Overview
Rolls-Royce is widely recognized as a coachbuilder of ultra-luxurious cars for ultra-wealthy folks, and the grand Ghost represents the entry point into that exclusive world. While the current Series II generation has been around for a while, based on recent spy shots we expect an all-new Ghost will be revealed soon. We can tell that the Ghost’s styling will be an evolution rather than a dramatic departure. However, the latest Ghost will most likely no longer share its underpinnings with the more-mainstream BMW 7-series. Instead, expect Rolls to drop the Ghost’s colossal shell and sumptuous cabin on top of an underlying structure of its own. Until more details are made public, we can only speculate on future developments, but we can report that the current model remains an incredibly luxurious mode of transportation.
What’s New for 2021?
Although we expect it to look much like the outgoing model—Rolls-Royce design evolves at glacial pace—the 2021 Ghost will be all-new from the ground up. We expect the latest-and-greatest Ghost will be packed with even fancier appointments and higher technology.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Sedan: $ 315,000 (est.)
- Extended Wheelbase: $ 350,000 (est.)
We’re guessing on price here, but regardless, the new Ghost’s entry-level price tag will still be out of reach of almost all new-car buyers. Standard features, options, and available embellishments will certainly be plentiful, but we’ll have to wait until closer to the Ghost’s on-sale date before details will be available.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The upcoming Ghost should receive a similar engine to that found under the hood of other Rolls-Royce products, such as the range-topping Phantom and the Cullinan SUV. Both feature a twin-turbocharged 6.7-liter V-12 that makes 563 horsepower and up to 664 lb-ft of torque, and we expect the new Ghost’s V-12 to be even more powerful. The outgoing Ghost is put in motion by a twin-turbo 6.6-liter V-12 engine, and boasts a governed top speed of 155 mph. The last one we tested moved with authority in a straight line, but it wallowed in corners when driven aggressively. We expect the new Ghost will be more athletic, though still far from a sport sedan.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimate for the new Ghost yet, but if the 2020 model is anything to go by, we don’t expect it will be a fuel sipper. Once we get a chance, we’ll put the new Ghost through our 200-mile highway fuel economy test and update this story with results.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Like the cabin of any Rolls-Royce, the new Ghost is expected to be uncompromisingly opulent, with every surface, knob, switch, and lever crafted from the finest materials. In order to stand out against rivals such as the Bentley Flying Spur and the Mercedes-Benz S-class, Rolls-Royce will likely be holding little back. Think piled carpet, finely grained leather, gorgeously finished wood and metal accents, and a headliner with tiny integrated LED lights to simulate a starlit sky. The best seat in the house will be the rear, where passengers will no doubt be treated to even more luxuries such as massaging seats, rear-seat entertainment, and acres of legroom.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Spy photos of the 2021 Ghost unfortunately haven’t given us a peek inside, but we expect a large infotainment touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and an onboard Wi-Fi hotspot to be standard fare. In the outgoing model, a dual-screen rear-seat entertainment system allowed passengers to adjust the radio, input destinations into the navigation system, and more—which is something we expect to return for 2021.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) are unlikely to perform crash tests on such a low-volume, high-dollar ride, we expect Rolls-Royce to step up their driver-assistance game with the 2021 Ghost. The outgoing model offered few such features, but the new model should make leaps and bounds in this category. Key safety features are likely to include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Available adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Like the rest of the Rolls-Royce lineup, the new Ghost will come with a four-year warranty and maintenance package which doesn’t expire at a certain mileage limit.
- Limited warranty covers 4 years or unlimited miles
- Powertrain warranty covers 4 years or unlimited miles
- Complimentary maintenance is covered for 4 years or unlimited miles
