After Bentley made the last BMW-powered Bentley Arnage Birkins, they fully transitioned to making the Bentley Arnage with their incarnated six-and-a-three-quarter liter engine. One of the first cars to employ this engine was the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL, and unlike other models, it had something highly sought after and made it more desirable among wealthy-class buyers, a long wheelbase. It succeeded the Bentley Arnage Red Label LWB (long wheelbase) but was built based on the Arnage R, which had been introduced around the same time. The extra inches were added to the rear compartment, offering palatial comfort to the rear passengers. Does the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL live up to the legacy of the Arnage lineage? This review dives deep, exploring the luxury beyond its long, sleek cloak and the driving experience that Bentley describes as an experience impossible to miss.
You might not know this, but BMW's tussle with Volkswagen for Bentley was among the factors that birthed the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL. Until 2003, the two German automakers jointly owned Bentley, which is why the Bentley Arnage and Arnage Green Label were made with a BMW powerplant. Bentley later replaced it with a revised version of their six and a-three-quarter engine thanks to VW opening doors and allowing Bentley engineers to work on a new engine. The Bentley Arnage Red label was the first Arnage iteration to feature Bentley's 6.75-liter turbocharged engine, and it would later be made as an extended wheelbase model, which set a path for the Bentley Arnage RL. However, Bentley had already made revisions to their engine, now with twin turbochargers in the Bentley Arnage R. This was the car that would then provide a platform for the Bentley Arnage RL but be extended by 10 inches in the rear half. After it was put into production, the Arnage RL presented a credible challenge to BMW's attempts to revive the Rolls-Royce Brand with the Rolls-Royce Phantom. If you were unaware, BMW owned both Bentley and Rolls-Royce at the time. Each of the 326 Bentley Arnage RL examples was made at Bentley's plant in Crewe, England, as a bespoke Mulliner model customized to the buyer's specifications. Compared to previous models, the Arnage RL was offered at a premium price, a trend that continues in today's classic car market.
Underneath the hood, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL has a modernized version of the 6.75-liter Bentley L-series engine featuring smaller, twin Garrett T3 turbochargers replacing the larger T4s found in older models. Bentley also extensively reworked the engine, retaining less than half of the original components. The upgrades implemented, which include a new Bosch Motronic ECU, were primarily aimed at improving fuel efficiency and adhering to future emission regulations. Power remained unchanged at 400 horsepower and 616 lb.ft, but the Arnage RL received a new, smoother, and more responsive 6-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous 4-speed and 5-speed options. To accommodate the extended wheelbase and resulting weight increase reaching 5,853 pounds, the suspension was re-tuned for optimal handling. However, despite its size and weight, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL was no slouch. According to estimations by various sources, it could accelerate from 0-60 mph in around 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 160 mph, making it one of the fastest luxury sedans of its time.
Opening the massive doors on the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL reveals an interior that, while familiar in its meticulous blend of wood and leather, benefits from Bentley's renowned craftsmanship on every surface. True to the Arnage lineage, the cabin maintains a familiar aesthetic, with supple leather adorning all seats and wood accents gracing the doors, center console, and on every surface where you'd typically find plastic or carbon fiber in today's cars. This results in a visually pleasing and timeless aesthetic, with the contrasting and balanced use of wood and leather creating a well-coordinated and refined cabin space. While the front seats offer exceptional comfort, the true luxurious experience lies in the spacious rear seats, primarily due to increased legroom, which offers palatial comfort for the occupants. To enhance the feeling of luxury and add a touch of modernity, Bentley relocated the controls in the second row from the doors to a central console, placing them conveniently within reach of rear passengers.
With an extended wheelbase, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL exudes a stately presence with a visually striking appeal that commands attention wherever it goes. Though coach built by Mulliner Bentley's classic design language is evident on every line and curve showcasing timeless elegance and prestige. Up front, a classic chrome Bentley grille with a chrome surround accentuates the front end's visual appeal and is flanked by dual headlights enclosed in a plastic casing, which was previously glass in older models but changed to plastic for safety requirements. A polished chrome beltline gracefully encircles the Arnage RL, complementing the chrome window surrounds and adding a touch of refined elegance.
As they do today, Bentley catered to a diverse clientele during the Arnage's production span. However, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL targeted a very specific clientele, hence Bentley's decision to customize each example per a buyer's specifications. Reflecting this clientele's needs, armored elements were available in different packages, most notably a B6 package for $243,000 to $300,000, offering all-round protection from assault weapons and grenades. This meant Mulliner would outfit the Arnage RL with bulletproof windows, doors, and a bombproof floor, making it a heavily sought-after vehicle in its target market. Bentley revised the suspension to gracefully accommodate the extra weight from the extended wheelbase and body modifications. However, the revised suspension didn't compromise the ride comfort paramount in the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL and retained electronic adjustability first used in the 1999 Arnage.
Once a statement of luxury and power, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL's price today reflects the depreciation that comes with most classic cars. However, it sells for higher prices than other Arnage models, especially due to its exclusivity. Its rarity makes it scarce in the classic car market, and when one pops up for sale, it's usually listed at an average of $50,000, twice as much as a standard wheelbase Bentley Arnage. Interested in a piece of British armored luxury? A 2001 Bentley Arnage RL might be arriving at Exotic Car Trader soon. Take advantage, keep an eye on our Bentley listings, and don't miss your chance to own one of the most refined Bentleys ever made.
Born out of the intricate dynamics between BMW and Volkswagen, the 2001 Bentley Arnage RL emerged as a unique blend of heritage and innovation. It's a testament to Bentley's commitment to luxury, performance, and timeless design, and today, it continues to be appreciated in the classic car world as a benchmark setter in the luxury sedan market. Exotic Car Trader creates an exclusive and safe way of buying and selling cars, eliminating the daunting experiences of private selling for buyers and sellers. Every vehicle listed on Exotic Car Trader goes through a private seller verification process, ensuring legitimacy for our buyers. Also, Exotic Car Trader's car buying process is well outlined, with all fees and packages providing our buyers with a seamless and inclusive experience. We can handle the escrow of funds at no additional cost to the buyer and seller, and we also provide trade-in and financing options for buyers. For transaction safety, our Transactions Team is world-class and equipped with industry fraud detection tools to ensure a safe and secure transaction. These are just some of the benefits you enjoy when buying or selling on Exotic Car Trader. Contact us for listing services or to buy a car on Exotic Car Trader today! The 2001 Bentley Arnage RL not only lived up to the legacy of its esteemed Arnage lineage but also set a new standard for luxury and performance in the automotive world during its time.
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