The finest life coaches often advise their pupils that we should compete against no one but ourselves, trying solely to be a better version of ourselves than we were yesterday. Similarly, at over $450,000, the Rolls-Royce Phantom seems to compete only with the previous Phantom. This is a very unique car that functions as a luxury sedan and a status symbol in equal measure. It pampers its passengers like no other vehicle, glides over the road with silky smoothness, appears as luxurious as it is, and now incorporates the newest driver-assist and entertainment systems. The driving experience has been improved over the previous Phantom; this current model is 10% quieter than its already silent predecessor (due to 330 pounds of sound insulation), while allowing a little more driver participation. Although it is not nearly as enjoyable to operate as the Bentley Flying Spur, the Phantom's feeling of occasion goes much deeper. It's tough to rationalize a car at this price point, but where words and reasoning fall short, the Phantom speaks for itself (or is that whispers?) by giving an unmatched level of tranquillity.
I leaped at the opportunity last year when I finally reached a stage in my life where I could buy one of these monstrosities. This is by far the greatest sedan I've ever owned, and I've owned a few (S600,750il,S55 to name a few) The Phantom is a magnitude superior. The primary thing that I'm still in awe of is the degree of comfort attained by Rolls with this vehicle. I almost fell asleep going down 95s in the middle of the day on a recent road trip to Miami. Leather is exquisite, as is the woodwork. While not as quick as the German V-12s, the vehicle is 1000 pounds heavier than the S600 and 760li. Regardless of the additional pounds, this vehicle is a fantastic screamer. It's fantastic! Continue reading
