The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne sits in the final era of large hand-built British luxury sedans, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern road manners and substantial curb presence. Buyers looking at one today are usually balancing presentation, comfort, and correct fitment rather than chasing a one-size-fits-all replacement. Tire choice centers on two modern radial sizes, 265/40R21 and 265/45R20, with fitment changing by wheel setup and sub-model. That makes wheel diameter the first thing to confirm, especially because the Mulsanne Speed uses the 21-inch size. Once that is settled, the decision becomes choosing the right radial fit for the car’s current wheels, use, and overall character.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on the exact wheel and sub-model configuration. Both are radial fitments, but one uses a 20-inch rim and the other uses a 21-inch rim, so confirming wheel diameter is the first step before comparing tire options for appearance, road use, and compatibility.
265/40R21 is a modern metric radial size in which 265 is the nominal section width in millimeters, 40 is the aspect ratio, R identifies radial construction, and 21 is the rim diameter in inches. On the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, this size is tied to a 21-inch wheel setup and is used on the Mulsanne Speed as well as certain Base configurations. Its overall dimensions place it very close to the 20-inch alternative, but it is not the same fitment. This is the size to evaluate when the car already wears 21-inch wheels and that wheel diameter is being retained.
265/45R20 is also a modern metric radial, with the same nominal 265-millimeter section width but a 45-series profile mounted on a 20-inch rim. For the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, this size belongs to the 20-inch wheel configuration found on the Base model. It delivers a different wheel-and-tire combination than the 21-inch setup, even though the overall diameter remains very close. This is the fitment to consider when the car is equipped with 20-inch wheels and the goal is to stay with the proper rim diameter for that configuration.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne because tire choice is not the same across every version. The Base model can use either of the two radial sizes depending on wheel setup, while the Mulsanne Speed uses the 21-inch fitment, so identifying the exact configuration comes first.
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2017 Bentley Mulsanne Base
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Base can use either 265/40R21 or 265/45R20, both in radial construction. That makes wheel confirmation especially important before tire selection, since the decision is not just about size code but about matching the tire to the car’s actual 20-inch or 21-inch wheel setup.
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Speed uses the 265/40R21 radial size. Tire selection for this sub-model starts with keeping the 21-inch wheel fitment straight, then checking that the chosen tire suits the car’s present wheel, suspension, and clearance setup if anything has been changed from stock.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions
The key questions for a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne usually come down to exact tire size, 20-inch versus 21-inch wheel fitment, sub-model differences, and what to inspect before putting a low-use luxury sedan back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne?
A 2017 Bentley Mulsanne uses either 265/40R21 or 265/45R20, both in radial construction. The correct size depends on the car’s wheel setup and sub-model, since the Base model can use both sizes while the Mulsanne Speed uses 265/40R21.
The important next step is confirming whether the car has 20-inch or 21-inch wheels before choosing a tire. Even though the two sizes have very similar overall diameter, they are built for different rim diameters, so the size code on the tire and the actual wheel on the car both need to match.
What size rim does a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne use?
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne uses either a 20-inch or 21-inch rim, depending on the tire size fitted to the car. Size 265/45R20 belongs to a 20-inch rim, while 265/40R21 belongs to a 21-inch rim.
Wheel diameter is the first fitment detail to verify because tire size selection starts there. A Mulsanne that has had wheels changed at some point may not still match the sub-model’s expected setup, so checking the wheel itself and the current tire sidewall is more reliable than assuming every 2017 Mulsanne uses the same rim.
Do all 2017 Bentley Mulsanne sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Base can use 265/40R21 or 265/45R20, while the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne Speed uses 265/40R21. That means size selection is tied to the exact version of the car and its wheel configuration.
This matters because two Mulsannes from the same model year may not use the same tire, even though they look closely related. Before replacing anything, match the sub-model and confirm the wheel diameter currently on the car, especially if it has been serviced, re-wheeled, or altered since new.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a tire for a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne?
Start with the correct primary size for the car: 265/40R21 or 265/45R20. On a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, the right choice depends on the wheel diameter actually fitted to the vehicle and whether it is a Base model or a Mulsanne Speed.
After confirming size, look at the car’s present condition and use. A low-mile luxury sedan still needs proper tire age, condition, and clearance checks, and any wheel or suspension changes should be reviewed carefully so the chosen tire matches the current setup rather than only the original model designation.
How do I choose between the available 2017 Bentley Mulsanne tire sizes?
The two Mulsanne sizes are not interchangeable choices based on preference alone. Size 265/45R20 is for a 20-inch wheel, while 265/40R21 is for a 21-inch wheel, so the correct selection follows the wheel diameter already on the car.
For the Base model, that means checking which wheel package the car actually wears before buying tires. On a Mulsanne Speed, the decision is more straightforward because 265/40R21 is the fitment, but it is still wise to confirm the current wheels if the car has been modified or replaced from its original setup.
Why does the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne have more than one tire size?
The 2017 Bentley Mulsanne has more than one tire size because fitment varies by wheel setup and sub-model. The Base model appears with either a 20-inch or 21-inch configuration, while the Mulsanne Speed uses the 21-inch radial size.
That variation means tire buying starts with identification, not assumption. Two sizes can be correct within the same model year, but only one will match the car in front of you, so the safest approach is to verify the sub-model, read the existing tire size, and confirm the actual wheel diameter before replacement.
Restoration & Appearance
Does correct tire fitment matter for a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne restoration or preservation project?
Yes. Even on a modern collector-oriented luxury sedan like the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne, correct tire fitment matters because wheel diameter and sidewall profile are part of the car’s overall stance and presentation. Using 265/40R21 versus 265/45R20 changes that relationship because each size belongs to a different wheel setup.
For a preservation-minded car, matching the existing wheel configuration is usually the starting point before anything else. Buyers focused on exact historical presentation should also compare the car against marque-specific references, ownership history, and original equipment records rather than assuming every Mulsanne from 2017 left the factory with the same wheels.
How does tire size affect the appearance of a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne?
Tire size affects the 2017 Bentley Mulsanne’s appearance through its relationship with wheel diameter and sidewall profile. A 265/45R20 presents the car with a 20-inch wheel and a taller sidewall than a 265/40R21, while the 21-inch setup gives a larger wheel presence with a shorter sidewall.
That visual difference is one reason correct fitment matters on a car whose character depends heavily on proportion and road presence. Any owner trying to maintain a particular look should confirm the wheel package already on the vehicle and avoid mixing size decisions with assumptions about what another Mulsanne used.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne?
Yes. Modifications can affect tire fitment on a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne even when the tire size itself is correct on paper. Changes to wheels, suspension height, alignment settings, or body clearance can alter how a 265/40R21 or 265/45R20 sits and moves through its operating range.
A Mulsanne with aftermarket wheels should have its actual wheel diameter confirmed first, then its clearances checked at the fender, steering, and suspension points. Luxury cars with low annual mileage are often changed cosmetically, so it is smart to inspect the real setup rather than relying only on the original sub-model fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne on new tires?
Before driving a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm that the tire size matches the rim diameter, and make sure inflation is set correctly for the tire and vehicle. It also helps to check alignment condition, valve stems, and any signs of rubbing or uneven previous wear.
Road readiness on a heavy luxury sedan is about more than fresh tread. Suspension wear, brake condition, and any long-term storage effects can influence how the new tires behave, so a careful once-over before regular use helps the car track properly and avoids masking a chassis issue as a tire problem.
How often should tires on a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne be inspected?
Tires on a 2017 Bentley Mulsanne should be inspected regularly, especially if the car is driven infrequently or stored for long periods. Even a lightly used luxury sedan can develop age-related issues such as sidewall cracking, flat spotting, pressure loss, or tread problems that are easy to miss between drives.
A good routine is to look them over before road use and more carefully before any longer trip. Checking pressure, visible condition, and wear pattern helps catch small problems early, and that is particularly important on a large, high-value car where incorrect inflation or unnoticed aging can affect ride quality and fitment confidence.
