As a brand, Rolls-Royce has established itself as an automotive institution. Synonymous with super luxurious saloon cars hand-built to exacting standards by master craftsmen in its factory in Goodwood, England, the marque has long been regarded as one of the best and most expensive cars in the world. At least that's what this writer grew up hearing from his grandparents who've lived through the golden days of the brand till today.
Admittedly, being expensive alone won't make a car numero uno, but Rolls-Royce has set itself apart by building one of the best coaches a grand carrier could have. Almost every aspect of its interior, and some exterior elements like its paintwork, can be customised to the exact specifications of its owners. Naturally then, such exclusivity is reserved for the extremely distinguished and impeccably discerning, who are, of course, very wealthy.
Up close and Personal
Measuring just shy of 5,400mm long, 1,950mm wide and 1,550mm tall, the Ghost Series II may be the smallest offering in the Rolls-Royce lineup, but it is still a very big luxury limousine (by comparison, a Mercedes S-Class is a full 150mm shorter). Despite its dimensions, the car moves among traffic in the same way a ghost glides - quietly, effortlessly, and without fanfare.
On that note, it does seem that the Ghost, while regal and distinguished in appearance, has the ability to blend in with the crowd. In the same way that its very well-heeled owners eschew attention, preferring to go about their business privately, the Ghost is a car that matches up to such preferences, until it comes up close enough for one to admire the Spirit of Excellence sitting above its Parthenon grille and sculpted form that's complete with coach doors (or hued boldly in bright colours).
Visually, the Ghost Series II's has evolved slightly, with cosmetic changes that favour dynamism. Most noticeable are its head lights, which feature a more dynamic shape framed by unbroken daytime running lights. Besides that, it also sports a 'wake channel' on its bonnet that flows from the Spirit of Ecstasy's wings for a sportier touch.
Admittedly, being expensive alone won't make a car numero uno, but Rolls-Royce has set itself apart by building one of the best coaches a grand carrier could have. Almost every aspect of its interior, and some exterior elements like its paintwork, can be customised to the exact specifications of its owners. Naturally then, such exclusivity is reserved for the extremely distinguished and impeccably discerning, who are, of course, very wealthy.
Up close and Personal
Measuring just shy of 5,400mm long, 1,950mm wide and 1,550mm tall, the Ghost Series II may be the smallest offering in the Rolls-Royce lineup, but it is still a very big luxury limousine (by comparison, a Mercedes S-Class is a full 150mm shorter). Despite its dimensions, the car moves among traffic in the same way a ghost glides - quietly, effortlessly, and without fanfare.
On that note, it does seem that the Ghost, while regal and distinguished in appearance, has the ability to blend in with the crowd. In the same way that its very well-heeled owners eschew attention, preferring to go about their business privately, the Ghost is a car that matches up to such preferences, until it comes up close enough for one to admire the Spirit of Excellence sitting above its Parthenon grille and sculpted form that's complete with coach doors (or hued boldly in bright colours).
Visually, the Ghost Series II's has evolved slightly, with cosmetic changes that favour dynamism. Most noticeable are its head lights, which feature a more dynamic shape framed by unbroken daytime running lights. Besides that, it also sports a 'wake channel' on its bonnet that flows from the Spirit of Ecstasy's wings for a sportier touch.
From the 'authority seating position' that places the rear passenger higher than the driver, one immediately gets a sense of superiority the moment the coach doors open. It's an earned right for owners who are captains of industries and highly accomplished, but the experience of being cocooned in quiet tranquil space, insulated from outside distractions sets the experience apart.
It also goes without saying that the near limitless array of bespoke options will let owners spec amenities and features that strike their fancy. But in our test car, we could luxuriate in gorgeous Moccasin lined interior that's as lavish as a Presidential suite and lined with veneers picked by master craftsmen who make one-of-a-kind furniture. Also welcome were the individual video consoles with tray tables, which resembled the finishing on a private yacht and massage seats that could be individually adjusted for greater comfort.
Again, one's imagination (and depth of pocket) would be the limit when it comes to specifying the options on the interior. But one thing's for sure, you'd always have full control of the infotainment systems (individual video screens and a 1,000W audio speaker system, anyone?) from the command post in the rear seats by way of the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller at the back.
And as a party trick, the car even sports a door button that lets passengers control the closing of the rear doors - perfect for shielding oneself from prying eyes.
It also goes without saying that the near limitless array of bespoke options will let owners spec amenities and features that strike their fancy. But in our test car, we could luxuriate in gorgeous Moccasin lined interior that's as lavish as a Presidential suite and lined with veneers picked by master craftsmen who make one-of-a-kind furniture. Also welcome were the individual video consoles with tray tables, which resembled the finishing on a private yacht and massage seats that could be individually adjusted for greater comfort.
Again, one's imagination (and depth of pocket) would be the limit when it comes to specifying the options on the interior. But one thing's for sure, you'd always have full control of the infotainment systems (individual video screens and a 1,000W audio speaker system, anyone?) from the command post in the rear seats by way of the Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller at the back.
And as a party trick, the car even sports a door button that lets passengers control the closing of the rear doors - perfect for shielding oneself from prying eyes.
The Drive
Whether you intend to drive this car on your own, or indulge in being driven, the Ghost Series II's 6.6-litre twin-charged V12 engine promises effortless performance to suit any need. With 563bhp and 780Nm of torque on tap, it's got immense breath to take on everything the roads throw at you. Especially for a car carrying 2.5 tonnes of weight, it's capable of finishing the century sprint in a mere 4.9 seconds with silky smooth gear shifts from its eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Powerful it may be from behind the wheel, and capable in performing gallantly whenever it’s called upon, the Roller is a car that's surprisingly easy to command from behind the wheel. It may look like a massive complicated DSLR, but in reality, the Ghost Series II operates like a point-and-shoot.
Behind the wheel of the Ghost, it's easy to feel confident, assured and unhurried. And with cameras offering views of the car from the side, top and rear, navigating tight car parks is a real walk in the park.
Whether you intend to drive this car on your own, or indulge in being driven, the Ghost Series II's 6.6-litre twin-charged V12 engine promises effortless performance to suit any need. With 563bhp and 780Nm of torque on tap, it's got immense breath to take on everything the roads throw at you. Especially for a car carrying 2.5 tonnes of weight, it's capable of finishing the century sprint in a mere 4.9 seconds with silky smooth gear shifts from its eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Powerful it may be from behind the wheel, and capable in performing gallantly whenever it’s called upon, the Roller is a car that's surprisingly easy to command from behind the wheel. It may look like a massive complicated DSLR, but in reality, the Ghost Series II operates like a point-and-shoot.
Behind the wheel of the Ghost, it's easy to feel confident, assured and unhurried. And with cameras offering views of the car from the side, top and rear, navigating tight car parks is a real walk in the park.
Needless to say, ride quality in the car is excellent with enhancements to the car's suspension system offering additional stability and comfort. We even understand that with Satellite Aided Transmission that comes standard in the new Series II Ghost, the car is able to tap on GPS and mapping data to optimise gear shifts.
Conclusion
Having tried and tested the car, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II certainly lives up to its billing as the ultimate luxury machine that sets the benchmark for what comfort, sumptuousness and craftsmanship should be like. At this point, it really becomes less about what one expects, and about having one's tastes and preferences met without compromise.
Having ridden in the back, cocooned in the privacy and tranquillity of a space designed as an oasis of calm, this writer would gladly leave helming this immaculately luxurious coach to someone else and luxuriate in plush comfort, as every car ride should be.
Conclusion
Having tried and tested the car, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II certainly lives up to its billing as the ultimate luxury machine that sets the benchmark for what comfort, sumptuousness and craftsmanship should be like. At this point, it really becomes less about what one expects, and about having one's tastes and preferences met without compromise.
Having ridden in the back, cocooned in the privacy and tranquillity of a space designed as an oasis of calm, this writer would gladly leave helming this immaculately luxurious coach to someone else and luxuriate in plush comfort, as every car ride should be.
