Rolls-Royce, unlike Bentley, was a single-model brand, using a single chassis and creating derivatives of it for years.  The Phantom, Phantom Coupe, and Phantom DHC were all based off of the same platform, but R-R recently put out a new, “entry-level” model, called the Ghost.  So, with one available for test drives at the Pebble Beach Concours this past summer, I set out to see if the entry-level model was as good as its older, bigger brother, the Phantom.  In a nutshell, it does a great job.

The Ghost, at its core, does use some parts from its parent company, BMW.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, as BMW’s engineering is among the industry’s best.  The Ghost uses a modified BMW V12 engine, with 563hp on tap from 6.6L and a pair of turbos.  It rides on a massive 130-inch wheelbase and weighs nearly 5500 pounds, so despite being a smaller Rolls-Royce, it isn’t exactly a small car in any sense.  That said, it does look lighter on its feet from a glance than the big Phantom.  The styling is similar, if a bit less formal, and the interior is a similar type as well.  Our test car featured the thick-pile lambswool mats, which felt seriously decadent (but of course, not out of place at all).  The leather felt soft and inviting, and the interior design was far more modern and up-to-date than the Phantom.  The Rolls doesn’t feel at all like a BMW in costume, thanks to all the major changes made to the design and the interior.  The doors shut with an overly satisfying “ka-thunk” and shut out nearly all ambient noise, something that even the best German sedans can’t quite do as well (even if they come close).  While it lacks the presence and imposing stature of the Phantom, the Ghost has an image all its own.

The Ghost’s road feel is decidedly different from that of the Phantom.  It feels noticeably smaller on the move, and gives the driver a lot more feedback than the Phantom.  The steering is heavier and gives a feeling of secuurity, and the brake pedal, while not sports-car responsive, is far more communicative than the Phantom’s as well.  Compared to the Maybach, the Ghost is more athletic, yet still extremely comfortable and solid from the driver’s standpoint.  Meanwhile, the interior design is fantastic and adds to the experience.  The “Power Reserve” dial on the instrument panel replaces the tachometer, and staring at it as the needle goes from 100% to about 20% while dropping the hammer is satisfying like nothing else.  The engine provides immense thrust for its size, and gives the Ghost plenty of power to rush its well-heeled owner about, something I took advantage of frequently.  From inside, all is serene–the Ghost, like the Phantom that came before it, is still a dignified sedan, but is definitely built to be driven (rather than to be driven around in).

The overall feel of the Ghost from the rear at speed is similarly spooky.  There’s little reason to worry, as the amount of room is similar to the Phantom and the Maybach 57S.  The supple leather and vast amount of room is a huge benefit, although stepping into the Ghost’s rear compartments requires some ducking (unlike the Phantom, which can be stepped into nearly standing up).  This matters little–the Ghost is a driver’s car and should be treated as such.  Compared to the Phantom, the Ghost is a mass-market Rolls-Royce that offers the experiences the Phantom gives, but allows the driver to engage in the fun, something the Phantom has a bit of trouble with.  While the Phantom isolates, the Ghost invites its behind-the-wheel occupant to feel truly catered to.  Unlike the Maybach, the Ghost has a feel all its own while sharing some components with its BMW parents (where the Maybach still has some feel of a Mercedes-Benz).  The ride is comfortable, the seats are decadent, and the looks are sublime.  Unlike the Phantom’s in-your-face lines, the Ghost speaks softly.

So, would I buy a Ghost?  For the money, it offers a lot of appeal and a huge amount of driver benefit.  It’s just as accommodating as the Phantom, yet is better on the road and easier to park.  It’s slightly better on gas (as if this matters much) and still attracts a massive amount of attention wherever it goes.  It’s a great car, even if it is in the shadow of its bigger, flagship brother.  It’s probably Rolls-Royce’s best kept secret.

-Al