Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon full 9 point review
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Performance
The Phantom weighs a mighty 2.5 tonnes. However, thanks to its aluminium spaceframe, that’s 300kg less than it would have weighed if conventionally built from steel. With a 453bhp, BMW-sourced, 6.8-litre V12 and a six-speed auto gearbox to drive it, you won’t want for performance.
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Ride & Handling
With an overall length of 5.8 metres, you could be forgiven for thinking there might be a lack of responsiveness. But although comfort has priority in the set-up of the air-sprung suspension, the car corners with a neatness unknown in any previous Rolls, and the steering is accurate as well as light.
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Refinement
You expect a Rolls-Royce to sound like a library on wheels, and for the most part the Phantom is appropriately silent. There's virtually no road noise and the mechanical components work smoothly and silently. However, with the other sources of noise so well suppressed, you can hear a bit of wind flutter.
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Buying & Owning
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. Rolls is not planning a buy-back scheme like Maybach to protect resale values, although they should be initially very strong. Oh, and you’ll need a huge garage to house the car.
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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 cabin materials and aroma are pure Rolls, but fit and finish are on an altogether higher level than in the 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. A large range of active and passive safety features comes as standard.
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Behind The Wheel
The Phantom’s classy surroundings are not at the expense of sound ergonomics. The driver sits at Land Rover Discovery level, although rearward visibility is poor to ensure rear passengers get the required degree of privacy. The car has a simplified version of BMW’s iDrive system, a twist knob that controls all the major heating, entertainment and information functions.
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Space & Practicality
At the back the Phantom has ‘coach doors’, which open towards the rear to make it easier to get in and out. Because of the car’s height it takes practice to master swivelling on the seat before stepping out. Space is generous, but the long-wheelbase car offers even more space. The rear seats are not adjustable.
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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 the same. Basically, Rolls will sell you anything you want – so long as you are prepared to pay for it.
Phantom rivals
Phantom used car reviews
Rolls-Royce Phantom Saloon 6.8 V12 4dr
The Phantom is a fabulously accomplished super-luxury saloon. You might be tempted by the long-wheelbase version, but this gives you all the Phantom you really need.
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