Verdict
B
← Bentley Arnage · 2000-2009 · RR/Bentley platform
Bentley Arnage Red Label / R / T (2000-2009)
6.75 twin-turbo V8 returned. Up to 450 hp on the Arnage T. The cult flagship.
BHP
400-450 bhp
0–60
5.3 s
Top speed
168 mph
MPG
12.0 mpg
Used
$35,000-$95,000
The Arnage Red Label launched October 1999 as a 2000 model, bringing back the 6.75-litre Rolls-Royce L410 V8 — initially with a single Garrett T4 turbo making 400 hp and a four-speed automatic. For 2002, Bentley relaunched the range with the Arnage R (more luxury-oriented) and Arnage T (more performance-oriented), both using a reworked 6.75 with two smaller Garrett T3 turbochargers, Bosch Motronic engine management, and ZF six-speed automatic. The Arnage T peaked at 450 hp by the end of its run — the most powerful road-going Bentley sedan to that point. The 2009 Final Series celebrated the 50th anniversary of the L-series V8 (the Final Series 6.75 was rated 500 hp/738 lb-ft) and ran to 150 cars. The Arnage was replaced by the Mulsanne for 2010. The Arnage T is the cult choice — proper Bentley character, hand-built, now within reach used, but specialist maintenance is essential.
Strengths
- Iconic 6.75-litre Bentley V8 (continuous lineage to 1959)
- Arnage T 450 hp / 645 lb-ft is properly fast
- ZF 6-speed automatic from 2002 onwards is excellent
- Final Series cars (2009) are quietly collectible
- Hand-built craftsmanship at Crewe
Weaknesses
- 12-13 mpg fuel economy is brutal
- Specialist maintenance is Bentley-grade expensive
- Pre-2002 Red Labels have only 4-speed automatic
- Air suspension service costs significant
- Long-term ownership is not for the faint of wallet
Notable tech
- 6.75-litre L410 V8 (twin Garrett T3 turbos from 2002)
- 400-450 hp (Final Series 500 hp)
- ZF 6-speed automatic from 2002
- Bosch Motronic engine management
- Air suspension with auto ride height
- Hand-built body and trim at Crewe
Common issues
- Air suspension air-spring leaks
- Hydraulic oil pump failure (suspension and brake assist)
- Engine wiring harness deterioration on early cars
- Climate control flap motor failures
- Catalytic converter failures (expensive to replace)
Used-market budget
$50,000
Red Label / R driver-grade $35-50k. Arnage T clean $55-75k. Final Series and very low-mile cars $80-95k+. Service history at Bentley specialists is non-negotiable — DIY maintenance is genuinely impractical.