Ghost II: The Return

By Matt Joy

October 27 2014, 9:07 am

Rolls-Royce proclaims itself to be the maker of the world’s finest cars, but does the updated Ghost II have what it takes to sit alongside the magnificent Phantom?

It’s a completely different world up here in the highest echelons of super luxury. In the conventional automotive world a mid-life facelift might result in a radical change of appearance to boost sales, but with Ghost II: The Return, it’s all much more subtle than that.

There are revised headlights with daytime LEDs incorporated within, while the air intakes and bonnet strakes are tweaked for a fractionally sportier look. Down the side the ‘waft’ line in Rolls-Royce speak now sweeps upwards more readily. All very subtle, but certainly effective.

More changes have been made on the inside, with even more leather trim, finer detailing on the instruments, new seats front and rear, a new controller for the comprehensive infotainment system as well as new bespoke audio system to go with it.

The Ghost II clearly owes something to its bigger brother but it doesn’t slavishly ape the Phantom’s look. Being a smaller car – although still large by anyone’s standards – it has a more discreet version of the famous Rolls-Royce grille, and although the notion of a sporty car from the legendary manufacturer might seem incongruous in actual fact the Ghost II has a leaner appearance that suits it well.

Whether you see a Rolls-Royce as flash or the last word in good taste there’s no doubt it has one of the strongest images in the business. The looks, the leather and the Flying Lady are a potent combination.

The Ghost II is designed to be enjoyed as much from the rear seats as in the front, so the space on offer is highly impressive. The tall body means excellent headroom front and rear, while the legroom is particularly generous in the back; some versions have the option to move the seat in front of you forwards to increase legroom still further. The boot is big too with 490 litres of space – but you’ll be getting your driver to load the luggage anyway.

In truth, it doesn’t matter if you’re sitting in the front, the Ghost II provides the kind of experience that explains why the list price is in excess of £200,000. You are surrounded by sumptuous leather and tasteful slices of wood, and if you happen to be behind the wheel the instruments mix classic script with subtle hi-tech.

Flick the automatic transmission into Drive and the Ghost II sails away in virtual silence thanks to the immense power and torque of the 12-cylinder engine. The ride is fantastically smooth, although if you do decide to hurry it a little it stays controlled, rather than rolling excessively. It is a car that can sooth away the unpleasantness of urban traffic or cross countries in style and comfort at great speed.

The Ghost II quite clearly qualifies as a super-luxury car and so the notion of value for money is somewhat moot, but nevertheless it is superbly specified even before you take to the options list. The materials used are of a very high quality, the bespoke audio system has been designed for this car alone and there are stacks of options in respect of trim finishes, stitching and so on. It’s highly unlikely you would feel short-changed.

Anyone with enough money should strongly consider a Ghost II. The Phantom may be the last word in super-luxury saloons but the Ghost II is a little easier to thread through narrow streets, a fraction less ostentatious and a little more fun behind the wheel. It’s also £100,000 cheaper than it’s bigger brother, and you’re certainly getting more than two-thirds of car in exchange.