Bentley Arnage Driving Experiences

It’s not many turbo powered supercars that make it to a whole decade in production. But until the assembly line on it ceased in 2009, Bentley managed just that when they first bought out the Arnage model in 1998, which at the time was the marque’s first brand new design since 1980.

Whilst that may seem a comparatively slow turnover compared to other manufacturers - who are unveiling new models on a yearly basis - Bentley have always been about quality rather than quantity, which you’ll see when you book a driving experience day in an Arnage.

Strong, sturdy and long, its design and engineering oozes class and sophistication on a level few others can come close to matching, with luxurious, comfortable interiors, and, given its sizeable weight, is powered on a robust 4.4 litre twin turbocharged V8 engine, powering out 349 bhp.

Speed wise, it moves faster than you would expect for a car of this size: a thrilling top speed of 165 mph, and the capability to move from 0 - 60 mph in 6 seconds.

When Bentley celebrated their diamond anniversary in 2006, a special ‘Diamond Series’ model of the Arnage was produced. Only 60 of these were made for the US market, which came bearing a Union Jack badge on the front wings, and diamond wood inlays and diamond quilted leather seats on the interior.

The motoring press were unstinting in their praise for the Arnage, recognising its principles of quality and class straight away. What Car noted its ‘lightning quick acceleration and luxury interior’, whilst Top Gear simply stated that ‘When the cloud of dust settles, this had better be the car you step from, or you're no gentleman.’