With its international debut wrapping up in October 2024, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has now finally reached India. The second generation of Rolls-Royce’s most popular car is available in Series II, Extended Series II, and Black Badge Series II avatars. The Ghost Series II is underpinned by the British marque’s ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform (same as the Phantom).
Unlike the flagship Phantom, however, the Ghost Series II is designed to be driven with some verve. Arguably, the new Ghost Series II achieves almost 90 percent of what the Phantom has to offer at a slightly lower cost. The closest alternatives to the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II include the Bentley Flying Spur and the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Price of the New Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
An absolutely stock example of the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II starts at Rs. 8.95 crores. Then there’s the Ghost Extended Series II with a default sticker price of Rs. 10.19 crores. Meanwhile, the starting price of the Ghost Black Badge Series II is Rs. 10.52 crores. The prices mentioned thus far are ex-showroom, pan-India.
Obviously, the elite clientele at whom this limo is aimed at, wouldn’t want their purchase to resemble someone else’s. To stroke such high-profile egos, Rolls-Royce gladly offers bespoke ways to customize the Ghost Series II. Before you know it, the above-mentioned prices become mere suggestions. Anyway, those who can afford a Rolls-Royce would walk into the showroom with an open chequebook.
Exterior of the New Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
Its dimensions may not span multiple time zones like the Phantom’s, but the Ghost Series II’s physical presence is easily discernible. It’s over 2.1 metres wide and stretches over 5.5 metres in length (over 5.7 metres for the Extended version). Then there’s the weight – the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II tips the scales at 2.5 tonnes.
The front of the new Ghost Series II wears the brand’s signature Pantheon grille, which is now illuminated by LEDs. However, it has been done tastefully and doesn’t look gawdy in the slightest. In typical Rolls-Royce fashion, the square shape of this fascia stands out. The leading edge of the bonnet is home to the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.
The relatively-blunt but sculpted bumper has high-quality chrome garnish on its lower apron and air intakes. The design of the headlights is new, and they feature dual-barrel LED projectors and L-shaped daytime running lights. The Ghost Series II gets 22-inch polished wheels that look the part, especially with their upright centre caps with the “RR” logo.
The LED taillights are beautiful with intricate patterns and vertical design elements with chrome detailing. Look closer and you’ll spot the “RR” monogram etched on one of these elements. You’ll also find this monogram etched onto the sides of the projector headlights. The gently-sloped rear of the Ghost Series II has been a design trademark of Rolls-Royce and looks elegant.
The bootlid has a single chrome bar with a chrome-finished “RR” emblem, with the rear bumper neatly integrating chrome-finished exhaust nozzles. Chrome embellishments also cover the window surrounds and door handles – the small side indicator housing uses chrome, too. The only ungodly blotch here is the roof-mounted sharkfin antenna.
Interior of the New Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
The interior design of the new Ghost Series II hinges on a few crucial details. You’ll feel the opulence of this cabin even before landing your posterior on one of the seats. The quality of materials and the level of craftsmanship here is unparalleled. Even the tactility and heft of the metal push/pull mechanism for the AC vents feel superb!
The sumptuously thick carpets, velvety-smooth leather upholstery, natural open-pore wood finish, and chrome detailing – all lead to a fabulous experience. The colour-coded dials for the climate control system continue to be a cool quirk. There’s an illuminated panel on the dashboard in front of the front passenger, capable of replicating the constellation of your choice.
Customers can demand the choicest colours and textures of their liking, too. It goes without saying that Rolls-Royce would also comply with complex artwork and unique pattern requests on various surfaces. The new Ghost Series II can be had with Rolls-Royce’s famous “Starlight Headlining” feature. You can specify a particular constellation or a night sky with a shooting star, and the headlining will reflect that.
The Ghost Series II has an 18-speaker (1,400-watt) premium sound system plus a rear-seat infotainment system with Bluetooth headphones. The leather seats can be heated, cooled, and massaged – the rear-seat recline function is incredible (especially in the Ghost Extended Series II). Rolls-Royce’s new Spirit operating system powers the fully-digital driver’s display and the touch-infotainment screen – the former looks classy!
The new Ghost Series II gets multiple connectivity features and the Rolls-Royce Whispers smartphone app. This connected-car tech allows owners to remotely operate several functions of their car without leaving their homes. Taking centre-stage on the dash is the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot and an analogue timepiece – both housed inside a compact glass cabinet. This cabin is also very quiet.
Powertrain and Performance of the New Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II
A mighty but silent 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 assumes responsibility for the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II’s motion on wheels. It drives all four corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission, delivering 563 hp and 850 Nm. This thrusts the heavy Ghost from 0-100 kmph in a scarcely-believable 4.8 seconds. Rolls-Royce has electronically curbed the top speed to 250 kmph, upholding decorum.
Like the Phantom, the Ghost Series II gets the applauded Planar Suspension System. Its adaptive high-volume air struts & multi-link joints feature self-levelling capability, while delivering the brand’s ‘magic carpet ride’. The automatic gearbox is satellited-aided, selecting suitable gears based on the GPS information it receives in real-time. Meanwhile, a front-facing camera readies the suspension based on upcoming road conditions.
Verdict
While it has ample performance, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II will not be driven by its owner in India. Considering that, the Extended version, with its acres of rear space, would be the best option for most buyers.
FAQs
How much does the Rolls-Royce Ghost cost?
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II costs from Rs. 6.95 crores to Rs. 10.52 crores.
What engine does the Rolls-Royce Ghost have?
The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 with 563 hp and 850 Nm.
