2010 Bentley Arnage Review
Price
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Installment
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2010 Bentley Arnage at a glance
With the number of imperfections outweighing the strengths, the 2010 Bentley Arnage's appeal is certainly esoteric. However, the 2010 Bentley Arnage represents a piece of tradition, and we are glad it is still around.
2010 Bentley Arnage quick specs
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Class | Large Luxury |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2010 Bentley Arnage ratings (overall rating : 3.5/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Believe it or not, the front-end of the Bentley Arnage was facelifted to bring it closer to the Bentley Continental. Somehow the 2010 Bentley Arnage manages to look properly old-school, full of British charm accompanying the massive road presence. It lacks the curves and sleekness of a modern sedan, and that is perhaps the intention—to retain the charm of old. Inside, the cabin exudes opulence to the extreme, with leather and wood trim that are decidedly old-school British.
Handling
The Bentley Arnage has always been the sportiest compared to the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach 57/62. Indeed, this imposing sedan handles in a way that belies its bulk. On the highway where it is built for, the 2010 Bentley Arnage delivers a supremely comfortable ride. But it is on the bends where the 2010 Bentley Arnage surprises with tidy body control and decent grip. The steering is overly-light and disconnected, marring an otherwise satisfying driving experience.
Comfort
Surprisingly, the ride quality can get caught out over rougher surfaces. Most of the time, however, the 2010 Bentley Arnage steamrolls over anything in its path. There is a sense of inner calm inside, but wind and road noise is more audible than in, say, the BMW 7-Series. Everything is either leather-clad or wood-trimmed, which conjures up a sense of occasion. That said, the inviting-looking seats lack side support, and seemingly randomly-placed switchgear makes overall ergonomics poor.
Quality + Reliability
Peerless craftsmanship can be seen in the perfect fit-and-finish and exceptional material quality. It is hard to find a flaw with the build quality in the cabin. As the Bentley Arnage has been around for a number of (countless) years, Bentley has had plenty of time to remedy any previous problems or flaws. High expectation of good reliability should be easily met by the 2010 Bentley Arnage.
Performance
The turbocharged 6.8-litre V8 engine under the bonnet has an unbelievable amount of torque. Endless urge propels the hefty Bentley Arnage to 100 km/h in a matter of seconds, supercar-like. Colossal torque makes overtaking effortless, with an acceleration that puts many sports cars to shame. The 2010 Bentley Arnage R comes with 450 bhp and the Arnage T with 500 bhp; the former is more than sufficient to blow us away. The brakes, on the other hand, cannot handle prolonged hard use.
Roominess
This is one area where you would expect the 2010 Bentley Arnage to do well. For the most of us, there of course is more than adequate head- and leg- room. However for the wealthiest of us, who are the likely buyers, they may find the rear room to be disappointing. For the true chauffeured experience, go for the long-wheelbase variant. The front seating position is too high and a poor range of adjustments means that tall people cannot get comfortable.
Running Costs
Running costs are out of this world. From petrol bills, servicing, repairs, to insurance, road tax and depreciation, nothing comes cheap for the Bentley prestige. The 6.8-litre V8 engine's inefficiency, plus the Bentley Arnage's weight, produce a lethal combination for petrol consumption. While the annual road tax bill is about RM 19K, we are guessing it would be nothing compared to the depreciation, if there is second-hand demand for such cars in the first place.
Value for Money
Ultra-luxury sedans such as the Bentley Arnage, Rolls-Royce Phantom and Maybach 57/62 are in a rarefied league of their own. Trying to determine the value via horsepower or equipment for the money would be difficult. The Bentley Continental, for example, is cheaper to buy and maintain, and yet is more accomplished a car. The reason behind the purchase has to be emotive.
Equipment
The 2010 Bentley Arnage's equipment list is expectedly lengthy. The stereo stands out with its fine quality. What sets a Bentley apart from a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will have to be the amount of personalisation all buyers enjoy. Safety kit wise, twin front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock braking system, traction control and dynamic stability control are standard.
Environment
Emitting a sinful 465 grams/km of carbon dioxide, the 2010 Bentley Arnage is definitely in the running for the world's most polluting car. Forget the Ferraris, Lamborghinis or even fellow Bentley Continentals, this car should be the target for all Greenpeace activists.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Exclusivity
Luxurious interior
Colossal torque
Slightly lumpy ride
Rear room below par
Exorbitant price and running costs
