2007 Bentley Arnage

First-Class Upgrade

The Bentley Arnage line is quick and sophisticated, with a choice of powerful V8 engines and assorted improvements.

The alluring Bentley Arnage sedan follows the Bentley brand’s brawny tradition, especially the high-performance Arnage T.

The Arnage is sold in three variants: the twin-turbocharged Arnage T, the comfort-oriented Arnage R and the long-wheelbase Arnage RL.

A makeover for the 2007 model year made each version quicker and even more sophisticated than before.

All three have 6.75-liter V8 engines that produce 50 hp more than before. That gives the R and RL 450 hp; the T has 500 hp.

Bentley Arnage Vehicle Summary

A smoother-shifting and more efficient six-speed automatic transmission, supplied by noted component manufacturer ZF, replaces the former four-speed gearbox. It now includes a manual-shift function, though it’s not likely that many Arnage owners (or their drivers, as the case may be) will ever use it.

A revised version of the vehicles’ Electronic Stability Program (which helps to prevent a loss of control in extreme handling situations) operates less intrusively than before and allows more enthusiastic driving before intervening with brake and throttle control.

Exterior cosmetic revisions are subtle and include bright chrome trim added to the front grilles of the R and RL versions. The T gets a darker trim treatment. Bentley badges are added to the rear roof pillars.

Meanwhile, the RL gets even more opulent for 2007, adding a bottle cooler that’s integrated into the rear center armrest; a wood-trimmed, rear center-armrest box; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone interface; and a backup camera that can give the driver a video view of what lies just behind the rear bumper.

All models can be ordered with Bentley’s legendary “Flying B” hood ornament, which was re-introduced on last year’s limited-production Diamond Series version (it was first used in 1930 and hadn’t otherwise seen duty since the late 1970s). The optional ornament retracts neatly when the car is parked, to discourage thieves and/or vandals.

Read the full Bentley Arnage Test Drive

True to Bentley tradition, potent engines and sophisticated suspensions allow surprising agility for such a large car, which weighs nearly three tons, more than some big SUVs. Bentleys have always been known as drivers’ cars — as opposed to Rolls-Royces, which have traditionally been built for those who prefer to be driven. That said, the computer-controlled, double-wishbone suspension in the Arnage R and RL skews more toward comfort than lively handling. For example, the rear axle is engineered to move rearward slightly when it hits a bump, to help absorb the jolt and keep it from reaching passengers.

The Arnage T, however, is designed for more-aggressive drivers and has a firmer suspension. It also rides on larger wheels and performance tires. The Arnage T’s stability control system can be switched off, for high-performance driving without electronic traction aids. (Though it is mind-boggling to consider the thought of forcing anything this expensive through a sharp turn at high speed, in a controlled slide.)

The level of quality and beauty inside the Bentley Arnage is staggering, with impeccably finished wood veneers, glistening chrome, buttery leather and plush wool carpeting. To minimize clutter, folding wood panels conceal seldom-used controls. The navigation screen is located at the top of the dash and also folds out of view when not in use.

See all Bentley models in the Bentley Showroom

Each car is hand-built to order, and more than half of all Bentleys are customized beyond the staggering standard list of choices. The company’s Mulliner division prides itself on being able to satisfy virtually any whim. Bentley even offers armoring for VIPs seeking extra protection.