Rolls Royce Phantom quietly going about its business

Rolls-Royce has unveiled its new, eighth-generation, iconic Phanton luxury saloon. It says it is the “most silent car in the world”.

The opulent car is based on a new, all-aluminium “architecture of luxury”, which lends the Phantom a greater level of “magic carpet ride”, because it is “lighter, stiffer, quieter and more technologically advanced”, says the British brand.

Power comes from a new, 6.75-litre, twin-turbocharged, V12 engine. Producing 563bhp and 900Nm of torque, it is coupled with an eight-speed, ZF automatic gearbox.

The Phantom has 6mm, two-layer glazing and more than 130kg of sound insulation. It is also pitched as the “most-technologically advanced Rolls-Royce ever”. It has a four-camera system with panoramic view, night vision, collision warning, cross-traffic warning, a wi-fi hotspot, and the latest, BMW Group navigation and entertainment systems.

The Phantom’s exterior bears all the hallmarks of a classic Rolls-Royce. There’s the iconic, Pantheon grille, which has been integrated into the car’s bodywork for the first time, 22-inch wheels, and the Spirit of Ecstasy statuette.

Inside, the new Phantom is the pinnacle of luxury. There’s the Starlight Headliner, which gives the roof the appearance of stars in the night sky, swathes of leather, and even a drinks cabinet in the centre console.

Rolls-Royce has also developed ‘the embrace’: as the owner or passenger settles into the car, and an assistant or valet touches the sensor on the door handle, the door automatically whispers ‘closed’.

Torsten Muller-Otvos, CEO of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said: “From its debut in 1925, a Rolls-Royce Phantom has been the choice of the world’s most influential and powerful men and women, and, as a result, a constant presence at history’s most defining moments.

“As this next chapter in the Rolls-Royce story opens, the new Phantom points the way forward for the global luxury industry. It is a creation of great beauty and power, a dominant symbol of wealth and human achievement. It is an icon and an artwork that embraces the personal desires of each of our individual customers.”

The new Phantom will cost €440,000.