A thorough explanation of the elegant, high-end saloon “Rolls-Royce Ghost” | Performance, features, new and used car prices

ROLLES-ROYCE GHOST

What is the Rolls-Royce Ghost?

The Rolls-Royce Ghost was born in 2009 in response to demand for a model more driver-oriented than the top-of-the-line Phantom. It underwent a model change in 2020, evolving into its second generation. The current model will undergo a minor change in 2024 and will be called the “Series II.”

The car is built on the aluminum “Architecture of Luxury” and is equipped with the latest technologies, including a 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine and a “Planar Suspension” that controls the vehicle according to road conditions, achieving both high levels of acceleration and quietness.

The design is based on a philosophy the company calls “Post Opulence” (luxury that pursues modest and pure beauty), and is characterized by high-quality minimalism that eliminates excessive decoration.

Rolls-Royce Ghost exterior and interior

The exterior and interior of Rolls-Royce Ghost combine understated beauty with meticulous craftsmanship, embodying the Post Opulence design philosophy in both its exterior and interior.

Exterior: Serene and dignified proportions

Although it is slightly more compact than the Phantom, its exterior exudes a similar presence. The front end is simply constructed, but the “Pantheon Grille” creates a monolithic atmosphere that is characteristic of Rolls-Royce. The soft illumination emitted by the grille creates a visual effect that makes the “Spirit of Ecstasy” statue on the hood appear to be floating.

At the rear, the compact taillights epitomise minimalism, with two vertical light panels fitted within the lenses and sporting the subtle Rolls-Royce “double R” monogram.

Interior: the pinnacle of craftsmanship

The cabin is crafted using the finest leather, wood, and metal, all handcrafted. The “Illuminated Fascia,” inspired by astronomical photography, features over 850 star-like lights illuminating the dashboard on the passenger side, creating a unique space. Each part of the interior can be specified extensively through the Bespoke program, offering unparalleled freedom in material selection and tailoring. Naturally, the quality is top-notch, and the ultimate in fine quality can be felt both in the sight and the touch.

Rolls-Royce Ghost size

The Rolls-Royce Ghost’s size gives it a commanding presence as a luxury sedan, and it is designed to be both comfortable and dignified.

Body size: A well-balanced and imposing vehicle

The standard Rolls-Royce Ghost has a total length of 5,545 mm (wheelbase is 3,295 mm), which is over 5 meters. The Ghost Extended model has a wheelbase extended by 170 mm, improving rear seat comfort. It is a full-size saloon with a total width of 1,998 mm (2,148 mm including door mirrors) and a total height of 1,571 mm.

Interior space: unparalleled comfort

Although detailed data on the interior dimensions has not been officially released, it is clear that both the front and rear seats are spacious and comfortable for executive use. Like the exterior, the car pursues minimalism and creates a calm space without any decoration.

Rolls-Royce Ghost driving performance and fuel economy

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is designed based on the brand’s often-described philosophy of an “Effortless” driving experience. From the powertrain to the chassis control, the car is characterized by its precise tuning of driving performance, quietness and fuel economy.

Driving performance: V12 engine and all-wheel drive

The 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine produces a maximum output of 420kW and a maximum torque of 850Nm from 1600rpm. A “Satellite Aided Transmission” selects the optimal gear based on GPS data and map information, transferring this power to the drive wheels. The front and rear independent air suspension predicts road conditions based on information obtained from a camera and automatically controls damping force. Furthermore, all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering combine to achieve both stability and maneuverability.

Test drive reports from major European and American automotive media outlets have reported that the current Ghost and Black Badge models accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 4.7 to 4.8 seconds, with a top speed of 250 km/h (limited by a limiter). These figures are not officially announced by the manufacturer, but are widely referenced as actual measurements by global media.

Fuel efficiency: Quietness and efficiency

The car’s fuel economy in the WLTP combined mode is announced to be around 6.7km/L (15.8-15.3L/100km). Improved idling stop function and thermal management system have made it more efficient than the previous model. Efficiency has been designed without compromising quietness, comfort, or performance, and the car is controlled to maintain smooth behavior in all situations, including starting, deceleration, and cruising.

Rolls-Royce Ghost purchase price and maintenance costs

The purchase price of a Rolls-Royce Ghost varies greatly depending on the specifications and customizations, and maintenance costs will likely be higher than for a regular car.

Purchase price: Unique personalization

There seems to be no official information released about the suggested price for the Japanese market, but it is said to start from around 38 million yen when the Series II is introduced in February this year. The long-wheelbase Extended version will be priced in the 44 million yen range, and the high-performance Black Badge will start from around 46 million yen. All cars are made to order as “one-of-a-kind” interiors and exteriors according to the customer’s requests through the bespoke program. The final purchase price will vary greatly depending on the specifications and options selected.

Maintenance costs: Dedicated support that is cost-effective

Maintenance costs are higher than for regular vehicles, but the Rolls-Royce dedicated service network offers regular inspections, maintenance plans, and 24-hour support. The warranty period is four years, with no mileage limits. Quality is maintained on the premise of management by authorized service, and the maintenance and warranty framework is tailored to the characteristics of the vehicle. Incidentally, at Cornes Motors, an authorized dealer, you can receive the mandatory 12-month inspection for approximately 150,000 yen (costs for consumables and part replacement are separate).

Rolls-Royce Ghost Model Description

The current Rolls-Royce Ghost was released in 2020. The long-wheelbase Extended version was announced a few weeks after the base model. About a year later, the Black Badge, with a more powerful engine and a sportier exterior, was released. It underwent a minor change in 2024 and is now called the Series II.

Ghost Series II

Unlike the Phantom, which is primarily used as a chauffeur-driven vehicle, the Rolls-Royce Ghost was designed with the self-driving customer in mind, and is a highly refined driver’s car. The “Planar Suspension System” installed in the Series II incorporates upper wishbone damper units on top of the front suspension. Working in conjunction with continuously variable electronically controlled dampers and a self-adjusting, high-capacity air strut assembly, it delivers a “Magic Carpet Ride.”

The suspension and chassis are complemented by the Flagbearer system, which uses a camera to read the road ahead and pre-adjusts the suspension for changes in the surface, while the satellite-aided transmission uses GPS data to select the optimum gear for each corner radius.

These technologies work together to enable Ghost to combine the best of quietness with stability and agility on any road surface, realising Rolls-Royce’s philosophy of an Effortless Driving Experience.

Ghost Extended Series II

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended has a wheelbase that is 170 mm longer than the standard body. By increasing the legroom in the rear seats, it is optimized for chauffeur-driven use. Other specifications are basically the same as the standard specification.

Black Badge Ghost Series II

The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost is a high-performance model with increased engine output. The Spirit of Ecstasy mascot on the hood, the Pantheon grille, and the Badge of Honor on the side sections are all finished in black chrome, creating a dark, unified color scheme. The slender seven-spoke shape of the 22-inch wheels accentuates the presence of the large brake calipers, creating a sporty look.

* Data is estimated based on information from major media outlets in each country, as official figures have not been released.

New and used Rolls-Royce Ghost prices

The Rolls-Royce Ghost offers a bespoke program with a wide range of options for interior materials and options, and the price varies greatly depending on the owner’s choices. The average new car price in Japan is around 40 to 50 million yen. Authorized dealers offer quality assurance and after-sales service through the certified pre-owned car program “Provenance.” This program is based on strict standards set by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars headquarters and only covers vehicles whose vehicle history has been thoroughly verified. Additionally, first-generation models are apparently being traded on the used car market for around 10 million yen.

* Same as above

Frequently asked questions about the Rolls-Royce Ghost

Below, we answer some of the most common questions about the Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Q: Where is the Rolls-Royce Ghost made?

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is manufactured at the Rolls-Royce Motor Cars headquarters and factory in Goodwood, West Sussex, UK. Since its opening in 2003, the factory has been producing all Rolls-Royce cars using the hand-built method. From body assembly to painting and interior finishing, the process is primarily done by hand by artisans. The Ghost is no exception, with the majority of the manufacturing process being carried out by skilled craftsmen. The facility also applies the highest quality control standards within the BMW Group, and completed cars undergo an individual inspection process before being shipped.

Q: What is the difference between the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Phantom?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom and Ghost share the same aluminum Architecture of Luxury platform, but differ in their design philosophy and components. As the brand’s flagship, the Phantom features a rear-wheel drive layout and a specially designed aluminum structure. It is a chauffeur-driven model that pursues overwhelming quietness and dignity. The Ghost features a modest design based on the Post Opulence philosophy. It is also a self-driving luxury sedan with all-wheel drive and four-wheel steering. While both are equipped with the same 6.75-liter V12 twin-turbo engine, the control and tuning are different, with the Phantom prioritizing smoothness and the Ghost responsiveness.

Q: Is the Rolls-Royce Ghost reliable?

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is developed and manufactured in accordance with the BMW Group’s quality standards. Hand-built at the Goodwood plant in the UK, every vehicle undergoes individual inspection before shipping. The V12 twin-turbo engine and electronic control systems have also been verified within the group for their reliability.

New cars come with a four-year, unlimited mileage warranty, and quality can be maintained through inspections and parts replacements at an authorized network. Because complex electronic controls are used, specialized knowledge is required for maintenance, but Rolls-Royce has specialized equipment and trained technicians located in various locations. With proper maintenance and management, the car is designed to maintain high reliability.

How to buy a Rolls-Royce Ghost

New Rolls-Royce Ghosts can be purchased through authorized Rolls-Royce Motor Cars dealers in Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Hiroshima, and Fukuoka. Through the bespoke program, customers can customize their specifications down to the last detail, and final inspections are available at the Goodwood headquarters before delivery. After purchase, a global warranty and dedicated aftercare are included. Authorized dealers also offer a certified pre-owned car program based on Rolls-Royce’s global quality standards.

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