Rolls-Royce Ghost: The Epitome of Luxury and Performance

Introduction

The Rolls-Royce Ghost made its first official appearance at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009, marking the British luxury marque's entry-level model. The Series I Ghost is built on a heavily revised BMW 7-Series platform, a foundation that remains today. Rolls-Royce utilizes the Ghost's platform for other models, including the Dawn and Wraith. While it may be the most "affordable" model from this iconic brand, the Ghost is designed for those who appreciate luxury and are not deterred by the fuel gauge dropping below a third of a tank.

Manufacturing and Variants

Despite the significant German influence in its design, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is meticulously assembled at the company's sophisticated plant in Goodwood, England. In 2014, the Series II Ghost was introduced, featuring design enhancements, advanced technology, and mechanical upgrades. In the UAE, the Rolls-Royce Ghost competes with other luxury vehicles, including the Bentley Flying Spur and Jaguar XJ.

Exterior Design

The Rolls-Royce Ghost exemplifies pure elegance, class, and a sense of achievement, especially in its 5.5-meter long (EWB) body. Despite being labeled as "entry-level," its dimensions signal a larger presence, measuring 1.948 meters wide and boasting a wheelbase of 3.465 meters for the Extended Wheelbase variant. The Ghost provides a total boot space of 490 liters. Its design philosophy emphasizes simplicity and clean lines, highlighted by the marque's signature front grille, which is more compact than that of the Phantom yet retains an upscale appeal.

The Series II Ghost’s front fascia includes:

• Full-LED headlamps
• Iconic hood-mounted Spirit of Ecstasy ornament
• Integrated LED turn lights
• Restyled lower apron

Notable side features include:

• Long hood
• Short overhangs
• 21-inch wheels
• 'Yacht lines' design
• Subtly sculpted body panels

The rear design is equally understated, maintaining the Ghost's overall elegance.

Interior Features

Upon entering the Rolls-Royce Ghost, the electronically-operated door closes behind you, enveloping you in serene silence. The interior design is simplicity at its finest, with luxurious customization options. The quality of the trim, leather upholstery, and wood veneer is exceptional. Comfort features include:

• Massaging seats
• Adaptive cruise control
• Adaptive suspension
• Adaptive headlamps
• Quad-zone climate control
• Head-up display
• Mood lighting
• 10.25-inch multimedia interface
• 18-speaker custom audio system
• Internet connectivity
• Climate-controlled seats
• Double-glazed windows

The Ghost is equipped with numerous modern safety features, both passive and active, ensuring a secure driving experience.

Engine and Performance

The most powerful version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost is the Black Badge edition, featuring a 6.6-liter V12 engine that produces 612 horsepower and 840 newton-meters of torque at the rear wheels. This impressive power allows the Ghost to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just under 5.0 seconds, with an electronic governor limiting speed to an indicated 250 km/h.

Conclusion

The entry price for the Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at AED 1,310,000, excluding any optional extras, which are plentiful. The Black Badge edition begins at AED 1,550,000, reflecting the luxury and exclusivity associated with the Rolls-Royce brand.