DrivingOnRoad has been granted many alternatives to drive six-figure luxurious vehicles, together with a number of from Rolls-Royce. There’s one mannequin, nonetheless, that has eluded us… till now. In the end, we had the chance to drive (and be pushed in) the 2022 Rolls-Royce Phantom, the final word flagship from the world’s premier luxurious coach builder. From an outsider’s viewpoint, there is not that enormous of a niche between the Phantom and different Rollers just like the Ghost or Cullinan. However for individuals who know, the Phantom exists in a distinct league.
Each element on the Phantom feels one step above a lesser Rolls-Royce – if “lesser” may even be utilized in the identical breath as the long-lasting automaker. With the Phantom, it is as if there is a hidden room simply past the VIP chamber, and solely those that know the key password could enter. Few people will ever get an opportunity to peek behind the scenes into this luxury unique realm, so we’ll do our greatest to translate the expertise for individuals who wish to reside vicariously.
Design: Bigger Than Life
It is virtually inconceivable to explain how massive a Phantom is with out seeing it within the steel. The usual wheelbase Phantom stretches to 227 inches in size; to place that into perspective, that is virtually an inch and a half longer than a Chevrolet Suburban (a gargantuan eight-seater household SUV). But when the titanic proportions nonetheless do not convey the opulence, the small print do. This Phantom Collection II mannequin will not be closely up to date from the earlier mannequin, however do not assume Rolls-Royce’s designers sat across the workplace and scrolled social media all day.
The Phantom features the illuminated Pantheon Grille (initially from the Ghost) and 820 laser-cut stars in every headlight. Our tester rode on a brand new set of 22-inch solid black disc wheels that hark again to the Twenties with a novel steampunk vibe. They may not be to everybody’s tastes, particularly at $13,000 a set, however we completely love how they complement the Phantom’s old-school allure. Rolls-Royce lets consumers select just about any colour possible once they fee their Phantom, however this automotive’s Darkish Emerald is a troublesome one to high.
Engine: Coronary heart Of An Angel
As with different functions of the 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, the Phantom defines what it means to ship silent luxurious. You’ll be able to press your ear to the hood with the engine operating and nonetheless be not sure if the automotive is on or off. Output figures aren’t strictly vital to Rolls-Royce clients, so the corporate sometimes describes them as “ample.” However if you happen to’re curious, the V12 provides 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque, all of which is on the market with no fuss. A delicate nudge on the throttle delivers all of the momentum anybody may ever require with out disturbing the passengers within the again whereas they’re sipping champagne. It is a surreal feeling to have this a lot energy out there; the phrase ‘juggernaut’ appears notably apt.
Inside: All About The Passenger
Rolls-Royce cabins are all fairly comparable to one another of their ranges of opulence, but it surely’s that clear that the Phantom is a category above. As with the outside, the inside is tailor-made to every particular person buyer. This automotive was adorned with mild Cashmere Gray leather-based with an Arctic White accent colour, contrasting the darkish inexperienced exterior hue. Royal Walnut graces the doorways and sprint, as does the Gallery, a Phantom-specific factor that incorporates the clock and will be personalized with numerous patterns and designs.
Although we loved driving the Phantom, this automotive is all concerning the rear seat. Our check automotive was optioned with all of the luxuries you’d anticipate at this worth level: massaging seats, a middle console with a decanter, a refrigerated field with built-in champagne flutes, and folding tables with built-in screens. There have been additionally some over-the-top particulars, together with curtains on the home windows, the spectacular Taking pictures Star Headliner, and elevating footrests within the flooring. That final one is a function we did not even know we would have liked, but it surely removes the stress out of your legs and feels elegant on an extended journey.
Driving: One Rolls To Rule Them
Think about being handled to essentially the most scrumptious dinner of your life solely to be taken to a good nicer restaurant in a while, which makes the primary meal appear forgettable. That is one of the best ways to explain the Phantom. We have been fortunate sufficient to pattern each different Rolls-Royce mannequin within the lineup, however there is a purpose why this automotive sits because the flagship. The cabin is eerily tranquil, which means you’ll be able to chat in a whisper even when doing freeway speeds. All Rollers have Magic Carpet Experience suspension, however this incarnation is a lot extra isolating than lesser fashions, with no bump or flawed street floor able to spoiling the experience.
The usual mannequin has a 139.8-inch wheelbase, and whereas there’s an prolonged wheelbase model, even the common Phantom’s dimension makes navigating tight parking heaps seem to be a troublesome activity. However because of the rear wheel steering system, maneuvering the automotive by the valet requires little effort. All the controls are additionally featherlight, which means it is simple to show the wheel along with your pinky. After driving the Phantom, we will simply see why it is priced greater than different Rolls-Royces.
Pricing: Home Dimension, Home Worth
So, about that worth. The Phantom begins at $475,000, which means it is round $130,000 greater than a Ghost or Cullinan. However that is simply the beginning worth, and we will not think about anybody strolling right into a dealership to order a “base” automotive – that is not how commissioning a Curler works. The inexperienced instance we examined was loaded with expensive extras, together with $13,000 wheels, a $6,300 bespoke clock, and over $45,000 value of rear seat luxurious tools. All the things added up (plus the $2,750 vacation spot and $2,600 fuel guzzler charges) amounted to $651,450 – simply the costliest Rolls-Royce we have ever examined.
Is it value it? That is actually a enjoyable query. Placing ourselves into the designer sneakers of somebody with that a lot wealth, we see little purpose to not stretch into the Phantom over a smaller Curler. It is a ton of cash, but it surely’s additionally not that rather more than a Ghost or a Cullinan, comparatively talking. When it comes to consolation, it trumps these two, although it feels extra gargantuan to drive. Maybe if storage house is at a premium and you do not plan to be chauffeured, we think about the Ghost or Cullinan could possibly be a greater way of life match. But when the aim is to be pampered in luxurious, few vehicles examine to the Phantom.