In the world of cars, luxury and performance aren't exactly opposing traits. We have seen numerous automakers lining their leather-swathed offerings with jaw-dropping power figures - and they worked.
But when Rolls-Royce passed us the key to its most powerful and dynamic-oriented offering in its century-old history, we didn't quite, frankly, know what to expect.
The British marque is most famous for its luxury endeavours. Moreover, they are at the top of the game, offering 'magic carpet rides' that are tailored for 'towkays' instead of rich boy racers.Exterior
Least to anyone's surprise, the Wraith shares its underpinnings with the Ghost - which is built on a highly modified version of the 7 Series' platform. While there has been careful, yet deliberate intentions for the coupe to resemble its four-door sedan sibling, there is a series of differences on closer look.
But when Rolls-Royce passed us the key to its most powerful and dynamic-oriented offering in its century-old history, we didn't quite, frankly, know what to expect.
The British marque is most famous for its luxury endeavours. Moreover, they are at the top of the game, offering 'magic carpet rides' that are tailored for 'towkays' instead of rich boy racers.Exterior
Least to anyone's surprise, the Wraith shares its underpinnings with the Ghost - which is built on a highly modified version of the 7 Series' platform. While there has been careful, yet deliberate intentions for the coupe to resemble its four-door sedan sibling, there is a series of differences on closer look.
The front bumper, for instance, is more sculptured, with the grille encased deeper into the fascia for a more dimensional look.
Measuring 5,269mm in length, 1,947mm in width and standing at 1,507mm, the Wraith undertakes the Ghost to be the smallest in the family. That said, it will have no trouble making a grand entrance everywhere it goes, thanks to the boxy overalls and a tall waist line.
Measuring 5,269mm in length, 1,947mm in width and standing at 1,507mm, the Wraith undertakes the Ghost to be the smallest in the family. That said, it will have no trouble making a grand entrance everywhere it goes, thanks to the boxy overalls and a tall waist line.
Interior
Coming from one of the world's topmost luxury automakers, the Wraith's cabin is undoubtedly one of the best places to be in. There are plentiful of otherworldly luxuries and creature comforts, created both for functionality and as visual delights.
The sense of grand occasion strikes you immediately as you enter the cabin, and it won't take you much time to realise that this, even by luxury standards, is above the rest. And you will be forgiven for behaving like a child who has been handed a new toy, meddling with each and every button to find out how it works - yet careful not to break anything.
Coming from one of the world's topmost luxury automakers, the Wraith's cabin is undoubtedly one of the best places to be in. There are plentiful of otherworldly luxuries and creature comforts, created both for functionality and as visual delights.
The sense of grand occasion strikes you immediately as you enter the cabin, and it won't take you much time to realise that this, even by luxury standards, is above the rest. And you will be forgiven for behaving like a child who has been handed a new toy, meddling with each and every button to find out how it works - yet careful not to break anything.
Since its inception, Rolls-Royce has made grand tourers that will fit no less than four in comfort - and the Wraith adheres to that tradition. Even as a two-door coupe, the rear occupants can indulge in an experience no less opulent than the front passenger.
Naturally, the roomy cabin has a great part to play in the overall extravagant experience, and that trait extends to the rear where there is a SUV-like 490 litres of boot space - fit to swallow more than a couple of golf bags.
Naturally, the roomy cabin has a great part to play in the overall extravagant experience, and that trait extends to the rear where there is a SUV-like 490 litres of boot space - fit to swallow more than a couple of golf bags.
The Drive
12 cylinders, 624bhp, 800Nm of torque and a 4.4-second century sprint. Figures alone may have painted a picture of immensive, firepower-laden performance. But put that into the Wraith, and it'll turn out quite differently from what you'd expect.
Instead, the Wraith makes use of the potent power to aid in its effortlessness. In operation, the unit emits nothing more than a swoosh, and is hardly heard or felt in the heavily insulated cabin. Yet, without raising any brows, it can easily launch itself to highly illegal speeds.
Then, there is the 'magic carpet ride' - one that you'll have to experience personally to fully understand and appreciate. Tasked to smoothen out any imperfection on the tarmac are four individual suspension - a combination of double-wishbone (at the front) and multi-link (at the rear) springs with air suspension systems.
The result is a ride that is capable of weaving dreams (for the occupants, that is) even on undulated patched roads or the busiest of streets.
Credits to its complex suspension system, the Wraith feels sharp at the helm too. Do not, however, mistake it as one that is made purely to engage the driver. The assisted steering takes away a wee bit of driving fun, but will make light work of piloting the behemoth of a coupe through the tightest of bends.
Conclusion
The Wraith comes brim-filled with supercar-like performance, although it is never meant to behave like one. While the latest Rolls-Royce is portrayed as the most dynamically-inclined in the family yet, it remains to be a true Rolls-Royce at heart - one that prioritises luxury and comfort over sportiness.
However, we reckon it is this combination of attributes that will make the most sense and appeal to the well-heeled.
Conclusion
The Wraith comes brim-filled with supercar-like performance, although it is never meant to behave like one. While the latest Rolls-Royce is portrayed as the most dynamically-inclined in the family yet, it remains to be a true Rolls-Royce at heart - one that prioritises luxury and comfort over sportiness.
However, we reckon it is this combination of attributes that will make the most sense and appeal to the well-heeled.
