Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (270 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2010
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is mixed and heavily bifurcated.
5 problems reported (1 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 2 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentCatastrophic repair costs and complex engine failures
- RecurrentW12 engine reliability concerns
- RecurrentExorbitant annual maintenance costs
+ 2 more issuesShow fewer
- IsolatedSuspension system failures (air suspension)
- IsolatedVacuum line degradation
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to specify a best model year or trim. However, there is a strong, recurrent warning against the W12 engine variant in favor of the V8, with one owner stating, "If you want a conti get a 4.0 not the W12. Theres a reason every VW product with the W12 is either in the junk yard or cheap as shit."
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Rolls-Royce Phantom, Aston Martin models, Bentley Continental GT and Bentley Bentayga.
Is the Azure right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is mixed and heavily bifurcated. The vehicle is universally acknowledged as a classic, hand-crafted luxury convertible focused on comfort, elegant styling, and a relaxed, open-top driving experience. The 6.75-liter twin-turbo V8 is noted for delivering smooth, quiet, and effortless power, perfectly suited to the car's grand touring character. However, owner discussions are dominated by extreme caution regarding catastrophic ownership costs. The consensus is that the purchase price is merely a "down payment" on inevitable and exorbitant repair and maintenance bills, with specific warnings about the complexity and unreliability of the W12 engine variant. The vehicle is described as suitable only for knowledgeable enthusiasts with very deep financial reserves dedicated solely to upkeep.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a classic, ultra-luxury convertible from an era of Bentley focused on traditional craftsmanship and relaxed grand touring, distinct from the more modern, performance-oriented Continental line. It is seen as a more elegant and specialized alternative to a used Bentley Bentayga SUV, which is mentioned as a "fairly decent value proposition" in comparison. It is also referenced alongside the Rolls-Royce Phantom as a pinnacle luxury vehicle, with the Phantom suggested as a potentially more justifiable alternative for similar running costs.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available on specific options or configurations. The only configuration advice present is to avoid the W12 engine and to prioritize vehicles with extensive, verifiable service records.
General recommendations
Only recommended for individuals with significant, dedicated disposable income who fully understand the financial commitment. The strong consensus is that if you have to ask about costs, you cannot afford it. A thorough pre-purchase inspection by a specialist, including a borescope examination of the engine, is considered mandatory. Buyers must budget for annual maintenance costs estimated between $6,000-$7,000 USD, not including tires, and set aside a separate repair fund of $10,000-$15,000 USD or more for major issues. Purchasing an extended warranty is highly recommended, with costs noted at approximately $7,000 USD per year. The vehicle is explicitly not recommended as a daily driver or for anyone seeking a reliable or affordable luxury car.
Remarks
Owner feedback is almost exclusively focused on the financial and mechanical risks of ownership rather than detailed driving impressions or feature evaluations. The data includes references to the 2006-2007 model years. The extreme cost warnings are consistent and repeated across multiple discussions, forming the core of the ownership narrative. Specific mechanical details are sparse, with most comments speaking to general reliability and cost trends rather than enumerating a long list of common faults. Analysis based on approximately 8 substantive owner discussions directly related to the Azure model.
Specifications
6.7 i V8
6.8L 8-cylinder · 457 hp · RWD · automatic
Built 2005–2009