British International Motor Show - Rolls-Royce

Room 101
You never need too much of an excuse to visit a Rolls-Royce stand at a motor show, but there is extra incentive to make a bee-line to Roller here at Excel.

The 101EX is the star of the stand at Rolls-Royce. It's a huge coupe based on the even bigger Phantom saloon and it gets its first UK public showing at the show. However, it's only making a cameo appearance before being whisked off after the first weekend, so get your skates on if you want to see it.

If you don't catch it, what have you missed? Soft leathers, rosewood and oak veneers abound in the four-seater cabin, while many of the exterior highlights are milled from pure aluminium. Oh, and under the bonnet there's the Phantom's 6.8-litre V12 engine.

It's a concept at the moment, and Rolls insists that 'there are no plans to put the 101EX into production', but it said that about 2004's 100EX convertible concept -and that model will go on sale this year.

We reckon you'll be able to buy a Rolls coupe within two years. Don't expect much change from £260,000, though.

Missed the coupe?
Don't worry, you can stretch out in a long-wheel base version of the Phantom saloon. It's 250mm longer than the standard version – although standard hardly seems appropriate describing a £200,000 car.

The stretched Phantom is also £42,450 dearer, which we reckon works out at £1698 a centimetre.

See how long a nap you can have before security drags you out.