2004 Bentley Arnage

Review

Worth Every Penny

I was sitting down for dinner with a public relations rep for one of Detroits Big 3 recently, discussing the good, bad and the ugly of the automotive world. After the usual "How did that vehicle get past the design stage?" conversation, talk turned to the most desirable cars. You know what I mean, the ones that youd by if money wasnt part of the equation?

When it comes to luxury sedans, there arent many brands that qualify. Im not talking about premium cars made by Audi, BMW, Infiniti, Lexus and Mercedes-Benz, but top-tier ultra-luxury models from Maybach, Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Such marques are in a league unto themselves, not only because of their seemingly unreachable prices, but also because of beautiful craftsmanship, hedonistic luxury features and overwhelming performance.

As he is an avid collector, a true car guy to the core, I found it especially interesting that he chose Bentley as the consummate marque above all others, pointing out that the new Continental GT might just be his favorite car all-round.

This pro-Bentley sentiment is not unusual, mind you. Ive spoken to many industry insiders and enthusiasts alike who feel likewise. Personally, if my income stretched to stratospheric levels Id be placing my order for a new Continental myself, or an Arnage if my line of business demanded four doors.

But my enthusiasm for Bentley is not only founded in an appreciation for the automakers gorgeous design language, but through personal experience. Having had the opportunity not too long ago to drive an Arnage R first hand, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found.

Sure I expected it to drive well, after all the car costs close to $200K. But I didnt expect it to perform to supercar levels, especially being that its far from all-new architecturally. Nevertheless, the 5,699 pound heavyweight dashes to 60 mph in no more than 5.8 seconds before attaining its speed limited maximum velocity of 155 mph, all the while displaying the sophisticated unruffled composure befitting of a car in this league. Theres nothing particularly inventive under the hood, just good old big block displacement combined with twin-turbochargers. Just the same the precision built 6.75-L V8 in the Arnage R makes 400-hp at 4,000 rpm and 616 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm, the latter spec being the motivation the moves the mountain.

While the term "4-speed automatic" doesnt evoke the same high-tech sound as it did a decade or so ago, the engines generous torque makes the extra cog of a 5-speed hardly necessary. The gearbox is equipped with Adaptive Shift Control, however, making notable adjustments to shift points in the rev range depending on how aggressively or passively I was driving. The best thing about the system is its seamlessness. I only noticed the computer controlled shift energy management system working away in the background because I was looking for differences in shift patterns. Dont get me wrong, it gets racy when called upon, but the process is so velvety smooth that its shift intervals are barely perceptible.

It takes to the corners with the same ease as it accelerates, again a surprising feat considering the cars substantial heft. I took the opportunity to snake the big Bentley through a particularly serpentine stretch of coastal highway, up over crests and down into deeply descending dales, around long sweeping arcs and then switching back through sharp curves. No matter what roadway, the Arnage charged forward relentlessly, showing an ideal balance of breathtaking speed and resolute grace.

According to Bentley its good manners dont come by chance, but were bred into the Arnage R through a thorough reengineering of the front bulkhead, rocker panels, wheel arches and roof, plus adhesive bonding of specific chassis components. The end result is a ten percent improvement in chassis rigidity compared to the old Red Label the R replaces, improving all aspects of ride and handling while reducing HVH levels.

All Arnage Rs feature an independent double-wishbone suspension system front and rear, plus 18-inch alloy rims shod with P255/50ZR18 performance tires, enhancing driving dynamics yet further.

I experienced a little moisture on the road surface in the morning and a little more that fell from the sky in the late afternoon, and therefore was grateful for the addition of ESP (electronic stability program). As it turns out the Arnage tracks almost as if in the dry during inclement weather.

The Rs braking performance is without equal in its luxury class as well, returning me from rapid velocities to saner speeds in about as much time as it took to contemplate the thought. The reasons behind the sedans quick deceleration are massive micro-alloy ventilated discs at each corner, helped along by a sophisticated 4-channel anti-lock brake system.

When it comes to super sedan rivals, only the more powerful Arnage T is more entertaining to drive than the R, with both the Maybach and Rolls-Royce Phantom reportedly biased more toward rear seat comfort than at-the-wheel enthusiasm.

The Arnage might just have the most beautifully detailed interior too. Ive spent time inside both the Maybach and Rolls-Royce, and if I was being driven around by a chauffeur I might opt for the former.

But Bentleys, for the most part, are not designed to be chauffer driven limousines. They are drivers cars first and foremost. Thats why I appreciated the lovely wood and metalwork that surround the instrument panel and center console, much more enticing to me than the Maybachs cockpit. Its not that the Maybach is less opulent, but its upper dash, instrument shroud, air vents and steering wheel are pulled almost directly out of the lower class Mercedes-Benz S Class, and comprised completely of plastic. Sure its of the highest quality, but its still plastic.

The Arnage, however, is handmade with no plastic anywhere in sight, except for its pop-up dash-mounted navigation system and a few buttons on the center console. All other buttons and knobs are solid metal, giving the car a sense of substance that nothing else that Ive tested can match.

The exquisitely detailed wood trim that accents the side window ledges is solid, a thick piece of burr walnut or birds eye maple to match the rest of the interior motif, depending on preferences, butting up against the window and formed to integrate perfectly with the leather door panel. The door panels leather, along with the leather covering the seats, console, and even the roof liner, is stitched together with what looks to be painstaking artisanship.

If the Arnage wasnt so much fun to drive I could have easily whiled away hours in the grandeur of the commodious heated back seat. Its a wonderful location to take in the entire interior, breath in the aroma of fine materials and watch the scenery slip by at overwhelming speeds. I took the opportunity, as no test of a sedan is complete without doing so, and appreciated the same fine attention paid to pampering occupants as I found up front. Despite its impressive driving dynamics the Arnage exhibits a silky smooth ride, something I would probably grow to appreciate if I actually owned one, as Im sure I would loose the privilege of a drivers license after my first few months.

Somewhere along my daylong drive I must admit to being smitten by the Arnage. Maybe it was because of my love for classic European cars, or possibly it was the new world sophistication of this particular models high level of performance, but either way I came away a believer.

In todays automotive world of generic sameness, underwhelming quality and cheap plastic production line efficiency, a handmade Bentley Arnage R is truly worth every penny.