by Aiden Eksteen
A phantom is defined as either a ghost or a figment of the imagination. As a genuine work of art that instills both shock and awe into the very few that get to witness its extraordinary bearing, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom illustrates both of those interpretations precisely. A finely crafted 563-horsepower turbo V12 engine has the first-class 4-door sedan perform with the potency and quietness of an assassin while its deluxe appearance, sublime handling and ride quality, and lavish cabin place it in a class all its own. As pleasant as it may be to drive, owners of the 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom will more likely be taking in the extravagance of its interior whilst relaxing in the utterly sumptuous back seat. All the most modern comforts, conveniences, and tech are there, but Rolls-Royce offers extensive customization options for those who want an even more bespoke experience. Coming in at nearly $500,000, it's difficult to review the 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom alongside any direct competitors on the US car market. But if you're throwing around that kind of money, you could possibly consider other ultra-high-end cruisers such as the Rolls-Royce Ghost, Bentley Flying Spur, and, if you want to spend substantially less, the Mercedes-Maybach S.
A car as close to perfection as the Phantom doesn't require a significant number of enhancements and alterations each year to maintain its appeal. As a result, the sedan rolls into the 2021 model year without any major updates.
See trim levels and configurations:
Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drivetrain | Price (MSRP) |
---|---|---|---|---|
Phantom |
6.8L Twin-Turbo V12 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$458,000 |
Phantom Extended |
6.8L Twin-Turbo V12 Gas
|
8-Speed Automatic
|
Rear-Wheel Drive
|
$538,000 |
Rolls-Royce presents the 2021 Phantom sedan with an all-powerful 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged gas V12 that churns out up to 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque. It's the only powertrain offered for the Phantom and comes mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drivetrain. Performance-wise, the Phantom's powertrain is a work of art. It imbues the large and hefty sedan with authoritative yet controlled acceleration responses, all while operating in near silence. Plenty of low-down torque courtesy of the twin turbochargers means that acceleration starts the second your foot touches the pedal and remains strong as you approach blistering top speeds. The ZF transmission is poised and decisive no matter the speed, and shifts are almost imperceptibly smooth.
NHTSA safety ratings are not available at this time.
With a $458,000 starting price, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom sedan has got to be a whole lot more than just a good sedan. From how it performs on the road to how it accommodates its occupants, the Rolls needs to impress not just those who seek to buy it, but anyone lucky enough to behold its presence. If there is anything one could criticize the Phantom for, it's the polarizing design. The Phantom is Rolls-Royce's flagship full-size sedan and as such, it bears a very distinct, extravagant, and time-honored design that encompasses and represents the brand. If that's why you're here, then we're sure that the 2021 Phantom won't fail to impress in any way. The authoritative V12 engine under the hood supports its effortless and serene driving character, which is further augmented by its heavenly suspension setup and thoroughly insulated cabin. The eighth-generation Phantom sedan is more engaging and quieter than its impressive predecessor. Rolls-Royce has also seamlessly integrated high-tech comforts, conveniences, and tech features into the Phantom's classical interior. It's an excruciatingly expensive car and one that's difficult to justify to any non-millionaire, but it's a one-of-a-kind luxury sedan that delivers an experience unparalleled by its contemporaries.
You're about to drop half a mil on a vehicle, so you shouldn't for anything less than what you want. While there are just two trim levels, both are near-infinitely customizable, so if we were to recommend a direction, we'd go for the Phantom Extended and opt-in the shooting star headliner and privacy suite cabin partition for a genuinely opulent rear-passenger experience. If you have this much money to spend on a car, you're probably not going to be driving it and would prefer to enjoy the journey to whichever other luxury destination you're headed. So with that in mind, we'd also opt-in the fixed rear center console for whatever goodies you're taking with you, the whiskey decanter, the cooled compartment, and massage seats. The bespoke 18-speaker Rolls-Royce audio system is also a great addition. No matter how you want it, you can depend on the tailored elegance and reliability of any Rolls Phantom.
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