During the Bentley Arnage's production run, one of the best the lineup had to offer was the Bentley Arnage RL. But this wasn't a car you'd walk into a Bentley showroom to buy right out. Each model year made from 2002 until the end of production, including the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL, was offered exclusively to buyers the car was targeted towards. Sure, it wasn't the poshest luxury sedan in the market then, but the type of buyers who bought it had a very specific reason why they did, one that this 2006 Bentley Arnage review aims to divulge.
The year 2000 saw Bentley unveil their first extended wheelbase Arnage, the Arnage Red Label LWB, which, like the Arnage RL, had a 10-inch longer wheelbase than standard wheelbase models. At the time, Bentley was still under BMW and Volkswagen's leadership, but Volkswagen's influence was felt more. Impacted by Volkswagen's influence, Bentley revived their 6.75-liter engine, which would then be carried over to later models, including the Bentley Arnage RL, which entered production in 2001. Like other Arnage variants, it was produced at Bentley's Crewe plant without change until 2005, which saw a refresh to some minor design cues and an interior update switching from BMW to Volkswagen instrumentals. Bentley's six- and three-quarter-liter engine was also updated, but not only for power. It was also to comply with Euro IV emission regulations due in 2005. All 39 2006 Bentley Arnage RLs carried over the refreshed look of the 2005 Arnage RL while continuing to cater to the clientele Bentley targeted.
Bentley enthusiasts were thrilled to see BMW's powerplant out of the Arnage even though the 6.75-liter V8 that replaced it wasn't exactly modern, fuel-efficient, or more powerful. However, 2001 saw Bentley overhaul the engine with more modern parts, for example, newer, smaller turbochargers and advanced engine management from Bosch. Despite these tweaks, horsepower and torque remained consistent at 400 horsepower and 616 lb.ft for several years, including during the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL's production. But for its target audience, raw power wasn't a priority. It was the unparalleled luxury and sense of security that mattered. That said, for those who crave specifics, the 2006 Arnage RL could drag its nearly 5,800-pound weight to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph.
Eight of the ten inches added to the Bentley Arnage RL's wheelbase were added to the rear half, translating to an abundance of legroom for second-row occupants. Besides, the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL was mostly similar to other Arnage models, featuring plush leather seats that, despite their age, cradle your body in comfort. All-round heated seats and multi-zone climate control were standard in the 2006 Arnage RL, and the front seats have electronic adjustability for personalized positioning. Aided by the armor-plating and bulletproof windows, the cabin is a cocoon of quiet, as you can barely hear the engine's purr or even the slightest road noise when in motion.
The 2006 Bentley Arnage RL's extended wheelbase gives it a more commanding yet graceful presence on the road and even when stationary compared to other Arnage models. Its body appears more proportional with balanced proportionality front and rear, considering Bentley added 8 inches to the rear, which is usually shorter than the front end. Its silhouette, which, like other Arnage models, is accentuated by longer flowing character lines and a lower sloping roofline, which surprisingly doesn't affect headroom inside the cabin.
Mulliner, Bentley's bespoke division responsible for the Arnage RL, transformed the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL into a rolling fortress. As mentioned, bulletproof windows and armor plating were standard, but buyers had options if they desired extra safety and protection. Inside the rolling fortress, understated elegance lies within, offering a curated selection of features to elevate the in-cabin experience. And beyond the comfort, features such as cruise control, four-wheel ABS, parking sensors, stability control, and airbags ensured safety not only for the cabin's occupants but also for other road users.
Like when new, owning a 2006 Bentley Arnage RL today is a statement of taste. Sure, there are way better options in the luxury sedan market, but none will set you back south of a hundred grand. A Bentley Arnage RL, the 2006 model year included, can only go for $60,000 on the higher side and slightly more than that if it has some historical significance or there's something else, for example, highly specced options, making it more valuable. The Bentley Arnage RL's limited production makes finding one almost impossible. However, with an extensive network of classic car sellers and expertise in sourcing rare vehicles, Exotic Car Trader has you covered. Keep an eye on our Bentley listings. If we don't list one soon, get in touch, and we'll have you driving an Arnage RL sooner than you expected.
Despite being overshadowed by these modern times, the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL retains its allure, appealing to connoisseurs who appreciate art on wheels. Owning one shouts having a refined taste and shows a nod to automotive history and there's no way to express yourself as a classic car enthusiast. 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! Bentley's commitment to refinement is not only evident in the 2006 Bentley Arnage RL but in all Arnage models. Every detail exudes impeccable craftsmanship, ensuring timeless appeal.
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