What does it cost?
Rolls-Royce Phantom Open full 9 point review
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Performance
A Rolls’s sheer size and weight dictate that a suitably special engine is required. That’s no problem. Thanks to a mighty 453bhp 6.8-litre V12, acceleration is extremely strong and the engine is merely ticking over at motorway speeds.
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Ride & Handling
Thanks to the air suspension, the ride is hushed and sublimely comfortable. The car corners neatly, too, and the steering is accurate as well as light. Do bear in mind, however, that parking bays and narrow country roads were not designed with cars of this magnitude in mind.
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Refinement
Although a bit more wind and road noise enters this car's cabin than the coupe's, the drophead is still appropriately quiet. Whether you’re wafting around town or effortlessly accelerating up to motorway speeds, all there is to indicate the engine flexing its muscles is the merest burble from under the bonnet and the swing of the needle on the power reserve gauge.
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Buying & Owning
The running costs will be massive, but it’s unlikely that anyone who can shell out this kind of money for a car will really care. Discounts are unheard of, but resale values should remain very strong. For all that, the fuel gauge will be a more conspicuous indicator of your consumption, as you’ll average just 17.9mpg mpg - and that's on a good day.
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Quality & Reliability
The car was styled in England, but engineered in Germany by parent company BMW, so you get the best of both worlds. The materials and aroma in the cabin are pure Rolls, but the fit and finish are on an altogether higher level than in the company's old hand-built days. Assembly standards are superb, and we’ve no reason to fear mechanical problems.
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Safety & Security
Rear-hinged 'coach' doors are normally outlawed. However, Rolls-Royce has overcome the problem by fitting a sophisticated electronic locking unit which prevents the doors being opened into the path of a following car. On top of that, a large range of active and passive safety features comes as standard.
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Behind The Wheel
The driver sits at Land Rover Discovery level and gets a great view of the road ahead. However, rear visibility is restricted by the swooping roofline, a pillar box slot of a rear window and tiny mirrors. More welcome is a simplified version of BMW’s iDrive system - a twist knob that controls all the major heating, entertainment and information functions. However, the electric seat controls are awkwardly located in the armrest and you’ll need to hold a switch down while the roof lowers.
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Space & Practicality
The ‘coach' doors open towards the rear to make it easier to get in and out. Perhaps most impressively, you can make a nonchalant departure by pressing a dash-mounted button and reclining as the doors close automatically. Space inside is generous, although not as vast in the rear as you might expect. Should you wish to bask in the heat of attention, however, you can park up, drop the split tailgate, relax on your own private posing perch and breathe in the sweet smell of success.
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Equipment
It’s pointless listing what Rolls supplies in the Phantom, since it would take all day; and in any case, it’s unlikely that any two cars will leave the factory with the same specification. Basically, Rolls will sell you anything you want - as long as you pay for it.
Phantom used rivals
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