Driving report: Rolls Royce Ghost

The Ghost is considered the entry-level model into the noble world of Rolls Royce and is the best-selling model of the British BMW subsidiary. The second generation of the large sedan is now starting.

The Rolls Royce has gotten smaller

An equation that cannot really work out: "Less and more at the same time" demanded Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös of his engineers and designers for the new edition of the Ghost. Inquiries from customers of the best-selling model of the traditional English brand revealed: A new Ghost should look clearer and more objective and, thanks to the omission of some switches and levers, be easier to operate. On the other hand, wealthy clients wanted more state-of-the-art technology and, above all, more quality.

The Ghost is not just any new Rolls Royce, but the successor to the most successful model of all time with 18.000 vehicles built in ten years, which the legendary hood ornament “Spirit of Ecstasy” has ever been allowed to carry. The Ghost is the so-called entry-level model in the Auto-Olymp, because it is the only Rolls to be had for less than 300.000 euros. For comparison: the Rolls-Rocye classic Phantom costs from 450.000 euros.

Luxurious from the outside and inside

New simplicity from the outside: a roof line sloping gently towards the rear, smooth surfaces on the sides interrupted by an accurately painted horizontal line. The only delicate body fold can be seen just above the sill. The new bonnet, which is visually tapering towards the famous radiator grille, is also almost sober. Just above the asphalt, there is an elongated air inlet that clasps the rather narrow bumper. Everything looks modern and yet dignified, differs significantly from the powerful, but quite clunky face of its predecessor.

The increase in length by eight centimeters to now 5,55 meters also ensures a more elongated appearance. Dimensions in which a few more centimeters no longer play a role. The new size benefits the increased legroom in the second row. After all, the Ghost is a luxury limousine whose well-heeled passengers expect a first-class ambience.

The first “quiet” test drive

The first “ghost ride” begins with a surprise. Does the Rolls Royce have an electric motor? Not at all, twelve cylinders whisper under the bonnet while idling, distributed over 6,75 liters of displacement. With the help of two turbochargers, they are waiting to distribute their enormous torque of 850 Newton meters to all four wheels. In addition to the smoothness of the gasoline engine, the mistake in hearing is due to the extreme use of insulation material, which alone weighs a good 100 kilograms. Whether as a film between the double glazing, behind the engine or in front of the trunk or even in the tires. No part of the 2,5-tonner was spared from eavesdropping by the acousticians. Indeed, when the audio system is not active (18 loudspeakers, 1.300 watts), there is a silence that lives up to the model name Ghost - almost eerie.

The heart-warming impression of the Rolls-typical starry sky in the roof paneling with its 1.340 tiny LED lights goes well with this. Sparkling things also in front of the passenger next to the central monitor. Here you can see an illuminated ghost lettering, which is surrounded by 850 stars, which in turn are supplied with light by 152 LEDs. Such an insignificant detail is typical of the Rolls Royce philosophy of offering customers something that they cannot find in any other car.

A short press of the stick lever on the right of the steering wheel, a gentle twitch of the right toe opens the strange world of the super-rich who can afford to drive with 420 kW / 571 hp. The Ghost is a giant whose owners are 80 percent behind the wheel themselves and happily do without the services of a liveried chauffeur. The driving experience of exuberant power paired with the purest luxury ambience is one of the secrets of the success of this Rolls Royce and has attracted many new buyers who have never owned a car from the brand before.

In Munich's city traffic, the Ghost patiently swims with all the others in all price ranges as a matter of course. The engine remains barely audible, the noise of real life out there is locked out. That changes when the round black and white sign on the edge of the motorway opens up the freedom to accelerate. An energetic step immediately lets him gallop without any excitement, only a brief glance at the speedometer needle proves that the 200 km / h are already well exceeded. No roar from the engine compartment, everything remains calm and gentle, as in an ICE. Even the usual roaring of the tires or a hissing wind from the driving wind are largely absent.

Full equipment for its price

The Ghost is not a sports car, it is not built to rob around tight corners on country roads. No real Rolls-Royce driver wants to be on the road like this. But he rightly expects that his sinfully expensive vehicle will not become a monster off the beaten track because of its mass and dimensions. Don't worry, the precise steering also affects the rear wheels, the bumps detected by the camera eyes are reported to the electronically controlled dampers and springs at an early stage, the eight-speed automatic automatically searches for the ideal level and is connected to GPS satellites that map the map to have an eye on. Everything coordinated to pamper the occupants at all times. This also includes the sensor-controlled filtering of the indoor air.

Of course, at this price, the Ghost is already blessed with the usual assistance systems. These include distance radar, lane departure warning, semi-automatic parking and emergency brake assist. According to the aforementioned customer surveys, Rolls Royce does not automatically steer away from the dividing line when staying in lane or a start-stop system. These driving and savings aids fell through and do not even show up for a surcharge. On the other hand, a combination of LED and laser light that can shine 600 meters is standard.

There are other nice details such as closing the wide and heavy doors at the push of a button in the center console, opening the rear hatches also works with electrical assistance. Of course, there is also a brake system on board, it dries you after a rain shower, two umbrellas are available in separate shelves. It's just the sum of the many well thought-out details that make the car so valuable and so expensive. After all, because of the amount of manual work in the factory, it takes a good 800 hours for a ghost to roll off the line. Some high-volume models are ready for delivery after just 12 hours.

The Rolls Royce has to contend with criticism

Of course, in the eyes of many critics, the Ghost is outdated, too big for our narrow cities, needs too much gasoline (15,5 liters per 100 km) and emits too many pollutants (up to 358 grams / km). But it is sold in far too small numbers to be included in a carbon footprint. Rolls-Royce boss Torsten Müller-Ötvös also sees a future for his brand in the new, electric world. "We are working on a Rolls Royce with a purely electric drive, a range that is befitting of our standing and all the comfort that our customers expect from us." He does not yet reveal when such a Stromer with a hood ornament will be available, but reveals: "It will go faster than you think."

Rolls Royce Ghost Technical Specifications

Four-door, five-seat luxury sedan; Length: 5,55 meters (long wheelbase: 5,72 m). Width: 2,15 meters, height: 1,57 meters, wheelbase: 3,30 meters (3,47 meters), trunk volume: 507 liters
Drive; 6,75 liter twelve-cylinder with two turbochargers, 420 kW / 571 PS, maximum torque: 850 Nm at 1.600 rpm, all-wheel drive, eight-speed automatic, 0-100 km / h: 4,8 s, Vmax: 250 km / h, standard consumption (WLTP): 15,2 - 15,7 liters / 100 kilometers, CO2 emissions: 347 - 358 g / km, emissions standard: Euro 6d, efficiency class: M
Price: from 250.000 euros net plus VAT

In brief

Why: because Rolls Royce doesn't sell cars, but luxury goods
Why not: what could you do with 250.000 euros?
What else: Mercedes Maybach, Bentley Flying Spur

Total
0
Shares
Leave a Comment

Your e-mail address will not be published. Required fields are marked with * marked

Related Posts