Throughout the years, the Rolls Royce brand has been one of the premier automakers of luxury vehicles. They have gone so far as to develop engines for aerospace and marine uses, although their Motor Cars branch is still integral to the brand (which was incorporated into the BMW Group in 2003).
Older Rolls Royce models – the ones that precede the acquisition in 2003 – are very much evocative of the Rolls Royce brand. However, even the newer models are still highly refined and imbued with immense luxury.
The brand’s real standout powerhouse star is the Phantom – a vehicle with many desirable features and is undeniably aesthetically pleasing. Here are 10 things about the Phantom that make it a real icon.
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Gorgeous Luxury Looks
Distinctive and undeniably high-end, the Phantom is opulent and majestic, inside and out. The Phantom is massive, even for a full-size sedan. It is almost 227 inches long on the standard wheelbase, and the extended wheelbase comes in at over 235 inches long. This makes it one of the longest vehicles in its segment. You will have no trouble recognizing this sleek and sophisticated sedan on the road, even though it isn’t trying to be flashy and over-the-top.
An Immense Ability to Customize It
The newer Phantom model years have given buyers a lot – and I mean a lot — to work with regarding options. On the 2023 line-up, you can opt for two rear fold-out tables that can hold full-size laptops, floor mats done in lambswool, an 18-speaker sound system, and elevating footrests for the rear seats. You can choose between a gold-plated, solid silver, or carbon-fiber Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament.
Sure, other automakers include many customization options, but Rolls Royce goes all-out on giving their vehicles options.
The Door Houses an Umbrella
Rainy days (and maybe even Mondays) won’t get you down when driving around in the Phantom. That’s because there is an umbrella housed just inside the doorframe. You will not have to run to a big executive meeting in the rain, getting drenched as you scramble to grab your umbrella from the trunk.
Just be careful with this insanely expensive umbrella! You need to push a button to get it to pop out. There’s even a neat little heater inside the housing unit to dry off the umbrella after you put it back.
A Feature Called ‘The Gallery’
Rolls Royce equips the Phantom with every conceivable luxury feature under the sun and then some. The ‘and then some’ comes in the form of a one-of-a-kind feature the automaker calls The Gallery.
This (very) expensive add-on option gives you a 3D artistic display on the righthand side of the dashboard, right in front of the passenger. This can show just about any customized art piece that you want. There’s even one Phantom with embroidered flowers placed in its Gallery.
There’s a Starlight Headliner
One of the most innovative yet simple features is the Starlight Headliner you can put into the Phantom. This option is pricey, but it is completely unique and provides an exemplary luxury experience.
This headliner graces the cabin’s ceiling with thousands of tiny LED bulbs that glow and flicker to emulate the night sky. Looking closely, you might even spot a shooting star across the ‘sky.’
There are Wine Glasses in the Back Seat
The Phantom treats backseat passengers like royalty. Sure, you drivers can’t engage in any drinking and driving. Still, your occupants can break out some bubbly using the refrigerated storage unit and pair of champagne flutes in the back. Your riders will feel as though they are riding around in a gorgeous limo with all this luxury!
The Back Seats Can Easily Be Slept In
Speaking of the backseat, you can curl up in one of the rear seats and kick your feet up using the extended footrest option. If you’re on a lengthy business trip and are exceedingly exhausted, you can rest in one of the backseats.
The rear climate controls allow occupants to cool down or warm up as needed, plus you can block out the sun with the automatic blackout shades. Use the heated seats to relax those sore, tired muscles, too.
It Is Speedier Than You Might Expect
Luxury cars aren’t exactly focused on speed. Most people don’t care how fast the Phantom can go. However, if you want to get this thing moving, it has a punchy acceleration.
Under the hood is a powerful 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that garners 563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The engine can take this hulking car up to 60 miles per hour in just 5.1 seconds (on the standard wheelbase) with a top speed of 155 mph or in 5.2 seconds on the extended wheelbase.
You Can Separate the Front and Rear Cabin Spaces
One of the neatest aspects of the Phantom’s cabin is its function as a limousine. Buyers can add a passenger compartment divided with blacked-out glass in the partition. It is power operated with the simple push of a button and can even prevent the driver from talking to rear seat occupants unless you allow them to use the intercom system.
The Price Echoes Luxury Status
Be prepared to shell out big bucks for the Phantom. The 2023 Phantom has a starting price of $460k, which costs more than many homes. The Phantom is worth its price for those who can make the beefy monthly payments. Even gently used Phantom models can hold their value relatively well compared to other vehicles. On average, when bought new, they depreciate about 40% within three years of ownership.
The Rolls Royce Phantom has long been a sought-after luxury sedan resembling a limousine. It also feels like one. There isn’t a bad seat in the house; you can customize this car until your heart is content. Just be prepared to pay big bucks for this beauty!
This article originally appeared on MyCarMakesNoise.
