Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II (2015) Review

And now for something very different… Our first evaluation of a Rolls-Royce comes in the shape of the recently refreshed “baby” of the line-up, the Ghost. Aimed at owners who may actually prefer to sit behind the steering wheel themselves, rather than being chauffeured about, the Ghost faces quite a stiff challenge. Not only does it have to offer the luxury and craftsmanship that the brand is so revered for, it also has to add healthy dollops of dynamism and technology to the equation.

Unmistakable design

You really can’t confuse the Ghost for anything but a Rolls-Royce. Deep underneath that flamboyant body may rest the skeleton of a BMW 7 Series, but there are no clues to that fact from the outside. This Series II model is essentially a facelifted Ghost, and in terms of exterior design the changes are quite subtle and can mostly be found at the front of the car. There’s a new bonnet as well as a redesigned lower front-end and bumper. Possibly the most eye-catching change is the fitment of LED headlamps, standard with adaptive technology. Rolls-Royce is now also offering a broader range of optional wheels, including 21-inch forged items to really add a large measure of bling.

During our time with the Ghost it became quite clear very fast that there are few cars, if any, that can match a Rolls-Royce for making a statement. We were concerned at first that the sheer opulence would result in negative reactions from the public – and, potentially, vandalism – but the complete opposite was true. It’s a car that, surprisingly perhaps, makes everyone smile and give the thumbs-up.

Rolls-Royce’s designers have done incredibly well to deliver a BMW-based entry level model that looks entirely authentic. From that large, upright grille with the Spirit of Ecstasy perched on top, to the long bonnet, short front overhang, suicide doors and flowing, yacht-inspired lines towards the rear, the Ghost Series II is a feast for the eyes.

Your wish, their command

There’s so much detail in a Rolls-Royce cabin that any attempt to describe the sheer flamboyancy using mere words is destined to fail spectacularly. Where does one start? With the nine cows’ hides used in each cabin? With the solidity of the acres of polished wood? The softness of the (optional) lamb’s wool carpeting? Take your pick…

Perhaps Rolls-Royce’s biggest achievement with the Ghost’s interior is the fact that it has managed retain the much-loved classic brand ingredients, such as chromed organ stops for the ventilation outlets and the delicately thin instrumentation needles, while also adding advanced features such as BMW’s iDrive control system, a heads-up display (HUD) and night-vision with animal and pedestrian detection.

Slide onto the plush driver’s chair (optionally available with massage and ventilation) and what will strike you first is the commanding view. The Ghost is the tallest car in its class and the seats are raised to deliver what Rolls-Royce calls an “authority seating position”. Interestingly, the Spirit of Ecstasy on the grille is visible from every seat in the car.

It’s equally impressive in the rear. Our test unit was the short-wheelbase version, but legroom was nevertheless more than sufficient. A huge variety of rear-seat options are available, including a rear theatre configuration which enables passengers to control communications via their own controller, including navigation and entertainment access. Each rear passenger gets a high-resolution LCD screen and wireless headphones. An individual rear seat configuration is also offered. Our test unit even had a fridge to cool champagne…

Oh, and yes… the very suave Teflon-coated umbrellas still pop out of the doors at the push of a button. And they’re dried by hot air from the engine piped through the doors… This is just one example of the staggering attention to detail.

Effortlessly fast

It seems almost vulgar to think about performance figures when driving a Ghost, but the reality is that this is the supposed “dynamic” Rolls-Royce. So, performance is important. The Ghost Series II tips the scales at 2 360 kg, so it certainly is no lightweight, and yet this graceful lady can pick up her skirt and sprint to 100 km/h in 4,9 seconds. It really is quite a treat, sitting in such opulence and silence, with only the sensation of being gently pushed back into your seat as a reminder of the staggering acceleration. Oh, and the rushed scenery, of course.

The source of the tremendous power is a BMW-sourced V12 twin-turbo engine, but for use in the Ghost it has been enlarged to 6,6-litres in capacity and pumps out 420 kW. More importantly, there is 780 Nm of torque from as low as 1 500 rpm. Like all other Rolls-Royces, the Ghost Series II doesn’t have a rev counter, but rather a “power reserve dial” that tells you how much power is still available on a scale of 0 to 100 %. Besides the sheer performance, the engine also impresses on the refinement front – it is said that you can put a £1 coin on it while it’s running and the coin won’t fall off.

The engine is mated with an eight-speed automatic transmission that now features satellite-based assistance. Essentially, it uses GPS data and driving style analysis to ensure that the driver is always in the correct gear. It can apparently reduce needless gearshifting by up to 30 per cent.

Fuel economy? Does it matter? For interest sake, the claimed combined cycle consumption figure is 14 L/100 km, but we averaged closer to 18 L/100 km.

But does it waft?

This is where it gets tricky for the Ghost Series II. A traditional Rolls-Royce driving experience is largely defined by two characteristics. Firstly, the steering should be super light and the steering wheel itself thin-rimmed, so that one can drive the Rolls-Royce with one’s fingertips… And secondly, it should waft – a sensation of just floating, gliding along impervious to what the road surface may be like underneath.

With its sophisticated air-suspension system and a revised rear axle bearing that is claimed to improve rear stability and comfort, the Ghost is technologically armed and fit for the challenge. In fact, that air suspension system is so clever, they say, that should a rear occupant move from one side of the car to the other, the suspension would automatically compensate (within 2,5 milliseconds) for the change in weight distribution.

And, indeed, on most surfaces the Ghost Series II does a sterling job, delivering exactly the magic carpet ride that the brand is most famous for. Unfortunately, however, it deals less well with lateral ridges and bumps, which can flummox the suspension to such a degree that nasty jolts and clunks do reach the occupants.

The steering is indeed heavier than what you’d experience in a Phantom, but not by terribly much. Consequently the drive is exactly what it should be – finger-tip controlled. If you really want your Ghost to deliver a more sporting and dynamic drive, then consider the optional Dynamic Package, which adds a thicker steering wheel, 20-inch wheels, a shorter steering rack and a unique suspension set-up.

Conclusion and Summary

The problem with evaluating a car such as a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is that the measurable factors, the hard facts and figures, only play a supporting role. Let me put it this way… If we were to compare a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II with a Mercedes-Benz S600L using only what could be measured, then there would be no way that Rolls-Royce could justify asking more than double what Mercedes-Benz is charging for its flagship (non-AMG) sedan. No… with a Rolls-Royce it comes down to what is largely immeasurable – desirability, exclusivity, status etc. Ultimately then, it is perhaps impossible to measure the success of any Rolls-Royce by comparing it against other cars. Perhaps a wiser measure would be to figure out whether it lives up to what the Rolls-Royce name demands of it. On that front the Ghost Series II scores very highly indeed, with only a troubled ride quality on poor surfaces being a concern.

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Price in South Africa

The local distributor of Rolls-Royce, Sandton-based Daytona Group, is understandably loathe to commit to a price for a Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II, the reason being that no two Ghosts are likely to be specced the same. The pricing is also heavily influenced by prevailing currency exchange rates. However, a base price of around R6 500 000 million has been mentioned. Daytona Group also distributes McLaren and Aston Martin in South Africa, so is trusted by some pretty big names to look after their customers. Included in the price of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is a four-years/unlimited km warranty as well as service plan.

Team Opinion

“The Ghost Series II makes driving seem primitive and it’s far more enjoyable to be driven. It’s effortlessly classy and the finishes as well as the technology are superb, which is what you’d expect when you’re paying this much. A true benchmark in premium luxury.” –David Taylor

We Like: Exclusivity, unique driving experience, performance

We don’t Like: Ride struggles over poor surfaces

Also consider: Bentley Flying Spur W12, Mercedes-Benz S600L

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II – Quick Pics

Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II – Driven & Reviewed in South Africa (Video)