Under sole Volkswagen ownership, Bentley saw tremendous change reflected in the cars produced after the split with BMW. Sure, there were issues initially, such as the lack of a suitable engine. But they only lasted shortly before the automaker was back to producing excellent cars and refining those in production. This review examines the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL, a car that embodied Bentley's renewed emphasis on excellence.
Nearing the end of its almost 15-year production run, the Bentley Arnage had been subject to continuous improvements. After preceding the Arnage Red Label LWB, the first update for the Arnage RL arrived in 2005, two years after Volkswagen gained full ownership of Bentley. During that year, a major facelift and interior refresh were implemented, which saw Bentley do away with the BMW switchgear and replace it with switchgear from VW. It wasn't long before a second update was implemented, as in 2007, Bentley introduced the biggest change for the Arnage RL. The most notable changes were more power and better tech, which was necessary considering the production year. All updates introduced in 2007 were carried over to the 79 2009 Bentley Arnage examples produced at Bentley's plant in Crewe, which Volkswagen had also bought after they acquired ownership rights.
Powering the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL is Bentley's 6.75-liter V8 with twin turbochargers strapped onto it, which resulted in 450 horsepower and 645 lb.ft during production. Like in previous model years, Bentley retained a rear-wheel-drive platform with a 6-speed automatic transmission, first made available in 2007. As a result, the 0-60 time and top speed greatly improved, with the 2009 Arnage RL reaching 60 mph from a standstill in an estimated 6.0 seconds and accelerating to a top speed of 168 mph. For a car that weighs 5,853 pounds, these were quite impressive figures, even though power, handling, and agility likely weren't top priorities for Bentley's targeted clientele for the Arnage RL.
As far as ultra-luxury sedans go, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL was among the best you could get in 2009. Comfort wasn't merely an aspect of the cabin; it permeated the entire driving experience. For example, the suspension prioritized a smooth ride thanks to electronic dampening, and thanks to bulletproof windows and armor-plated body panels, you can't even hear the behemoth of an engine roaring behind you through the exhaust. Inside, rich leather and polished wood adorn the cabin, showcasing Bentley's signature character.
Even today, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL commands awe in its presence. Its low stance complements the long wheelbase perfectly, creating a commanding and graceful presence. However, the extra inches added to the chassis weren't just to make it look good. Eight of the ten added inches were added to the rear half of the chassis, resulting in voluminous room for the rear seat occupants, while two inches were added to the front half. With each end receiving extra inches, the Arnage RL didn't lose the flowing character lines and lower-sloping roofline synonymous with the Arnage lineage.
Inheriting the 2007 Arnage upgraded tech suite, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL offered modern conveniences like a tire pressure monitoring system, rear center armrest bottle cooler, Bluetooth integrated telephone system, and a reversing camera. The reversing camera display was incorporated into the new thin film technology driver information displays, and the technology was also used on the infotainment display. On the hood, buyers could opt for Bentley's infamous retractable Flying B mascot instead of the regular Bentley hood ornament. All these were in addition to the tech suite introduced in 2005, except for the DVD-based navigation system, which Bentley replaced with a satellite navigation system.
Sitting just below the 2009 Bentley Arnage Final Series, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL was among the most expensive cars you could buy from Bentley in 2009. It commanded a $267,990 price tag, which has been reduced to between $50,000 and slightly north of $100,000 depending on the drive configuration and mileage, among other factors. With our vast network of classic car sellers, Exotic Car Trader can help you find the perfect 2009 Bentley Arnage RL. But if you're in no rush, you can check our Bentley listings, which are updated daily, and if you find one that piques your interest, let us know.
As a flagship model during its time, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL was once the pinnacle of luxury and comfort. Today, it remains a masterpiece in its own right, commanding admiration even amongst those who know it just from the Arnage name, which, for the longest time, kept Bentley's name synonymous with luxury and exquisite craftsmanship. 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! Benefiting from continuous improvements throughout the Arnage's production run, the 2009 Bentley Arnage RL presented a distinctive fusion of performance, unparalleled comfort, and timeless design. Its performance might not have been a priority for the clientele it was targeted for, but it aligned with Bentley's focus on creating a complete luxury sedan.
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