Inside the lavish saloon, everything is in place to ensure passenger comfort. Two-inch thick lamb wool mats grace the floor, while cashmere serves as headliner. The seats are appointed in premium cow leather, while exotic, handcrafted wood accents embellish the dashboard and steering wheel.
Modernism at its finest
Under its unorthodox skin, the Rolls-Royce Phantom features a host of advanced technologies, such as a navigation system hidden in the wood trim behind the analog clock; a rearview camera and two safety cameras concealed underneath the front and rear bumpers to make parking maneuvers easier; and a complex multifunction system (similar to BMW's iDrive) located in the middle of the center stack for audio and climate adjustments.
Of course, rear passengers benefit from the same level of coziness as those sitting in front, including flawlessly comfortable seats and power-closing reverse-hinged rear doors. A full-size umbrella is cleverly concealed in the door panel, which helps prevent the owner from getting wet under the rain. An exclusive ventilating system even dries the umbrella inside its storage compartment. Isn't that brilliant?
A sporty giant
Quite surprisingly, despite weighing about 2,500 kilos, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proves to be agile and swift. A gentle dip of the throttle makes the 453-hp V12 engine roar (you have to pay attention, though, because the interior is impeccably soundproofed). The result is immediately felt: 5.9 seconds from 0 to 100 kph and 14.2 seconds for the quarter mile -- all this in spite of an automatic transmission that sometimes hesitates. Fuel economy figures are ridiculous: 14 L/100 km on the highway and 21 L/100 km in the city.
The suspensions, which were designed to provide maximum comfort, are capable of holding the Phantom firmly planted on the ground. Sudden lane changes at high speeds are not affected by any weight transfer and the car remains extremely neutral. Even during emergency braking maneuvers, an effective anti-nosedive system ensures perfect stability. Stopping distances are longish, but this was expected.
Driving such a world-class automobile is obviously a unique experience; there's nothing remotely comparable.
Did I mention how hard it is to be an auto journalist?
Powerful V12
Refined materials
Flawless handling
Hesitating transmission
Longish stopping distances
Costly options
Awful fuel economy
Complex multifunction system
photo:Philippe Champoux
Modernism at its finest
Under its unorthodox skin, the Rolls-Royce Phantom features a host of advanced technologies, such as a navigation system hidden in the wood trim behind the analog clock; a rearview camera and two safety cameras concealed underneath the front and rear bumpers to make parking maneuvers easier; and a complex multifunction system (similar to BMW's iDrive) located in the middle of the center stack for audio and climate adjustments.
 |
| The wood accents are handcrafted. It is also the case for many other items in the vehicle. |
Of course, rear passengers benefit from the same level of coziness as those sitting in front, including flawlessly comfortable seats and power-closing reverse-hinged rear doors. A full-size umbrella is cleverly concealed in the door panel, which helps prevent the owner from getting wet under the rain. An exclusive ventilating system even dries the umbrella inside its storage compartment. Isn't that brilliant?
A sporty giant
Quite surprisingly, despite weighing about 2,500 kilos, the Rolls-Royce Phantom proves to be agile and swift. A gentle dip of the throttle makes the 453-hp V12 engine roar (you have to pay attention, though, because the interior is impeccably soundproofed). The result is immediately felt: 5.9 seconds from 0 to 100 kph and 14.2 seconds for the quarter mile -- all this in spite of an automatic transmission that sometimes hesitates. Fuel economy figures are ridiculous: 14 L/100 km on the highway and 21 L/100 km in the city.
The suspensions, which were designed to provide maximum comfort, are capable of holding the Phantom firmly planted on the ground. Sudden lane changes at high speeds are not affected by any weight transfer and the car remains extremely neutral. Even during emergency braking maneuvers, an effective anti-nosedive system ensures perfect stability. Stopping distances are longish, but this was expected.
Driving such a world-class automobile is obviously a unique experience; there's nothing remotely comparable.
Did I mention how hard it is to be an auto journalist?
 |
Refined materials
Flawless handling
 |
Longish stopping distances
Costly options
 |
Awful fuel economy
Complex multifunction system
photo:Philippe Champoux
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