2008 Bentley Arnage Mulliner for $38,500 – Is It Worth the Luxury Investment?

Image: 2008 Bentley Arnage Mulliner for $38,500 – Is It Worth the Luxury Investment? – Performance Comparison and Specifications

When a 2008 Bentley Arnage Mulliner pops up on the market with a price tag of $38,500, it feels like a rare invitation to own a piece of British automotive heritage without breaking the bank. But does the price truly reflect a fair risk for a car that packs decades of craftsmanship, cutting‑edge ADAS features, and a roaring turbo‑petrol V8 under the bonnet? In this article, we break down the design, performance, and overall value proposition so you can decide if this luxury sedan fits your budget and lifestyle.

First Impressions: Design & Dimensions

Aspect	Specification	Notes
Overall Length	5,200 mm	Long enough for a commanding road presence
Width (including mirrors)	2,000 mm	Spacious cabin width
Height	1,460 mm	Low-slung silhouette
Wheelbase	3,150 mm	Provides a smooth ride
Kerb Weight	2,250 kg	Hefty, but typical for a Bentley

The Arnage Mulliner’s classic hand‑stitched leather interior, hand‑polished wood veneers, and a front grille that screams elegance make it instantly recognizable. Even after more than a decade, the design feels timeless—something you’ll still turn heads with today.

Feature Comparison: Stock vs. Mulliner‑Exclusive

Feature	Standard Arnage (2008)	Mulliner Edition
Upholstery	Standard leather	Custom hand‑stitched leather with contrast stitching
Wheels	18‑inch alloy	20‑inch forged magnesium wheels
Audio System	Basic CD player	Premium Naim surround sound
Safety Tech	ABS, traction control	Enhanced ADAS package (lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise)
Exterior Trim	Standard chrome	Special Mulliner badging, bespoke paint options

These Mulliner upgrades aren’t just cosmetic; they add a layer of exclusivity and comfort that most owners cherish. The upgraded ADAS suite, for instance, brings the 2008 model closer to modern safety expectations.

Engine Specifications: The Turbo‑Petrol Heart

Parameter	Detail	Performance Impact
Engine Type	5.0‑L Twin‑Turbo V8	Delivers classic Bentley growl
Power Output	400 hp @ 5,250 rpm	Strong acceleration for a heavy sedan
Torque	616 Nm @ 2,500–4,500 rpm	Plentiful low‑end torque for effortless cruising
0‑60 mph	5.8 seconds	Quick for its class
Top Speed	155 mph (electronically limited)	Plenty of highway confidence

The twin‑turbo V8 still feels fresh today, especially when paired with the Mulliner‑tuned suspension that smooths out any roughness from the road. Fuel economy sits around 14 mpg city / 20 mpg highway—nothing to brag about, but expected for a Bentley of this era.

Price Comparison: $38,500 in Context

Model	Average Market Price	Key Differences
2008 Bentley Arnage (base)	$30,000	Standard trim, no Mulliner upgrades
2008 Bentley Arnage Mulliner	$38,500	All Mulliner enhancements, lower mileage
2015 Bentley Continental GT	$75,000	Newer tech, more efficient engine
2020 Mercedes‑E‑Class AMG	$68,000	Modern ADAS, better fuel economy

At $38,500, the Arnage Mulliner sits comfortably between a stock Arnage and a modern flagship coupe. It’s a price that reflects both the car’s age and the premium Mulliner touches. Compare this to a 2020 AMG‑tuned E‑Class, which offers more up‑to‑date tech but lacks the handcrafted British aura.

Should You Take the Leap?

Buying a used luxury sedan is always a balance of risk and reward. Here are a few personal considerations that helped me decide when I was in the market:

Maintenance History: A fully documented service record from an authorized Bentley dealer is a must. The V8’s timing chain and turbochargers are reliable, but neglect can lead to expensive repairs.
Mileage: The listings I’ve seen hover around 70,000–85,000 miles. For a car of this pedigree, under 80k is ideal.
Usage: If you plan to use the Arnage as a weekend cruiser rather than a daily driver, the wear‑and‑tear factor drops dramatically.
Resale Outlook: Bentley’s brand cachet tends to hold value better than most German rivals, especially when the Mulliner badge is present.

In short, the $38,500 asking price feels like a fair gamble if you can verify the car’s condition and are prepared for the occasional boutique‑level maintenance.

Conclusion: A Luxury Classic at a Sensible Price?

The 2008 Bentley Arnage Mulliner offers an intriguing mix of classic British luxury, a throaty turbo‑petrol V8, and a suite of upgraded ADAS features that keep it relevant in today’s safety‑focused market. At $38,500, you’re not just buying a car—you’re acquiring a piece of motoring history that still turns heads and delivers a plush driving experience.

If you value craftsmanship, heritage, and a vehicle that feels more like a moving art piece than a mere mode of transport, the risk is worth taking. Just remember to do a thorough pre‑purchase inspection, verify the service logs, and budget for the occasional Bentley‑specific upkeep.

For more details on the Arnage’s specifications, see the original review on Cars.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does the Mulliner badge signify?: It indicates a factory‑customized version with exclusive interior trims, bespoke paint options, and upgraded wheels.
2. Is the 2008 Arnage equipped with modern ADAS?: The standard model has basic ABS and traction control; the Mulliner edition adds lane‑keep assist, adaptive cruise, and a rear‑view camera.
3. How reliable is the twin‑turbo V8?: Generally reliable if maintained regularly; key components like the turbos and timing chain should be inspected during a pre‑purchase check.
4. What are typical maintenance costs?: Annual servicing can run $1,200–$2,000, with major services (e.g., turbo rebuild) potentially exceeding $5,000.
5. Does the car have a warranty?: Most used Bentleys are sold “as‑is,” but you can often purchase an extended third‑party warranty for added peace of mind.
6. How does fuel economy compare to modern rivals?: At roughly 14‑20 mpg, it lags behind newer models, but this is expected for a heavyweight V8 luxury sedan.
7. Can I find genuine replacement parts?: Yes, Bentley’s dealer network still stocks parts for the Arnage, though some components may have longer lead times.
8. Is the interior truly hand‑crafted?: Every Mulliner interior features hand‑stitched leather, hand‑polished wood veneers, and custom stitching patterns.
9. How does the Arnage Mulliner hold its value?: Historically, Mulliner‑badged Bentleys depreciate slower than standard models, often retaining 55‑65 % of their original price after 10 years.
10. Would this car be a good daily driver?: It’s possible, but the ride is best suited for relaxed cruising; heavy city traffic may increase wear and fuel consumption.