Bentley
Arnage
Bentley
Mulsanne
Bentley Arnage vs Bentley Mulsanne: 2016 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Bentley Mulsanne comes out ahead of the Bentley Arnage on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Arnage
Overall
Owner sentiment is deeply bifurcated, split between profound appreciation for the vehicle's character and significant apprehension regarding its ownership costs and complexity. The Arnage is universally praised for its exquisite, hand-built craftsmanship, sublime highway comfort, and the visceral, powerful character of its 6.75L V8 engine, particularly in later "T" and "R" (Red Label) variants. Long-term owner reports describe it as a uniquely relaxing and authoritative grand tourer that reduces driver fatigue over long distances.
Best version to buy
Arnage T and Arnage R (Red Label): The "T" variant is highlighted for its increased power and performance. The "R" or "Red Label" is specifically and frequently recommended over the early "Green Label" BMW-engined cars.
Known issues
- ⚠Catastrophic running costs and complex repairs: Very frequent warnings about extremely expensive parts, labor, and the necessity of specialist service.
- ⚠Engine-specific problems (early models): Head gasket issues on early Arnage Red Label models. The BMW-sourced V8 in Green Label models is noted as less desirable and potentially less robust. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠General reliability and aging systems: As a 20+ year old complex luxury car, owners report that "everything" can and will go wrong, from electrical gremlins to major mechanical failures.
Mulsanne
Overall
Sentiment is mixed to negative, with a strong consensus that the vehicle failed to meet expectations for its class and price. The model is frequently described as underwhelming, particularly in direct comparisons to key rivals like the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Mercedes-Benz S-Class, with one specific media review cited as being "brutal" and highlighting the car as "truly awful" by comparison. Owner discussions reference significant depreciation, with one report of a new vehicle remaining unsold for two years and eventually selling for approximately 54% off its original MSRP (approx. $200,000 USD vs. $437,000 USD equivalent).
Best version to buy
Mulsanne Speed: Isolated feedback specifically highlights the "Mulsanne Speed" variant for its superior performance, suggesting it addresses some of the dynamic criticisms of the standard model. No detailed trim comparisons are available within the data.
Known issues
- ⚠Severe depreciation: New vehicle reported unsold for two years, selling for a massive loss. Frequency: isolated but highly specific.
- ⚠Prohibitively expensive and complex repairs: Parts are described as prohibitively expensive with lead times of weeks or months; specialized hydraulic brake and suspension system noted as particularly complex and reliant on obsolete compone…
- ⚠Poor reliability (per specific review): Cited in reference to a specific media review which "proved it quite unreliable." Frequency: isolated.
The verdict
The Bentley Mulsanne is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Bentley Arnage, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Bentley Arnage is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Bentley Arnage or the Bentley Mulsanne?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Bentley Arnage and the Bentley Mulsanne. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Arnage or the Bentley Mulsanne?
Data on family-specific factors like cargo space is limited for one or both models, but based on available reports, both are positioned as practical daily drivers. Check the specs table above for seating and body type.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Arnage or the Bentley Mulsanne?
The Bentley Mulsanne is more fuel-efficient on paper: 14.6 L/100km combined versus 19.5 L/100km for the Bentley Arnage, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Bentley Arnage or the Bentley Mulsanne?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Bentley Arnage than the Bentley Mulsanne. See the known issues comparison above.