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 These are the fading visages of Bentley's past: one that is irrevocably tied to Rolls-Royce, but one that has been replaced by a high-tech future courtesy of Volkswagen's new ownership.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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Breathtaking! - 2001 Bentley Arnage
By BentleyBoy - June 17 - 4:34 pmI quit keeping track in 1989 but, at that point I had owned over 160 cars. Nothing even comes close in quality, curb appeal, performance, unabashed good looks, handling, design, ride quality, even the smell of this car (including Rolls-Royce). Everywhere you go people will compliment and envy you in this automobile. Most cant even tell what it is! I currently own 4 Porsches , Ferrari Maranello, a Vintage XKE and 6 other American muscle cars but cant wait to drive this car at every opportunity. It simply takes your breath away. Its the 2nd one Ive purchased. The dealer is proud of his parts and will ding you unmercifully but, its the price you pay to drive the Best Car On The Planet.
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Bentleys Forever - 2006 Bentley Arnage
By real tot - December 28 - 10:55 pmThe Bentley Arnage R offers serene and smooth ride. It is a sure footed car with lots of room thats easy to park. I like how its windows are large enough to see around very well.
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A Simple Review of a Marvelous Auto. - 2006 Bentley Arnage
By Lady Celeste - October 4 - 8:54 pmAlthough a lady, I love driving. My Arnage has not disappointed me in the least. The fit and finish are top notch. Gone are the days when my Arnage would have made me special. I now must see Continental GTs and Flying Spurs daily on the local streets. Now my Arnage just brings me joy because it is such a wonderful automobile. Its quick without being startling. Its refined and stately. In a world where S-Class Mercedes Benzes are as common as Fords, the Arnage insures that I will not only arrive in style but in an automobile that is not as everyday as some lesser automobiles.
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Great car for everyday highway driving - 2006 Bentley Arnage
By Brent - February 19 - 12:40 pmThe 2006 Bentley Arnage R is a driving machine. I enjoy all aspects of the it. It is a great conversation piece at gas stations, which I hit often with the 10 miles per gallon that the Arnage gets. Overall it is a great car.
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True oppulance and performane - 2005 Bentley Arnage
By michael salimbene - March 5 - 12:42 pmThe 2005 Bently Arnage is by far the most exciting, not to mention luxurious sport sedan ever made!! Every time I start the car (via the push button start) an uncontrollable grin is immovable from my face. The car is stunning! Having a good amount of experience with both the Mercedes-Benz S55 and S600 it would be silly to even compare the them to this car. The fit and finish is pure artwork. I highly reccomend this automobile
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Wow - 2004 Bentley Arnage
By fp2c - October 2 - 2:00 ambest car in world
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Miraculous Machine - 2004 Bentley Arnage
By HSA - July 24 - 2:00 amThere simply is not a more amazing experience than driving a 3 ton "living room" at break neak speeds everywhere. If cost is no object, Bentlys Arnage is truly in a class all its own. It has no equal.
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Splendid - 2003 Bentley Arnage
By Tombo - July 15 - 2:00 amThe best car ever! So luxurious! The interior as well as the exterior design, is so smooth and beautiful.
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The Ultimate Luxury Car - 2001 Bentley Arnage
By AONINC - March 31 - 2:00 amI drive this car for fun in nice weather, and I absolutely love it. Not many cars even come close to the superiority of this Bentley.
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Very Few Flaws - 2004 Bentley Arnage
By srmnj - February 28 - 2:00 amDespite the size and bulk of the Arnage, it is a true rocket ship. First time riders are amazed at the combination of comfort and speed. Stay away from the LWB unless you plan on riding in the back 100% of the time. Ive had both. They are very different cars.
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