2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost Expert Review
Reviewed by Willis Kuelthau
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost may be the baby of the Rolls-Royce lineup, but it's a rolling castle compared to everything else on the road. Oozing luxury and refinement, the Ghost is a status symbol with few equals.
What's New
The Ghost returns unchanged for 2024. This second-generation Ghost was introduced for 2021 and unlike the first-gen car, it rides on a platform shared with the Rolls-Royce Phantom and Cullinan instead of being based on the BMW 7 Series.
What We Think
Rolls-Royce has defined its brand on a remarkable paradox: conspicuous, yet tasteful. The 2024 Ghost may be the cheapest Rolls, but it's every bit a rolling monument to opulence and style.
We wouldn't go so far as to call the Ghost a driver's car, but it comports itself well. It's more at home cruising around town in stately elegance than carving up a canyon road. The V-12 powerplant is effortlessly powerful yet whisper-quiet. Even though this is the smallest car Rolls-Royce makes, the Ghost makes an undeniable visual impact—when we compared it to the Bentley Flying Spur, we noted the Ghost's regal presence as contrasted with the Bentley's curvy athleticism.
The Ghost leaves little to complain about. It's far from efficient, but you knew that already, and the new electric Spectre provides a greener option. We would steer clear of the Black Badge trim, which looks the business but stiffens up the ride. And of course, the Ghost is hugely expensive, but it wouldn't be a Rolls-Royce otherwise.
We could spend all day dreaming up superlatives for the Ghost's cabin, but a Rolls-Royce is something that must be experienced to be understood. Don't believe us? We took the Ghost to the masses, and it was a hit.
Performance and Fuel Economy
Under the hood of the Ghost is a hulking 6.8-liter twin-turbo V-12 engine, which it shares with the Cullinan SUV. The V-12's 563 hp is delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. With help from 627 lb-ft of torque, the Ghost's three-ton mass can scoot from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds. Fuel economy checks in at an unsurprisingly awful 12/19 mpg.
The Ghost is also available in Black Badge trim, which adds 29 hp and 37 lb-ft. Black Badge models also boast tighter steering, a quicker transmission, firmer springs, and reduced brake travel. Although the results are impressive, Rolls-Royce making a performance car is like Gucci making workout clothes—it's just not the point.
Gas or Electric: Rolls-Royce Edition
Like the rest of the automotive industry, Rolls-Royce knows change is coming. The brand just bowed its first ever EV: the Spectre.
The Ghost's cabin is among the most serene we've ever experienced, but there's no doubt about it—the Spectre's electric silence brings new levels of luxurious quietude. The Spectre is slightly more powerful than the Ghost, and its design is more distinctive.
But the Ghost has two trump cards. First, it's nearly $70,000 cheaper. Second, the Spectre is limited to 291 miles per charge. The prospect of a busy charging station feels different when you're rolling up in a Rolls-Royce, especially when you have to spend half an hour waiting for it to charge. For longer trips, the Ghost is still our choice.
Safety Ratings and Features
Rest assured: The Rolls-Royce Ghost has your best interests at heart. A full suite of active safety tech comes standard, including automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, and a head-up display. Although the Ghost hasn't been crash tested by federal or independent testers, its sheer mass ought to be reassuring for its passengers.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Like any Rolls-Royce, the Ghost feels palatial inside. Rear passengers have 42.3 inches of room to stretch out, which is already generous.
If that's not enough, the Ghost is available with an extended wheelbase that adds an extra 6.7 inches of room. Owners who spend most of their time in the back seat may appreciate the space, although they'll have to pony up an extra $50,000.
Cargo capacity checks in at 17.3 cubic feet. That's less than you'll find in a Phantom or Cullinan but significantly more than in a Bentley Flying Spur.
Technology
Every 2024 Rolls-Royce Ghost gets a 12.3-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Navigation, a head-up display, and an 18-speaker sound system are also standard. All that's left to add is the rear-seat entertainment system.
Trim Levels
The Ghost comes in three flavors: base, Extended, and Black Badge. Features are equivalent between the three. Instead, the upper trims modify the base trim for extra space or performance. The Extended trim adds legroom for second-row passengers, while Black Badge models boost the powertrain and tune for a more responsive drive.
None come cheap. Even the cheapest Ghost starts north of $350,000, and fully loaded models come within shouting distance of a half million. The Black Badge's performance modifications don't suit the Ghost's stately personality, so we'd stick to the base or Extended trims.
