It may be the Rolls-Royce of Rolls-Royces.
The venerable British automaker has been known for representing the pinnacle of luxury since as early 1907 when the British magazine Autocar dubbed Rolls-Royce the "best car in the world."
And the media and luxury car collectors just keep enforcing that belief.
Take, for instance, the 2023 Phantom Series II, which Car & Driver dubbed “the pinnacle of luxury.”
Or as Rolls-Royce describes the aura around this car:
“Self-evidently, there is no such thing as a ‘typical’ Phantom client. Spanning the ‘poles of luxury’, they may be ever-younger or older, modern or traditional, self-made or from long-established wealth. Their commissions reflect a full spectrum of interests and influences. At one extreme, Phantom takes on a subversive, almost rebellious character–youthful, dynamic and daring. On the other, Phantom transforms into an ode to luxury grandeur and timelessness.”
The Phantom is in fact the flagship Rolls-Royce and has been since 1925.
Now in its eighth generation, it’s the longest continuously running nameplate in the automotive industry.
Rolls-Royce chose to unveil the new series II recently on the winding roads of France’s Côte d’Azur, deputing 10 individual cars.
It may be the perfect backdrop for the Phantom Series II, in all its singular expressions and possessing its own flowing, streamlined beauty.
Many have called the Rolls-Royce automobiles rolling works of art and it is the Cote d’Azur where Picasso, Matisse, Chagall, and many other artists drew inspiration from the incredible natural landscape.
Sophie Weekes, the Bespoke Lead on Series II, explains it this way:
“Each of these ‘10 Exemplars’ (of the Phantom Series II) exudes its own distinctive character. Our designers work with clients to develop a deep knowledge and understanding of our customers' personality and then express that through their commission.”
The Rolls-Royce is therefore the perfect automotive canvas on which an owner can create a masterpiece that reflects the owner’s personality and preferences.
Take, for instance, the “Iconoclast,” one of the 10 debut examples of the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II unveiled at the French Riviera recently. The radiant interior was actually designed to play off of the lights of nearby Monte Carlo.
Customization is just part of what is special about the Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II, which incorporates “the most subtle aesthetic and technological enhancements that reflect the input of clients.”
There have been subtle overall changes. For instance, for 2023 a polished horizontal line connects the daytime running lights above the iconic Pantheon Grille. And the “RR” badge and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament are now more prominent. Polished exterior brightwork is a sought-after feature of the Phantom design, but now the grille and exterior trim are also available in darkened chrome.
Felix Kibertus, Rolls-Royce’s head of exterior design, says he took a “holistic approach to the lighting.”
“The grille itself is now illuminated, while the headlights are graced with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights, creating a visual connection with the Starlight Headliner inside. This concept which we call ‘light touch’ adds further surprise and delight to Phantom’s nighttime presence, and we see tremendous opportunities to continue to push our creative ideas.”
The new Phantom's profile picks up on the formal proportions of every Phantom throughout the ages. There’s short front and long rear overhangs - and a long wheelbase in between those two features. And that wheelbase can become even longer with the Phantom Extended, the logical choice for owners who want to be driven by a chauffeur.
With the Phantom Extended, a high shoulder and wide C-pillars provide privacy for rear-seat occupants.
It's rare to find a place where you can really let go - an inner-scape of calm where you can enter into a tranquil realm. And the 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II Extended offers you just that.
It’s not only considered by Rolls-Royce to be the greatest automobile in the world, but it's also effortlessly poised and immaculately composed to give you the extra space within which to experience that greatness and ultimate luxury.
Inside its spacious rear cabin, you can melt into a tranquil haven that is yours — and yours alone. It’s one where you can experience the luxury of absolute privacy thanks to the Rolls-Royce Privacy Suite that transforms the rear cabin into a secluded sanctuary for undisturbed enjoyment.
The greatness is in the details - inside and out. Take, for instance, the newly available 22-inch disc-style wheels inspired by iconic 1920s Rolls-Royce models. Available in polished stainless steel or gloss black they are sure to be one of the many features that turn heads everywhere you travel in this great car. Also available: a geometric seven-spoke wheel design that is milled via 3D technology from stainless steel. Additionally, the 2023 Phantom Series II's grille is illuminated and reworked with a new horizontal chrome top. The grille surround, hood trim, and windshield surround – as well as the side window trim – are all available in a newly optional darkened chrome. Also new: the famed Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament is now more prominent on the front. Inside, it’s a world of luxury of only the finest leathers, veneers, and finishes.
A single panel of glass spans the entire fascia to house a unique Gallery displaying bespoke artwork of your choice. And it’s the quietest Rolls-Royce ever made – a sanctuary of peace and tranquility where you can let your mind drift or enjoy a quiet conversation. And there’s plenty of room to stretch out and unwind.
Because the Phantom Extended sets the standard for roominess, giving you an extra 8.6 inches of Phantom and plenty of legroom. Powered by a 563-hp twin-turbo V-12 paired with an eight-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive, you can accelerate from zero to 60 in 5.15 seconds and reach a top speed of 155 mph. The world needs icons. It needs people like you who stand clear of the rest and rewrite the rules. For these individuals who inspire greatness, only an automotive icon will suffice.
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