The 2000s were a time capsule of change for luxury sedans. Think sleek, new fascias, everything except the Bentley Arnage. Like other Arnage models, 2006 saw the Bentley Arnage T gliding into another year with no changes. Sure, there are cars that stood out, but hey, Bentley had given it a facial reconstruction and more muscle in 2005, so buyers had nothing to complain about. The Arnage T's image of an old car and fuel economy that caused spontaneous gas station friendships never seemed to be an issue for the wealthy clientele it was made for. The cabin told a different tale from the exterior, a sanctuary from the whispers of being a gas guzzler. And if anyone dared question the 2006 Bentley Arnage T's dominance on the road, a light touch of the throttle would leave them choking on a bit of envy. Fancy a piece of fine British Engineering. This 2006 Bentley Arnage T review reveals whether it remains a masterpiece of luxury and performance even by today's standards.
Introduced in 1998, the Bentley Arnage became a cornerstone for Bentley and would become the best-selling model across the automaker's lineup. Each iteration made before the Arnage's discontinuation in 2010 undoubtedly laid the groundwork for preceding models, such as the Flying Spur and Mulsanne, a family twist as it is both a successor and predecessor to the Bentley Arnage. Confusing right? More about that another time. Under Volkswagen's influence, Bentley brought back their six and three-quarter liter engine, which they'd use in the Arnage Red Label before the 2002 Arnage T. But the Arnage T wasn't your ordinary Bentley. While other models prioritized comfort and refinement, it was a performance variant but retained Bentley's focus on luxury, thus appealing to buyers who wanted a mix of both. Produced as an independent model, the Arnage T received its first major refresh in 2005 along with other Arnage models, which would later change in 2007 but not as much. Back to 2006, production numbers dipped, with only 2006 Bentley Arnage Ts rolling off the Crewe production line compared to 470 units in 2005. What caused the dramatic drop in sales in 2006? We may never know for sure.
Nested within its provocative and sleek front end, the 2006 Bentley Arnage T hosts a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8, which, during production, made 450 horsepower and 645 lb.t enough to propel it from a standstill to 60 mph in 5.5 seconds. Why Bentley chose to use the old GM 4-speed remains a mystery, but nobody complained. At least it wasn't from BMW. Top speed was limited to 170 mph, which might seem like child's play but not in a nearly 5,700-pound sedan that Jeremy Clarkson once referred to its weight as that of a Cathedral. Is the 2006 Bentley Arnage T fun to drive? Well, not exactly. But it certainly won't disappoint. Look at it like a roller coaster climbing a lift hill crest, then dropping down. The thrill you feel during the first drop is how you feel when driving a Bentley Arnage T.
Like previous models, the 2006 Bentley Arnage T didn't skimp on luxury and comfort despite its performance focus. It has the same symphony of materials used in its siblings, featuring lavish use of premium leather adorning the seats and almost every touchable surface. Unbroken by the leather, Bentley, infamous for extensively using wood in their car interiors, added wood finishing to the dash, center console, and doors, adding a timeless elegance. Speaking of the dash, the updated 2005 layout was retained for 2006, which most notably had Volkswagen switchgear instead of BMW's. Overall ergonomics were also improved, repositioning secondary controls into a panel behind the gear lever. To enhance the user experience, Bentley added a pop-up LCD screen to go with the new DVD-based navigation system, and drivers could keep it up all the time if they wanted.
Following the sharper redesign in 2005, the 2006 Bentley Arnage T inherited that bolder look. Some still considered it a bit dated, but buyers could personalize that look with any of the 40 standard paint options, which included two tones. The lighting system was the biggest change from 2005, featuring twin halogen/xenon headlights on each side, replacing the old halogen-only single units. Bentley understood their buyers valued prestige and modernity; hence, they made the classic Bentley grille optional if a buyer didn't prefer the new grille. Other options retained from non-facelift model years include the 5-spoke wheels, which could be chosen instead of the newer 7-spoke wheels.
The 2006 Bentley Arnage T, as with other Bentley Arnages, wasn't a tech haven, but even by today's standards, it offers all the essential comforts and much more. Every seat came standard with heating functionality, and the front row seats got electric adjustability. The driver's seat also got special treatment, with all features topped up with a memory function. For a uniform ambiance throughout the cabin, Bentley added multi-zone climate control for the second row, which also has a set of audio controls, giving occupants access to the infotainment system upfront. The updated halogen/xenon headlights worked in two ways. The xenon bulbs provide a bright low beam for nighttime driving, while the halogens offer a bright high beam when needed. As far as driver assists and safety features go in the 2006 Bentley Arnage T, you get traction control, electronic stability control, four-wheel ABS, front and rear parking sensors, and side and head airbags for front and rear passengers. These might not match the long list you get in newer cars, but is there anything else you need?
For those seeking a classic luxury sedan with an undeniable presence, the 2006 Bentley Arnage T is one of the best examples you can get. Owning one is a fair trade for around $45,000, and if you're looking to get one sooner than now, Exotic Car Trader can help you find your perfect match. We offer a wide range of Bentley listings, with frequent updates to ensure you find a Bentley Arnage T that checks all your boxes.
The 2006 Bentley Arnage T is a masterpiece for those who value heritage, power, and unparalleled luxury. However, if you crave the latest tech features and fuel efficiency is a priority, it might not be the car for you. But for those seeking a statement piece that embodies British automotive excellence, the Arnage T remains a timeless treasure. 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! Ultimately, the 2006 Bentley Arnage T isn't for everyone. But if you're lucky enough to snag one, it offers an experience unlike any other, a luxurious cocoon that whisks you away in a cloud of power and refinement.
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