Pinnacle Reminder

The Rolls-Royce Phantom VIII update is less about new features and more a pointed reminder of why it sits at the top.

- Wei-Yu Wang

When it comes to cars, it is difficult to make a mid-generation refresh interesting. It is arguably even harder with RollsRoyce as the marque's cars are designed to leave nothing out in the first place. And this is largely true for the Phantom VIII, the British automaker's flagship sedan: its Series II refresh includes nothing to the actual usage of the car, from the drivetrain to the interior set-up the door close buttons are still on the inside of the C-pillar, and the champagne is in the chiller between the most pampering of rear seats.

In terms of functions, the owners-only Whispers app can now send destinations directly to the car, and can monitor location and security status, among other slightly useful things.

Aesthetically speaking, the Phantom benefits from minor tweaks. One of the more notable is the horizontal accent at its front, which underlines the iconic RR badge and Spirit of Ecstasy ornament and stretches above the Pantheon Grille. This accent makes the Phantom a touch more assertive and modern - not that its predecessor lacked either, of course and the grille as well is now illuminated, a party trick that was first seen on the new Ghost.