Phantom [Official] Rolls-Royce Phantom (VIII)
- Thread starter Matski
- Start date
Rolls-Royce has used the Phantom name on full-sized luxury cars and limousines since 1925, making it the longest used car model nameplate in automotive history. In the 20th century, the Rolls-Royce Phantom was a very low volume, hand-built limousine, which in its first four generations was custom coachbuilt to the customer's requests, and sometimes extravagant desires. Whilst automobile manufacturing over time became more mechanised and prolific, and vehicles from other manufacturers could be built in greater numbers and at lower prices, the Phantoms remained hand-built, and production of individual cars only began once the order was placed. The use of the name "Phantom" is a long tradition of naming Rolls-Royce models after ghosts or spirits.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
Review coming up tonight buddy. Needed some time to gather thoughts.
CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
Have you driven the new Continental also?
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
slicknick
Driving Dynamics Pro
By FS you mean the latest Flying Spur, I suppose? Previous one was quite dull IMO
hoffmeister_fan
Kraftwagen König
yeah, the previous FS does nothing for me, however, the new one is quite impressive on paper and in pics.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
Review
Exterior -
The Phantom VIII is a hulking masterpiece of design. Much more relaxed and organic than it’s esteemed predecessor. It’s both understated in some areas such as the rear 3/4, yet impossibly brash in its presence in other areas. No front in the automotive industry streams “wealth” like a Phantom. The sheer size is really hard to wrap your head around. Since 2009, I’ve been a big Bentley Mulsanne loyalist for it’s beauty and class, but I now think the Phantom looks better inside and out.
Interior -
Getting into the Phantom is really a special occasion. Open the massive door and you instantly smell the fine leather. As you get in, you feel like you’re sitting on a throne with how high the seating position is. The next thing you fined yourself doing is taking off your shoes so you can feel is the plushest carpets. The leather feels very soft and thick... did I mention the smell? The dashboard is very upright and close to the driver. In this example, the “gallery” was not customized, but the way the screen so elegantly disappears highlights why an owner should strongly consider getting a custom gallery. The star lights really add to the experience. At night, it accentuates, he feeling of space within the cabin. Despite having 1500 LEDs, the effect is more understated than one would think. The interior doesn’t look like a Christmas tree from the outside.
The seats could offer more lateral support and adjustments, but apparently this exactly how RR owners like it sine the Ghost and Cullinan have the same style saats.
In terms of overall quality of switches and knobs, I think the new Continental range has higher quality materials than the Phantom. The black plastic steering column is disappointingly straight out of a 3/5/7 series. The seat switches also look to be from BMW, but in silver color.
Infotainment -
The graphics of the RR-ized iDrive is very pleasing to the eyes. It’s a simplified version of the system. The i-Drive knob felt very substantial as a control device.
Drive -
The engine punches with silken smoothness – even when you mash the throttle it’s never jerky – yet the response seems instant. It’s also incredibly quiet, as eerily silent as an electric motor. On the move, this is the quietest car I’ve ever driven. It’s like sitting in a rolling empty library while accelerating. The silence is so complete that it feels unnatural - that’s what 130kg of sound deadening will do.
For such a vast and heavy car, it’s surprisingly pleasing to drive. The steering is incredibly light but fairy precise – you can drive this car down a winding road with a surprising amount of enthusiasm, relishing the on-demand torque. The ZF transmission is almost CVT-esque. The brakes, even when worked hard, barely make the front of the car dive.
The Phantom doesn’t ride, it floats. The ride is so deadened and soft that most metro NYC potholes went unnoticed. It’s only large potholes (tried my best to avoid) when the ride looses composure. I think it is due to that fact that it rides on 22’ rims. The Maybach S650 with MBC comparatively handles some of these bumps better. Aside from that I will say this the best riding car in the world. The softness combined with the vault silence is unmatchable.
For my tastes, the Phantom is just too ostentatious; driving around town without window tints was a hassle, as everyone one road stares as you drive pass. Every traffic light it seemed someone wanted to begin a conversation. I got a few middle fingers pointed my way. It took away from the experience a bit, and reminded me why I don’t see myself owning a Rolls-Royce. Something like a Bentley Flying Spur is not as brash and more livable. That’s being said, a Rolls-Royce owner relishes attention, good and bad, so my reservations on attention as null-and-void quite frankly.
All in all, this is best ultra-luxury car in the world. There is no comparison. Looks amazing and rides like no other.
Is it worth $590k like this example? Yes.
Exterior -
The Phantom VIII is a hulking masterpiece of design. Much more relaxed and organic than it’s esteemed predecessor. It’s both understated in some areas such as the rear 3/4, yet impossibly brash in its presence in other areas. No front in the automotive industry streams “wealth” like a Phantom. The sheer size is really hard to wrap your head around. Since 2009, I’ve been a big Bentley Mulsanne loyalist for it’s beauty and class, but I now think the Phantom looks better inside and out.
Interior -
Getting into the Phantom is really a special occasion. Open the massive door and you instantly smell the fine leather. As you get in, you feel like you’re sitting on a throne with how high the seating position is. The next thing you fined yourself doing is taking off your shoes so you can feel is the plushest carpets. The leather feels very soft and thick... did I mention the smell? The dashboard is very upright and close to the driver. In this example, the “gallery” was not customized, but the way the screen so elegantly disappears highlights why an owner should strongly consider getting a custom gallery. The star lights really add to the experience. At night, it accentuates, he feeling of space within the cabin. Despite having 1500 LEDs, the effect is more understated than one would think. The interior doesn’t look like a Christmas tree from the outside.
The seats could offer more lateral support and adjustments, but apparently this exactly how RR owners like it sine the Ghost and Cullinan have the same style saats.
In terms of overall quality of switches and knobs, I think the new Continental range has higher quality materials than the Phantom. The black plastic steering column is disappointingly straight out of a 3/5/7 series. The seat switches also look to be from BMW, but in silver color.
Infotainment -
The graphics of the RR-ized iDrive is very pleasing to the eyes. It’s a simplified version of the system. The i-Drive knob felt very substantial as a control device.
Drive -
The engine punches with silken smoothness – even when you mash the throttle it’s never jerky – yet the response seems instant. It’s also incredibly quiet, as eerily silent as an electric motor. On the move, this is the quietest car I’ve ever driven. It’s like sitting in a rolling empty library while accelerating. The silence is so complete that it feels unnatural - that’s what 130kg of sound deadening will do.
For such a vast and heavy car, it’s surprisingly pleasing to drive. The steering is incredibly light but fairy precise – you can drive this car down a winding road with a surprising amount of enthusiasm, relishing the on-demand torque. The ZF transmission is almost CVT-esque. The brakes, even when worked hard, barely make the front of the car dive.
The Phantom doesn’t ride, it floats. The ride is so deadened and soft that most metro NYC potholes went unnoticed. It’s only large potholes (tried my best to avoid) when the ride looses composure. I think it is due to that fact that it rides on 22’ rims. The Maybach S650 with MBC comparatively handles some of these bumps better. Aside from that I will say this the best riding car in the world. The softness combined with the vault silence is unmatchable.
For my tastes, the Phantom is just too ostentatious; driving around town without window tints was a hassle, as everyone one road stares as you drive pass. Every traffic light it seemed someone wanted to begin a conversation. I got a few middle fingers pointed my way. It took away from the experience a bit, and reminded me why I don’t see myself owning a Rolls-Royce. Something like a Bentley Flying Spur is not as brash and more livable. That’s being said, a Rolls-Royce owner relishes attention, good and bad, so my reservations on attention as null-and-void quite frankly.
All in all, this is best ultra-luxury car in the world. There is no comparison. Looks amazing and rides like no other.
Is it worth $590k like this example? Yes.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
This is the quietest car I’ve ever been in. The only thing that comes close to being as quiet as the Phantom is the original Maybach 57/62s. A W222 Maybach would be in third place
The nose lifts ever so slightly, but the nose never dives under hard braking. Pretty remarkable. The driving dynamics are way better than the VII.
I was very tempted to check, but this belongs to a friend, so I may never know or get the thrill of drifting Buckingham Palace.
Ride comfort and silence - no, right now it’s in a class of it’s own.
Features? Do you mean Infotainment tech? If so, I’d say a run of the mill 3er offers much more. That being said, tech is secondary for this car.
Ehh, I’m personally not too big on Grey Poupon. I’d imagine RR dealers keep some in their canteens just in case the obligatory question gets asked.
Piano lacquer is disappointing to see in a car like this. It’s a fad that just won’t go away. Old school wood is more appropriate.
Not yet, should‘ve driven one along with a Taycan this spring, but COVID happened.
sako97
Autotechnik Ace
Also, there’s a narrative that Rolls-Royce wants to perpetuate about every Rolls-Royce leaving Goodwood being unique. It’s false - the example you see above is the US launch edition spec. Every US Rolls-Royce dealer got 1 Phantom VIII with the same build sheet and retail price.
slicknick
Driving Dynamics Pro
Do you mean to me that the 3-series has rear seat mirrors, cooling seats, a fridge and multi-option massage for all seats ?
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
This is one of the big reasons that the Cullinan will sell very well.
Its exterior design is so non-descript that it can pass by without pedestrians clocking it as an RR. Some might even mistake it for an Range Rover. Furthermore it's easier to park and live with than the Phantom which is really a chauffeur driven car.
Here is a photo of my favorite cullinan. Completely stealth on the outside but with an inteior they captivates the customisation that RR offers. I appreciate that the exterior won't be to everyone's likes but hey RR's customer base is getting younger and the brand is responding to that change.
No spec can hide the size of the Phantom. Driving it to public places outside of Monaco, Bond Street and Rodeo drive requires a strong stomach and mind.
Attachments
slicknick
Driving Dynamics Pro
This speaks volumes, as you traditionally had more of an affinity towards Bentley's and S-Class Maybach's knowing you...Fair to say that you've come a bit closer to Goodwood's way of thinking?
Thank you very much for the great review, @sako97 , very glad to have read your usual objective and unbiased opinions on what is probably my favorite car in the market right now. Top job bud!!!
I fully respect your decision.
I tried to get an answer on this from a chap at the FOS last year, mostly I was curious about the gallery feature, but he couldn't/wouldn't give me a straight answer on how many cars see unique personalisation.
It's also a shame that was the US launch spec.... it's a very handsome car but that is certainly not the colour combo I'd go for.
Typically, if you see a Phantom VIII out and about in your neck of the woods, is it chauffeur driven, or does the owner drive himself?
CrunchSlaughtered
RPM Ruler
Oh yes, it's the most discrete car on the streets. Nobody will look at you when you are inside, you can remain completely unnoticed.
Centurion
Apex Apex Predator
Does the suspension aim to keep the car level or does it follow the road and bob like a boat? If it was the latter, was it sea sickness inducing?
slicknick
Driving Dynamics Pro
Pretty sure it is keeping the car level, at least that's what pretty much everyone that got to review it on YouTube or TV had to say
Mars1965
Premium
Last sentence post 621: Yes
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Rolls-Royce
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited is a British luxury automobile
maker and a wholly-owned subsidiary of BMW AG since 2003 - as
the exclusive manufacturer of Rolls-Royce-branded motor cars.
The company is headquartered in Goodwood, West Sussex, England,
United Kingdom. BMW AG has no direct relationship with
Rolls-Royce-branded vehicles produced before 2003, other than
having briefly supplied components and engines. From 1906 to
2003, cars were manufactured and marketed under the Rolls-Royce
brand by Rolls-Royce Motors. The Bentley Motors Limited
subsidiary of Volkswagen AG is its direct successor.
Official website: Rolls-Royce
Official website: Rolls-Royce
