Used 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost

When the Ghost was born five years ago it heralded the "entry-level" Rolls-Royce. But make no mistake: There’s nothing second-rate about this British ultra-luxury sedan. Boasting its first significant freshening and a new moniker – it’s now known as the Series II – the 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost is among the creme de la creme of automobiles. Available in standard or extended-wheelbase form, the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has enormous power from a twin-turbocharged V12, an opulent interior with features such as massaging seats, and cutting-edge technology like an infrared night-vision camera to see what human eyes cannot. The Ghost is the least expensive Rolls-Royce, but at nearly $300,000 before options, it still costs more than a house.

While it’s a good bet that owners of the Ghost’s big brother, the Phantom, are likely to be chauffeured in the back seat, the 2015 Ghost is better suited for wealthy owners who enjoy time behind the wheel. After inhaling the aroma of the finest leather and wood and feeling the exquisite materials in your hands, the sensory parade really begins. The 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is at once hushed yet hulking. The former trait is a Rolls requisite, while the latter may surprise even those familiar with the brand’s modest old mantra that its power is "adequate." The Ghost’s 563-horsepower V12 engine provides spontaneous thrust that easily moves this big sedan. Even more pleasant is how this ultra- luxury car corners. The new suspension keeps the Ghost remarkably planted, and for drivers craving sportier handling the Dynamic Driving Package includes adjusted dampers for better cornering ability.

The 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost is a hand-built automotive work of art. Its 5-passenger interior is ripe for customization. What you’ll find is the best leather, finest wood and the most stately quarters likely ever seen in an automobile. For 2015, the Ghost is even more detailed in its bid to offer maximum comfort. The front seats now have power-adjustable thigh support, while the rears have a "lounge seat" configuration that gently angles the seats toward each other for easier communication. Extended-wheelbase Rolls-Royce Ghost models have over half a foot more legroom on top of the standard model’s already-generous space.

The Ghost’s exterior has been tweaked for 2015, but it’s still easily recognizable. While some may call it the "baby" in the Rolls-Royce family, there is nothing small about a Ghost Series II. Even a standard-wheelbase version comes in at 212.6 inches in length, while an extended-wheelbase (EWB) variant arrives at 219.3 inches. Both versions are impressive thanks to a massive grille, slab sides and soft curves. A new element is the "wake channel" in the hood, which appears to emanate from the Spirit of Ecstasy’s wings at the front. Rear-hinged doors create a dramatic entry/exit experience and offer protection for VIP passengers.

MASSAGING SEATS
Comfort is high on the Ghost’s list of priorities, and what could be more stress-reducing than getting a massage whilst being transported to your destination? This Rolls-Royce offers both front and rear massaging seats, and at $1,375 each, this option is a bargain relative to, say, the $6,000-plus rear-compartment curtains.

BESPOKE PERSONALIZATION OPTIONS
You don’t so much buy a Rolls-Royce as you commission one. This is yet another differentiator between owning a Ghost and just about every other car. Whether it’s having your family’s crest emblazoned on the headrests or a refrigerated rear compartment, Rolls-Royce is willing to build a motorcar that’s truly your own.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II is expected to be configured to a customer’s taste, but each comes with a V12 engine and 8-speed automatic transmission, multiple cameras, separate climate zones, a head-up driver’s display, and an audio system with a 10-channel amplifier, and panoramic sunroof (standard-wheelbase models). A rotary dial on the armrest controls functions such as navigation and audio.

As mentioned, the 2015 Rolls-Royce Ghost can be customized to an individual’s taste, down to the umbrellas that store in the doors. The new Dynamic Package includes larger wheels, chromed exhaust pipes and revised gearbox tuning. Driver-assistance systems include night vision, lane-departure warning and active cruise control. The Entertainment Package brings a pair of monitors built into the back of the front-seat headrests and a Bespoke Audio system. The Individual Rear Seat option retains the 3-row bench but makes the outboard positions electrically adjustable. And there are those massaging seats, which can also be had with both ventilation and heat.

At around 5,500 pounds, the 2015 Ghost is a heavy car that needs a big engine to push it. That push comes from Rolls’ BMW parent in the form of a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that puts out 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, the latter from just 1,500 rpm for a broad path of power. That massive engine makes the Ghost a quick beast, able to hit 60 mph in under five seconds and reach a governed top speed of 155 mph. For 2015 the 8-speed automatic transmission is aided by satellite, the setup using GPS to read the road ahead and anticipate the proper gear needed. In our experience, though, we didn’t sense the system worked any better or worse than a normal setup.

6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12
563 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
575 lb-ft of torque @ 1,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/21 mpg