Rolls-Royce Phantom

We Say: So Luxurious It Leaves Even Seasoned Journos Toungue-Tied

- Jason Barlow

Fourteen years is an eternity in the world of luxury and entertainment, the Phantom’s principal provinces. So, climbing behind the wheel (and it is a bit of a climb) of an all-new Rolls is a special moment. The dash has been reconfigured as an art gallery, the structure itself has the implacability of Mount Rushmore, and of course, there’s the Spirit of Ecstasy, pointing forward from the longest bonnet out there. More than ever, taking the helm is not like driving other cars.

It’s also a bit like driving a beautiful building, and it takes time to feel totally confident behind the wheel. Many owners – patrons, as Rolls airily describes them – like to drive themselves, so there’s a renewed emphasis on attributes you might not associate with a car as imperious as this. Feedback, for example. In addition to the fabled magic carpet ride, there’s now more dialogue.