Car Review: 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost II Black Badge

Back in 1909, Cadillac famously claimed to be the automotive “Standard of the World,” a boast that people might reasonably assume was advertising hyperbole. In reality, Cadillac won the vaunted title by capturing the Royal Auto Club’s Dewar Trophy by demonstrating that its replacement parts were suitable to substitute with the original without the reworking that was often required in those early automotive years.

In the 1970s and ’80s, Rolls-Royce immodestly asserted that it was “The Best Car in the World.” Fast forward to 2025, and Cadillac is “Driven by Dedication” while rival Bentley has posted a “Beyond 100+” manifesto and Mercedes-Benz is “Committed to Greatness.” Meanwhile, Rolls-Royce seems content these days to let its current portfolio speak gracefully for itself.

Rolls-Royce began its second life in 2003 as a subsidiary of BMW Group and produced the Phantom, a sedan with prodigious dimensions as its first offering. The bit-smaller-but-hardly-petite Ghost arrived in 2010 and attracted a slightly younger demographic of well-heeled owners who choose to drive rather than be driven. And I can speak from experience that I might appear to be a chauffeur to some onlookers behind the wheel of the big Phantom while perhaps mistaken for the proud owner when operating a Rolls-Royce Ghost.

From every visual aspect, the Ghost speaks with luxurious style. It’s a square-shouldered, upright machine that deftly communicates the iconic marque’s stature and exclusiveness. That may not be the right message for everyone, but can you think of a better car to bring to a school reunion? Of course, if you’re the treasurer of a nonprofit, you might consider arriving in something a bit more modest.

Slide inside on the black, hand-stitched leather seating that contrasts with Scivaro Grey panels and Mandarin leather accents. Doors close obediently with a button push and your feet sink into Lambswool Footmats while your eyes observe a pillar-to-pillar glass panel that offers the new Spirit operating system. The steering wheel is wrapped in two-tone grey and black leather with carbon fiber accents and sports today’s plethora of control devices, but they’re reasonably identified and easy to use. While the Ghost is fully computerized and up to date, you needn’t be a certified geek to operate this majestic instrument.

We properly tested the Ghost by bringing friends along for a road trip to lunch. While there wasn’t enough time for our guests to enjoy the immersive rear theater system, they could toast with Champagne from the center fridge in RR monogramed crystal. There was also a separate compartment with a crystal RR decanter and tumblers in case a stronger beverage was needed. All this splendor was overseen by a headliner illuminated with a shooting star motif.  

Since the best car in the world (at least in large form) should be a joy to drive, the team at Rolls-Royce has delivered the goods. This voluptuous 5,445-pound Ghost receives power from a twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 engine that will propel it to 100 MPH in 10 seconds. We briefly tested that alacrity when we passed a somewhat leisurely vehicle on a two-lane highway. There’s not a trace of a howling engine, crackling exhaust, or rapid gear shifting. Just the silent hand from above propelling the Ghost quickly by what was in front a moment ago. And the all-wheel-drive coupled with all-wheel-steering and Planar adaptive suspension combine to assure confidence well above what cars of this size usually deliver.

Regrettably, there’s not enough editorial space to reveal all the attributes that make this half-million-plus Rolls-Royce quite special. For instance, the optional Bespoke Audio incorporates two “speakerless” exciters into the headliner that accompany the 18-speaker, 1,400-watt array system to create an expansive soundstage. My hi-res music files sang with joy! This Rolls-Royce Ghost is really in a league of its own. Please pass the Grey Poupon, my lovely tray table is deployed.

Type Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Engine 6.7-liter Twin-Turbo V12
Horsepower 591 @ 5,800 RPM
Torque 664 lb.ft. @ 1,600 RPM  
Base Price $420,000
As Tested $547,975
Fuel Consumption 12 city, 19 highway, 14 combined