Bentley
Arnage
Rolls-Royce
Phantom
Bentley Arnage vs Rolls-Royce Phantom: 2017 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Rolls-Royce Phantom 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.
Phantom
Overall
\nThe sentiment derived from owner and enthusiast discussions is overwhelmingly positive, positioning the Phantom as the definitive benchmark for ultimate luxury, refinement, and presence. The vehicle is consistently described as offering a "surreal experience" of quietude and isolation, with its ride quality characterized as effortless and serene, to the point where the sensation of motion can feel disconnected from visual cues. It is held as the standard against which all other luxury vehicles are measured, frequently cited as having "no finer car interior." The primary critique, mentioned in isolation, pertains to the use of some shared switchgear and software from its corporate parent, which some feel is incongruent with the vehicle's bespoke price and image.\n\nSentiment Confidence Level\nMedium (Positive sentiment is strong but based on a limited number of substantive experiential references).\n\nFrequently Mentioned Competitors\nBentley Mulsanne, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Maybach, Rolls-Royce Ghost, Rolls-Royce Cullinan.
Best version to buy
\nInsufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim as "best." The Phantom Extended is noted for its available "Privacy Suite" with features like electrochromatic glass, catering to buyers seeking maximum separation from the driver.\n\nRecommended Configurations\nInsufficient owner data available for specific configuration recommendations. One mention suggests the Phantom Extended for those desiring modern privacy features.
Known issues
- ⚠\nUse of shared parent-company switchgear/software: some controls, dashboard layout, and software are visibly shared with more mainstream models, which is noted as a minor disappointment given the price and bespoke expectations.
The verdict
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is the better choice for most buyers.
It has stronger reliability sentiment in owner reports than the Bentley Arnage, based on the data above. If the specific known issues on the Rolls-Royce Phantom are a dealbreaker, 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 Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Owner reports lean more positive on reliability for the Rolls-Royce Phantom than the Bentley Arnage. See the known issues comparison above for the specific concerns owners report on each.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Arnage or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
The Bentley Arnage seats more passengers than the Rolls-Royce Phantom on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Bentley Arnage is classed as a Sedan, the Rolls-Royce Phantom as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Arnage or the Rolls-Royce Phantom?
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is more fuel-efficient on paper: 13.9 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 Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Bentley Arnage than the Rolls-Royce Phantom. See the known issues comparison above.