The 'smallest Rolls' or the 'baby Rolls' is how people inevitably refer to the Rolls-Royce Ghost. No doubt this car is smaller than the Phantom - in fact it's the smallest in the luxury carmaker's lineup as we speak - we're still talking about a million dollar car that has an abundance of prestige, luxury and status.
As such, there are really no such things as 'smallest Rolls' or 'baby Rolls' for that matter. And there is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed that you've decided to go for the Ghost over its bigger and more expensive sibling because the Ghost, unlike the Phantom, is targeted at those who prefer to drive themselves.
First announced at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2009, the Ghost was named in honour of the Silver Ghost - a car that was first produced in 1906. Following this announcement was the unveiling of the production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show that same year.
Exterior
In terms of styling and design, the Ghost's inheritance from Rolls-Royce language is immediately recognisable, indicated by the Spirit of Ecstasy that sits proudly on the bonnet that can be hidden under the radiator.
As such, there are really no such things as 'smallest Rolls' or 'baby Rolls' for that matter. And there is absolutely no need to feel embarrassed that you've decided to go for the Ghost over its bigger and more expensive sibling because the Ghost, unlike the Phantom, is targeted at those who prefer to drive themselves.
First announced at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2009, the Ghost was named in honour of the Silver Ghost - a car that was first produced in 1906. Following this announcement was the unveiling of the production model at the Frankfurt Motor Show that same year.
Exterior
In terms of styling and design, the Ghost's inheritance from Rolls-Royce language is immediately recognisable, indicated by the Spirit of Ecstasy that sits proudly on the bonnet that can be hidden under the radiator.
Comparing this to the Phantom, the Ghost is less angular up front, with a massive jet-inspired grille to complement the narrow Xenon headlamps. Coupled with the sloping roofline that ends at the slender rear pillar and 20-inch wheels with a cap at the centre that rotates separately, the Ghost sports an overall styling that comes across as formal and sporty.
At 5,399mm x 1,948mm x 1,550mm (L x W x H), the Ghost oozes presence. Yes, a lot of it. Other than obvious eyes of envy staring at you at the lights, you'll notice cars slowing down to admire the car.
Perhaps it's also the curiosity of catching a glimpse of the car but during our test drive, we noticed how cars are willing to give way to us. It seems that the charisma the Ghost commands does have its benefits.
At 5,399mm x 1,948mm x 1,550mm (L x W x H), the Ghost oozes presence. Yes, a lot of it. Other than obvious eyes of envy staring at you at the lights, you'll notice cars slowing down to admire the car.
Perhaps it's also the curiosity of catching a glimpse of the car but during our test drive, we noticed how cars are willing to give way to us. It seems that the charisma the Ghost commands does have its benefits.
Interior
Inside, the car has hints of its specialness. Traditional Rolls-Royce touches like a yacht-like helm, leather-swathed benches, plush carpet floor mats, chromed air-con vents and organ-stop vent pulls greet you the moment you get in.
But of course, getting in the front seat does rob you of the experience of the rear-hinged 'coach' doors for rear passengers, which make getting in the back seat that much more special.
Also special is the instrument panel. Sophisticatedly displayed as a chronograph-styled pearlescent white gauges on a piano black background, the conventional tachometer on the left has been replaced with a gauge that indicates how much of the engine's power remains available.
Inside, the car has hints of its specialness. Traditional Rolls-Royce touches like a yacht-like helm, leather-swathed benches, plush carpet floor mats, chromed air-con vents and organ-stop vent pulls greet you the moment you get in.
But of course, getting in the front seat does rob you of the experience of the rear-hinged 'coach' doors for rear passengers, which make getting in the back seat that much more special.
Also special is the instrument panel. Sophisticatedly displayed as a chronograph-styled pearlescent white gauges on a piano black background, the conventional tachometer on the left has been replaced with a gauge that indicates how much of the engine's power remains available.
Seats are majestically positioned, padded, and proportioned, giving you a commanding view of the road ahead. Space, as you would come to expect from a million dollar car, is more than adequate. And with leather cushion stretching further out from the usual seats, rear seat passengers can continue their discussions as usual without feeling brokeback.
Perhaps it's a car in which you'd want to be seen in. Seated behind the Ghost will naturally make you disappear momentarily from view and disconnect yourself from the ordinary mortal world.
Immersed from that second into a reality only passengers can truly comprehend, you'll be dazzled with abundance of comfort and luxury - be it whether you're facing the screen from the back seat or just meddling with the controls and rotary knob from the front.
Perhaps it's a car in which you'd want to be seen in. Seated behind the Ghost will naturally make you disappear momentarily from view and disconnect yourself from the ordinary mortal world.
Immersed from that second into a reality only passengers can truly comprehend, you'll be dazzled with abundance of comfort and luxury - be it whether you're facing the screen from the back seat or just meddling with the controls and rotary knob from the front.
The Drive
It weren't as concerned as to how fast the Rolls-Royce Ghost is. It's a Rolls and if ever a car was about quality of its performance, this car epitomises it. But in this aspect, it's mostly good news. The Ghost delivers what you would expect a car of its stature to deliver. Buckets of creamy acceleration will easily haul the 2.4 tonne limo onward with flourish, thanks to the V12 powerplant that's capable of drawing out 563bhp from the word go.
But in the case of the Ghost, you won't find yourself door handling the car with your right foot pedal to the metal. Instead, the sweet spot is to cruise around comfortably because the engine is so smooth, quiet and cultured you wouldn't want to disturb that entire serene experience.
The Ghost's ability to absorb major undulations without bottoming out is truly remarkable, too, all thanks to the car's air suspension. Even more remarkable is how the car accentuates the drive around corners with body roll in check without making it unbearable for occupants.
But of course, when the opportunity presents itself for you to open up the throttle, the car will magically transform from mild to manic, accompanied by an exhaust note that has a more mellow timbre to it. It's so easy to hustle down the road quickly and yet at the same time, it rides with an almost baffling isolation from the outside world.
It weren't as concerned as to how fast the Rolls-Royce Ghost is. It's a Rolls and if ever a car was about quality of its performance, this car epitomises it. But in this aspect, it's mostly good news. The Ghost delivers what you would expect a car of its stature to deliver. Buckets of creamy acceleration will easily haul the 2.4 tonne limo onward with flourish, thanks to the V12 powerplant that's capable of drawing out 563bhp from the word go.
But in the case of the Ghost, you won't find yourself door handling the car with your right foot pedal to the metal. Instead, the sweet spot is to cruise around comfortably because the engine is so smooth, quiet and cultured you wouldn't want to disturb that entire serene experience.
The Ghost's ability to absorb major undulations without bottoming out is truly remarkable, too, all thanks to the car's air suspension. Even more remarkable is how the car accentuates the drive around corners with body roll in check without making it unbearable for occupants.
But of course, when the opportunity presents itself for you to open up the throttle, the car will magically transform from mild to manic, accompanied by an exhaust note that has a more mellow timbre to it. It's so easy to hustle down the road quickly and yet at the same time, it rides with an almost baffling isolation from the outside world.
With 780Nm of torque on tap, the 12-cylinder engine - mated to a capable and smooth eight-speed automatic gearbox - will pull the car to 100km/h in a reputable 4.9 seconds. In this aspect, not only is the Ghost swift, it is fluid and linear in operation - belying its sizeable dimensions.
Perhaps the only concern we had was the rather light steering, which can feel a little insecure and a little more difficult to place the car with grace when you drive the car at high speeds around bends. But that's just finding fault with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, really. Piloting it is pure pleasure.
Conclusion
Sharing some components as the BMW 7 Series, coupled with a substantial amount of engineering, testing and development to perfect the car, the Ghost is as close to a sport sedan as one can get from an ultra-luxury carmaker such as Rolls-Royce.
Still, it'll be a nicer thing to be driven in one of these than driving it. After all, the Ghost is a phenomenal place to be in to watch the world sweep by.
Perhaps the only concern we had was the rather light steering, which can feel a little insecure and a little more difficult to place the car with grace when you drive the car at high speeds around bends. But that's just finding fault with the Rolls-Royce Ghost, really. Piloting it is pure pleasure.
Conclusion
Sharing some components as the BMW 7 Series, coupled with a substantial amount of engineering, testing and development to perfect the car, the Ghost is as close to a sport sedan as one can get from an ultra-luxury carmaker such as Rolls-Royce.
Still, it'll be a nicer thing to be driven in one of these than driving it. After all, the Ghost is a phenomenal place to be in to watch the world sweep by.
