Bentley Arnage (98-09) - Review

This is the Bentley Arnage’s forte. The generous size of the Bentley means the interior offers more than enough space for four adults to lounge in exemplary comfort. All of the seats feel like a favourite armchair and you can also spread your elbows without fear of knocking a companion. Taller occupants may find headroom not as lofty as you’d expect, but it’s rarely a problem. Helping to look after your wellbeing is a superb climate control system, heated seats covered in leather with electric adjustment, six disc CD autochanger and cruise control all as standard. Most cars have the optional and desirable DVD player and sat-nav fitted.

If it wasn’t for the enormous size of the Arnage, it would be even more practical, but that size can make it tricky to park, though it has a surprisingly compact turning circle for such a large car. The mighty size has the advantage of endowing the Arnage with a massive boot able to carry several suitcases. In the cabin itself, there are large door pockets, a big glovebox and a sizeable cubby between the front seats. You can also have fold-down picnic tables for rear passengers to eat their cucumber sandwiches off.

The Arnage may be a saloon, but the lofty seat gives the same elevated view found in most 4x4s. There's no problem finding a suitable driving position thanks to the seat and steering wheel adjusting electrically in every direction. There’s a superb view all round and most Arnages have parking sensors fitted to make them easier to snick into tight parking bays. The simple dash offers an array of white-on-black instruments, though some of the minor switches are scattered far and wide across the centre console.