“A Rolls-Royce is a car you should step out of feeling more refreshed than when you stepped in,” says Stephen Finch, Manager of Product and Launch Ghost. That is precisely one of the principles Rolls-Royce has elevated to new heights with the Ghost Series II we discovered during the first testdrive. The model now offers an array of exquisite interior finishes and features never before available on the Ghost, as well as advanced software that bridges bespoke craftsmanship with the digital world.
Written by Anja Van Der Borght
The Ghost is currently Rolls-Royce’s most popular model. The first generation, launched in 2009, targeted a new category of consumers seeking a more accessible and versatile Rolls-Royce—a model they could drive themselves rather than solely be chauffeured in. The second generation Ghost (2020) refined these principles with an agile, driver-focused chassis, a commitment to simplicity in design, and unparalleled craftsmanship. It was the most technologically advanced V12 Rolls-Royce of its time. The Ghost Series II takes this even further. Retaining the legendary drivetrain, it now includes subtle design enhancements. “Ghost Series II represents Rolls-Royce’s fundamental principles — serenity, effortlessness, and elegance — distilled into an expressive, monolithic form,” explains Juliane Blasi, Head of Exterior Design, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars. “This expressive, monolithic character is further emphasized at the front with a simplified fascia that wraps seamlessly around the corners to the daytime running lights.” Additionally, the Ghost Series II incorporates design elements from the Spectre, such as stylized RR-monogrammed rear lights and customizable digital instrument cluster colors, harmonizing the interior and exterior palette. A must-have in our opinion that truly enhances the in-car ambiance!
Paint Inspired by Fish Scales
“We further accentuated the shoulder line of the Ghost Series II by extending the pinstripe to the upper edge of the rear light block,” adds Blasi. The turquoise pinstripe beautifully complements the stunning new exterior color, ‘Mustique Blue,’ which enriches the existing palette of over 44,000 ready-to-wear shades. “This color captures the essence of the Caribbean island it’s named after, with glass and mica particles for a sparkle reminiscent of sunlight reflecting off tropical seas,” says Blasi. The color also pays homage to one of Rolls-Royce’s earliest driver-focused models: a lightweight Phantom II Continental prototype from 1929. Painted in a similar blue hue, this car, designed by Henry Royce for his personal use, was one of the first to feature pearlescent paint made using ground fish scales. It won the ‘Prix d’Honneur’ at the prestigious 1930 Concours d’Elegance in Biarritz.
Craftsmanship 2.0
The Ghost Series II serves as a platform for bold, modern expressions of craftsmanship. Adjacent to the central infotainment display is the new Spirit of Ecstasy clock cabinet—a miniature showcase featuring an analog clock and a lit stainless steel Spirit of Ecstasy figurine. Mounted on a matte black backdrop with high-gloss side panels, the display creates a reflective effect akin to a miniature sculpture. When the door opens, the Spirit of Ecstasy is illuminated from below, transitioning to a soft glow. Beside this, spanning the passenger side dashboard, is the Illuminated Fascia. Introduced in 2020, this panel now features a motif of streaks symbolizing star movement, resembling time-lapse photography. It pairs beautifully with the optional Starlight Headliner. Customers can also collaborate with Bespoke designers to create personalized Fascia motifs.
One standout interior material is ‘Grey Stained Ash,’ a rich, open-pore wood veneer hand-stained and enriched with microscopic metallic particles for a contemporary shimmer. Pairing this veneer with cool interior tones like purple emphasizes its metallic grey aspect, while warmer hues like orange highlight its brown tones.
Another innovation is Duality Twill, a bamboo-derived rayon fabric inspired by the vast bamboo groves of Le Jardin des Méditerranées on the French Riviera. This fabric, debuting on the Cullinan Series II, is embroidered with an abstract ‘Duality’ graphic, referencing Rolls-Royce’s founders and yacht rigging. Developing this fabric took over a year, involving a master weaver who now works full-time at Goodwood. Creating a full Duality Twill interior can take up to 20 hours, requiring 17.7 kilometers (11 miles) of thread and 2.2 million stitches. Available in three base colors—lilac, chocolate, and black—with thread in 51 shades, this material exemplifies craftsmanship.
Another option, Placed Perforation, uses a contemporary technique to create unique artworks in the leather upholstery by varying perforation sizes. Inspired by clouds over Goodwood, the standard pattern includes up to 107,000 perforations, but customers can create bespoke designs.
Our favorite option? The champagne cooler. Rolls-Royce specialists consulted a master sommelier to design two cooling modes: six degrees Celsius for non-vintage champagne and eleven degrees for vintage. Perfection in every detail!
Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II: the most technologically advanced and driver-focused V12 Rolls-Royce ever!
Uncompromised Performance
Under the hood, the Ghost Series II retains its near-silent 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine, paired with an impeccable eight-speed transmission. This powers the all-wheel steering and all-wheel drive systems. With maximum torque available from just 1,600 RPM (a mere 600 RPM above idle), the car delivers a perception of endless acceleration and the unique ‘waftability’ Rolls-Royce is known for. The Planar Suspension System further enhances the iconic ‘magic carpet ride,’ combining a unique damper above the front suspension, electronically controlled shock absorbers, and self-leveling air suspension.
The Flagbearer System uses cameras to scan the road ahead, preparing the suspension for changes in the surface. Combined with Satellite Aided Transmission, which uses GPS data to select the optimal gear for cornering, the Ghost offers unparalleled comfort and dynamism. While the car’s size belies its agility and impressive acceleration, the Lane Keeping Assist system could benefit from more subtle steering adjustments compared to its predecessor.
Digital Bespoke
Entertainment and connectivity enhancements are another highlight. Rear passengers can now connect up to two streaming devices, stream content independently on each screen, and manage preferences via a new interface that also controls functions like massage, heating, and cooling. Bluetooth® headphones of any type can connect to the rear infotainment system, while all occupants enjoy an upgraded Wi-Fi® hotspot and USB-C® charging ports. These updates ensure even greater comfort for rear passengers.
Starting for Belgiam at €333,355 and €396,275 for the Black Badge version, which is also available for order.
