Overview & Reviews
Like the words "ye olde" and "thou art," the Bentley Arnage is a relic from a different British time. Its basic profile is none too different from 1980s Bentleys, while the twin-turbocharged V8 is derived from an engine originally designed in the 1950s. These are the fading visages of Bentley's past: one that is irrevocably tied to Rolls-Royce, but one that has been replaced by a high-tech future courtesy of Volkswagen's new ownership. But despite the introduction of the Continental Flying Spur, the Arnage is still Bentley's grand flagship and a super luxury sedan for those who lust after old-world lavishness and prodigious power without much concern for the latest engineering innovation.
Current Bentley Arnage
The Bentley Arnage is available in three trims: the regular Arnage R, the stretched-wheelbase Arnage RL and higher-performance Arnage T. All are powered by Bentley's venerable 6.75-liter V8, twin-turbocharged to produce massive power. That power is slightly more massive in the Arnage T, with 500 horsepower and an Earth-shaking 738 pound-feet of torque. With power flowing to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission, the Arnage T is capable of zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds. The R and RL get by with 450 hp and 645 lb-ft of torque.
As a quarter-million-dollar British luxury sedan, it should come as no surprise that the Arnage comes loaded with creature comforts and copious amounts of wood and leather. Items like reclining rear seats, tri-zone climate control, DVD navigation, Bluetooth and park assist are modern touches that make this old-school motorcar a little more 21st-century friendly. Plus, bespoke options like special colors, materials, wheels, badging and entertainment systems allow a Bentley owner to meticulously create their dream car.
While there's no denying the Bentley Arnage is a beautiful automobile, it lacks the newer engineering, driving dynamics and higher levels of posh and prestige of its Rolls-Royce and Maybach competitors. True, those sedans are even more expensive, but if you can afford an Arnage, we have a sneaking suspicion you can also pony up a few more $10,000 bills for a Phantom or Maybach 57. It's also worth checking out Bentley's own Continental Flying Spur, which rings in about $50,000 cheaper, and features newer technology and design. Of course, these are all logical arguments against buying a Bentley Arnage, and when it comes to buying one of these super luxury automobiles, logic seldom has anything to do with it.
Past Bentley Arnage models
The Bentley Arnage was introduced in 1998 and gradual changes have been made over the years to make it more powerful and up-to-date in terms of high-tech creature comforts. It most recently received power, transmission and styling changes for 2007.
When the Arnage arrived, Rolls-Royce and Bentley were still partners. Initially, it was powered by a BMW-sourced twin-turbocharged V8, but when Volkswagen purchased Bentley in 1999, the bosses in Wolfsburg were loath to continue lining their Bavarian competitors' pockets (especially after BMW swiped Rolls-Royce from under VW's nose). Bentley loyalists also never warmed to the German engines, preferring Bentley's torquey old 6.75-liter turbo V8. By 2001, all Arnages were indeed powered by this engine, albeit thoroughly updated by Volkswagen's engineers.
Initially, the Bentley Arnage was available in Green Label and Red Label trim levels, whose differences mainly related to the engine. The Green Label disappeared after 2000, while the Red Label was replaced by the Arnage R for 2002. The latter featured the modern safety equipment, suspension modifications and recalibrated twin-turbo V8 of the Arnage T introduced a year earlier. The R and T differed in power outputs, however. The long-wheelbase RL arrived for 2003, while there were significant exterior styling changes made to all Arnages for 2005.
User Reviews:
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THE FLYING BRICK - 2003 Bentley Arnage
By M.EGAN - February 8 - 2:00 amBENTLEY ARNAGE T IS NOT FOR SISSYS. THE TWIN TURBO EFFECT GIVES MASSIVE ACCELERATION AT ANY SPEED. THE BRAKES ON THIS 6000 PLUS LB CAR ARE ALMOST ADEQUATE. IF YOU OWN ONE YOU WILL GET TO KNOW YOUR DEALER VERY WELL.I BOUGHT MINE WITH 9500 MILES ON IT AS A FACTORY DEMO,AT 12500 ALL FOUR TIRES WERE REPLACED AND ONE WHEEL. NAVIGATION SYSTEM WORKS 25% OF THE TIME,FALSE WARNINGS ON HYDROLIC SYSTEM & BRAKE PADS ARE A CONTINUING ANNOYANCE.THE ARNAGE T IS EXCITING TO DRIVE BUT MY GUESS THE REAL EXCITEMENT STARTS WHEN THE WARRANTY STOPS. THE FIRST DEALER QUOTE ON REPLACING ONE TIRE WAS $700.
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Bentley Beyond Luxury - 2004 Bentley Arnage
By Jeff245 - January 31 - 2:00 amI currently own a Bentley RL. It is Silver with top of the line options. the car has extraordinary safety features. It is fast, agile, and the handling is superb. I would reccomend this car to anyone although the price tag is extremely high.
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Bentley - 2003 Bentley Arnage
By M Burkhardt - July 30 - 2:00 amGood!! The 2003 Bentley Arnage is the perfect car for anyone seeking quality along with performance. Test-drive the new Bentley, and you will see what I mean!!
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Great Car - 2003 Bentley Arnage
By the_real dude503 - May 4 - 2:00 amThis Car is so great. The only setback to it is the horrible fuel economy. It is way worse than my Ford Explorer was.
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Great Job - 2002 Bentley Arnage
By John Grartpak - January 16 - 2:00 amI drive it every where I go and the ladies just love it. I got it stolen once but I took care of that.
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Bentley May Be Best & Finest Ever! - 2001 Bentley Arnage
By CBMCESF - October 26 - 2:00 amThe car is a living room with jet enginelike performance with a ride and handling as if on rails. Simply the most elegant automobile currently on the planet and it is all hand built too. The "last" of the truly handmade, one of a kind (each) English motorcars! Amazing and all this for the price of a small, well located summer home. Imagine!
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Very Very Nice - 2002 Bentley Arnage
By Erick - March 26 - 2:00 amI have owned my Red Label for no more than a week and I must say that I have never driven a saloon anywhere near this quality. I though the S600 was nice but this, this is very very nice. I will be looking into purchasing another for my wife, since she always wants to drive mine now.
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bently - 2001 Bentley Arnage
By Brody Starling - March 6 - 11:25 amput rims on the car on the front page
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Great Car - 2002 Bentley Arnage
By Irvin Chuck - March 2 - 2:41 pmThis is an excellent car. I have just bought the Red Label and i think that even though it has a very high price tag, it is much better and roomier in the back than my 2001 S-Class. It is a lovely car...
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Car Bulit to Please!! - 2002 Bentley Arnage
By FineDriver - February 26 - 12:17 pmExellent car, never will Have I ever owned anything so refined! I love this vehicle and love the responce I get when I drive through Down Town Houston.
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