dashboard is a blend of classic Bentley instrumentation and digital displays.

A lovely touch is the graphic of the Mulsanne tail end which appears between the two main dials as cruise control is engaged.

In the rear there is lounge-like space with individually operated, electrically adjustable seats, ventilation and entertainment controls. In fact there are more switches in the back of the Mulsanne than you would get in the front of many a family car.

And all seats - front and rear - are fitted with fatigue-lessening massage systems.

Meanwhile, Bentley's more popular model the Continental GT coupe, which represented the first step in the company's renaissance when launched in 2003, is building on the success of its predecessor with higher standards of design and luxury - plus more power from its 12 cylinder 6.0-litre engine.

The five-model Continental line-up starts at £135,760 for the GT Coupe and rises to £182,100 for the Supersports Convertible.