Bentley had tinkered around with the Bentley Arnage after its debut in 1998, but no revision was as substantial as the 2005 facelift, which was carried out across the Bentley Arnage range. This facelift wasn't just a surface makeover, as it also brought new variants to the lineup. The sporty mantle remained with the Arnage T, but its reign as Bentley's fastest road-going car ended in 2003 with the arrival of the Bentley Continental GT. Just like the exterior, the interior also received a refresh. Bentley did away with the remaining BMW parts and refined the layout and surfaces to match modern aesthetics, preserving the British manufacturer's focus on luxury and comfort as with previous model years. Just how good was the 2005 Bentley Arnage T? This review aims to dissect just that.
After several years of wrangling with BMW, 2003 marked the beginning of Volkswagen's sole ownership of Bentley. With a new era dawning, the German automaker amplified its influence on Bentley, first reviving the Bentley Continental GT, Bentley's first production car for a mass production line made at the plant in Crewe, England, where the Bentley Arnage had been made since its unveiling. Bentley hadn't forgotten the Arnage, even with the well-received Continental on the scene. 2005 marked the arrival of the first significant facelift for the Arnage model lineup. The 470 2005 Bentley Arnage T examples and other models received styling tweaks. Bentley didn't stop there with the Arnage T as they bumped up its power by 50 horses. This boost, although not enough to dethrone the Continental's 552 horsepower, was all the Arnage T needed to show its rivals that it wouldn't back down from a fight any time soon.
While not Bentley's absolute speed weapon, the 2005 Bentley Arnage T proved a luxury sedan could be both thrilling, practical, and, most importantly, luxurious. The tinkering with the 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 was about more than just meeting Euro IV emission requirements, which were to take effect in 2005. Bentley couldn't resist adding an extra 50 horsepower; hence, the 2005 Arnage T made more power than previous model years, with 450 horsepower compared to 400. Torque remained unchanged at 645 lb.ft, but it was still enough to pull the car's 5,698-pound mass to 170 mph, doing 0-60 mph from a standstill in 5.5 seconds, 0.3 seconds quicker than the 2002 Bentley Arnage T. In addition to increased power, chassis and suspension revisions were part of the 2005 update, complementing the Arnage T's sporty character. Thus, better-controlled body movements, especially during cornering, resulted in a more planted feel similar to the Bentley Continental's, whose effect on the Arnage T was heavily felt across the motoring world.
In the interior, Bentley didn't tamper with the Arnage T's comfort and elegance. The cabin's interior architecture was preserved, but being a facelifted model, designers saw room for improvement in aesthetics and functionality, particularly on the dashboard and center console. On the center console, a brand new set of Volkswagen switchgear that was more ergonomic and visually appealing was used, replacing the BMW switchgear that Bentley had used since the first Arnage rolled out of production. Not much was done on the dashboard except fresh instruments and a redesigned top to accommodate the new DVD-based satellite system, which we'll touch on in a bit. Lastly, if you're familiar with the Arnage range, you'll notice post-2005 models, including the 2005 Bentley Arnage T, have the electric seat adjustments, memory settings, and heating tucked away behind a discreet panel near the gear lever, creating a clean, uncluttered look. What remained untouched were the seats that had diamond stitching like in the 2002 Bentley Arnage. The rear seats prioritize the ultimate comfort of chauffeured passengers, while the front seats offer exceptional support for a more driver-focused experience with a bucket seat-style architecture.
Bentley facelifted the 2005 Bentley Arnage T, bringing its design into line with the automaker's latest offering. The facelift mainly included completely redesigned headlights featuring twin chrome bezel lights with clear lenses and integrated turn signals. The lighting system in the headlights itself got an upgrade integrating two sets of bulbs, new xenon bulbs to handle the dip beam, and halogen bulbs for full beam. The hood was also redesigned, featuring a central vee flowing seamlessly into a revised radiator shell. When speccing a 2005 Bentley Arnage T, as with other models, buyers could choose between a classic chrome plated grille or the new vaned radiator grille. The 19-inch five-spoke wheels on previous model years became an option as Bentley swapped them for similar diameter seven-spoke wheels.
The 20th century ushered in a new era of tech innovation, and Bentley was sure to make the best of it. One of the 2005 Arnage T's major upgrades includes a DVD-based satellite navigation system, which, unlike the older Alpine CD-ROM-based navigation system, allows for detailed coverage of entire continents on a single disc, eliminating the hassle of switching discs and reprogramming the navigation when crossing borders. If you are seeking an extra dose of excitement in a 2005 Bentley Arnage T, you can turn off traction control and electronic stability management, which allow for a more thrilling and engaging driving experience. Part of the suspension revisions included tweaking the computer-controlled adaptive electro-hydraulic dampers, which can also be adjusted through the suspension settings control in the cabin depending on driving preferences.
Newer luxury sedans tend to fetch a pretty penny in the classic car market. For some, the 2005 Bentley Arnage T might not be certified as a classic yet, but its status aside, expect to pay between $30,000 and $50,000 when in the market for one, depending on the car's condition and spec. Need help finding a Bentley Arnage T? Exotic Car Trader makes finding the perfect example a walk in the park. We feature a wide range of Bentley listings, including Bentley Arnage Ts, and with frequent updates to our listings, you're sure to find the one that checks all your boxes.
Whether you're a driving enthusiast seeking a thrill behind the wheel or a discerning individual who appreciates the finer things in life, the 2005 Bentley Arnage T presents an exciting opportunity. Despite its age, it's just as powerful and luxurious as some of today's alternatives and a shouting statement piece. Furthermore, an Arnage T is the perfect example to showcase classic British craftsmanship and modern engineering. 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 2005 Bentley Arnage T not only met the evolving standards of luxury and performance but also showcased Bentley's ingenuity and adaptability to modern automotive trends.
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