2008 Bentley Arnage

Driving First Class

With incredible power and an ultra-luxurious interior, the Bentley Arnage is like a private jet for the pavement.

The Bentley Arnage is for the wealthy driver who favors stateliness over flash, but still wants a car with high-performance attributes that stands out from the crowd.

Compared to the less costly Continental Flying Spur, the Arnage provides a closer tie to what Bentley used to be: its classic looks and massive V8 engine have slowly evolved over decades.

While the Continental Flying Spur wows with its innovative W12 engine that borrows technology from corporate parent Volkswagen/Audi, the Arnage has a certain charm that its more affordable and progressive sibling can't quite match.

The Arnage is sold in three variants, each catering to a different buyer: The sporty Arnage T is designed for those who enjoy spirited driving. The Arnage R is geared toward comfort and the stretched Arnage RL is designed for those who plan to be chauffeured. All three models use a 6.75-liter V8 engine; the R and RL produce 450 hp and the Arnage T kicks out 500 hp.

True to Bentley tradition, the Arnage's potent engine and sophisticated suspension allow surprising agility for a car that weighs nearly three tons, which is more than some big sport utility vehicles.

• Bentley Arnage Vehicle Summary

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 those looking to exploit the car's performance limits without electronic traction aids.

A smooth-shifting six-speed automatic is the only available transmission. We imagine most Arnage owners (or their drivers, as the case may be) won't trouble themselves to use the transmission's manual-shift mode, even though it works perfectly fine.

Recent changes to the Arnage RL variant increase its opulence. They include a bottle cooler integrated into the rear center armrest; a wood-trimmed, rear center armrest box; a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone interface; and a backup camera that gives the driver a view of what lies just behind the rear bumper.

The latest Bentley Arnage loosens its collar a bit compared to previous versions: its electronic stability program, which helps to prevent a loss of control in extreme maneuvers, operates less intrusively than in previous models, effectively creating a higher threshold for more enthusiastic driving before intervening with brake and throttle control to tame wheel spin and prevent skids.

All Arnage models can be ordered with Bentley’s legendary “Flying B” hood ornament. The optional ornament is so special that it retracts behind a metal cover when the car is parked to discourage thieves or vandals from stealing it.

• See all Bentley models in the Bentley Showroom

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.

Each car is hand-built to order, and more than half of all Bentleys are customized beyond the already-lengthy 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.