That Phantom feeling

with many of the manufacturers we love, yet the prospect of an even more silent Rolls-Royce is an appealing one For now, though, we still get the pleasure of a 6 75-litre twin-turbo V12, pushing out 563bhp and 664lb

2022

Rollsroyce Phantom

Mk8 SERIES II MATTHEW HAYWARD

THIS WILL BE the last fully petrol-propelled Rolls-Royce Phantom series built Quite a statement to process as I’m being shown around the latest evolution of the flagship Rolls-Royce: the Phantom Mk8 Series II. The move to electrification is a tricky subject

This car has always been visually imposing, and the Series II is a very subtle step up from its predecessor in this regard The headlights have been revised, as has the grille, but most noticeable are the stunning new solid disc-style alloy wheels.

Functionality of the on-board systems has also been significantly improved, with the addition of a new Whispers app – a kind of concierge service for owners.

Sliding into the driver’s seat is an event in itself. The smell and softness of the leather, the way your shoes sink into the deep-pile carpets – there really is nothing else like it. As we make our way out of central London, the Phantom is surprisingly easy to get on with Despite its vastness, visibility is astonishingly good – not to mention the fact that traffic seems to melt away around you Virtually nothing has road presence to match this. The engine is near-silent, but you can just about make out a pleasing hum above the sound of the surrounding traffic. Thankfully the wonderful thin-rimmed large-diameter steering wheel remains. It might be light, but the precise steering is perfectly judged to make piloting the Phantom incredibly stress-free.

Getting the Phantom up to speed is equally relaxed. The lack of road noise is exceptional, and there’s just a sense that everything is in perfect harmony. It sits at the national limit with hilarious ease; I’m sure it wouldn’t feel much different if you doubled the speed.

There’s an encouraging set of flowing corners on the way to our destination, The Newt in Somerset. Out of curiosity, I push this 2685kg behemoth into them with some enthusiasm, not quite sure what to expect. There’s no disguising the car ’ s weight, but it deals with everything with real composure and lack of drama.

There’s always something special about sitting in the back of a Rolls-Royce, so I opt to be chauffeured for the return trip to London. It’s a magnificent way to travel, especially being able to recline and enjoy the starlight headliner in action.

Rolls-Royce doesn’t mention a ‘base’ price, as each Phantom is individually specified, but prices begin around £380,000 – and quickly rise as you tick various boxes. Whether or not you think it’s good value, nothing else comes close to the feeling of a Phantom.