Matt Hubbard reviews the Rolls Royce Ghost Series II
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
As I accelerated down a straight length of road a shower of raindrops, previously lodged atop the grille, formed around the Spirit of Ecstasy and headed towards me like stretching stars as the Millennium Falcon hits hyperdrive.
The water hit the windscreen and was swept away and into the ether by the wipers. Meanwhile I was insulated from the rain, the cold, the dire state of the road by the most luxurious, magnificent machine it is possible to buy.
The Ghost is long, wide, heavy, fast and crafted by hand from the finest materials available. It is also built to be driven in, rather than be driven, but to own one and merely ride in it would be a shame.
The Ghost was introduced in 2010. A long wheel base version arrived in 2011, a two-tone Ghost was revealed in 2012 and the Ghost Series II was launched in 2014. The test car was a two-tone (Salamanca Blue and Silver) Extended Wheelbase Series II.
It is made on the same production line as the Wraith, with which it shares a platform and takes the same amount of time to build, at the Goodwood factory in Sussex. It is 5,569mm long, which allows for lots of interior space, a huge boot and a long bonnet under which resides a 6.6 litre V12 engine.
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
That engine produces 570bhp and 780Nm/575lb ft of torque. Even though it weighs a hefty 2,495kg the Ghost is incredibly fast. 0-60mph takes 5 seconds and the top speed is limited to 155mph.
I'd imagine that even at 155mph the car would remain as refined as it did at legal speeds in Sussex.
It is a handsome car. It doesn't come with curved, swooping bodywork, instead the Corinthian columns up front orchestrate a grandly sweeping expanse of metalwork with no jarring lines to detract from its elegance.
The front door opens in the standard fashion, hinged at the front, but the rear door bucks the trend and hinges at the back. When open the pair welcome occupants on board equally, as if to ask, "would you like to drive or be driven?"
Choose either option and you'll be welcomed by plenty of space. The rear in particular has enough leg room that a six footer can cross his or her legs, whilst watching TV, sipping on champagne and ordering the chauffeur to put his foot down.
The interior of the test car is unlikely to be the same as any other Ghost. Just like the infinite options available for the paint colour the choice of leather, trim, veneer (or not as the case may be) are many, and can be individually ordered if the customer chooses.
Your family crest or favourite bird of prey (a frequent request from middle-east buyers) can be hand stitched into the leather, the climate controls can all be located on one particular side at the rear, indeed almost anything is possible.
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
But whatever you order, and as long as you don't make a hash of it (which has been known to happen) your Ghost will be just about the best car available on the planet.
The air suspension makes for a smooth ride on whatever surface, the driving position is ideal without the need for too much adjustment, although it can be adjusted to fit just about any body, the steering and controls are light to the touch and the controls are delicately damped.
The Ghost comes laden with all the tech you need but it is hidden away until such point you choose to use it. Adaptive cruise, auto wipers and lights, adaptive main beam, satnav, digital radio, bluetooth are all standard.
It is a quiet car but it is not silent. The glass is thick and does a good job of keeping most sounds out but you do hear the world around you, albeit muffled. The engine, though, is almost silent unless it is pressed into action and, as it's a V12, the noise is smooth and deep.
The Ghost is a car that is more than the sum of its parts. It costs twice as much as an S-Class and for some people that is enough reason to buy the Mercedes, but to judge it based on its specs, space, looks or even exclusivity is to miss the point.
The Rolls Royce Ghost has a gravitas, a bearing that elevates it above any other luxury car apart, that is, from the Phantom. The Wraith is a Rolls Royce for those who want their luxury a bit sharper, a bit faster and a bit more youthful.
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
I have no concept of one-upmanship, I would never buy a car for the benefit of others opinion of me, to make people judge me as a person, to show off in. I don't care what car the neighbours own, I just like cars that drive great, make me feel good and that have a personality. This car has a presence that I've not felt before in the hundreds of cars I've driven.
It is a special car. For that alone it is worth the price, which is a not insubstantial £216,684.
Stats:
Price - £216,684
Engine - 6.6 litre, V12, twin-turbo, petrol
Transmission - 8-speed ZF automatic
0-60mph - 5 seconds
Top Speed - 155mph (limited)
Power - 570bhp
Torque - 575lb ft/780Nm
Economy - 20mpg
CO2 - 329g/km
Kerb Weight - 2,495kg
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |
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| The Spirit of Ecstasy |
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| 2014 Rolls Royce Ghost Series II Extended Wheelbase |