Ultra luxury automotive craftsmanship now has a new chapter in India with the arrival of the Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II. This iteration of the brand’s iconic design language refines it with cutting edge technology and bespoke features all priced from Rs 8.95 crore (ex-showroom). The Ghost Series II has three variants for discerning buyers looking for unparalleled comfort, performance and exclusivity including the adrenaline fueled Black Badge edition. In this article, we will see its design evolution, engineering marvels, which will help it rule in the growing luxury market of India.
1. What is in store with the Rolls Royce Ghost Series II?
The Ghost Series II takes it a step further from its predecessor, with a few subtle but impactful changes. There is now a redesigned Pantheon grille with 22 LEDs illuminating, and headlight clusters with sharper daytime running lights (DRLs). Modern without spoiling the timelessness of the car, the 22-inch 9-spoke alloy wheels and a revised front bumper ensure the car remains contemporary.
Rolls-Royce’s Planar Suspension System, which underpins these changes, scans the road with satellite aided transmission systems and changes the damping in real time. It also provides for a “magic carpet ride” but this time, over uneven surfaces. Refinement has been improved so that the eight liter, twin turbocharged V12 remains, although for near silent acceleration, but is no longer emitting 563 hp and 850 Nm of torque.
2. How Our Exterior Styling Evolved?
The Ghost Series II retains its “post-opulent” design philosophy, favoring minimalist elegance over ostentation. Restrained opulence is highlighted by key elements such as the illuminated grille, LED tail lights and chrome accents. With an extended wheelbase, the rear doors are extended by 170 mm to provide more rear legroom for chauffeur driven clients.
Also, bespoke 22-inch wheels, a blacked out Spirit of Ecstasy figurine, and carbon fiber trim take a darker turn for Black Badge models. Additional power to the tune of 20 hp and recalibrated transmission give the Mach 1 better throttle response.
3. What Technologies Power the Ghost Series II?
All variants are powered by a 6.75 liter twin turbocharged V12 engine with an 8 speed automatic transmission. The standard Ghost Series II makes 563 hp, though Black Badge bumps that to 592 hp. The car weighs 2,500 kg curb, accelerates from 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and is governed at 250 km/h.
In the city traffic, with the help of rear wheel steering and all wheel drive, the car is very agile, but with its Planar suspension, the car doesn’t roll over when cornering. Owners can also further adjust driving dynamics through the Spirit digital interface which can be set to ‘Effortless’ or ‘Bold’ modes.
4. Black Badge Ghost Series II: Is It Worth the Premium?
Priced at Rs 10.52 crore (ex-showroom), the Black Badge Ghost Series II has been designed for the driver who needs a sportier experience. Apart from its power boost, the car also comes with lowered suspension, high performance brakes and a bespoke exhaust system. On the cabin side, the wood veneers are replaced by carbon fiber and Alcantara, whereas the starlight headliner also includes a shooting star motif.
This is Rolls-Royce’s attempt at appealing to younger buyers who are seeking to drive themselves. However, purists will prefer the standard Ghost Series II’s serene driving character and its starting price of Rs 8.95 crore.
5. Interior Luxury: What Makes the Cabin a Sanctuary?
Step inside and the Ghost Series II immerses its occupants in hand stitched leather, open pore wood and cold to touch metal surfaces. The Spirit operating system is controlled using a rotary controller while the instrument cluster is redesigned to include a fully digital cluster. The massaging seats in the rear seat also have a champagne cooler, and a picnic table deploys at the touch of a button.
For the extended wheelbase variant, Rolls Royce offers lounge seating with an ability to recline to 40 degrees. Owners can pre set cabin temperatures, ambient lighting, as well as send destinations on the navigation system remotely with the “Whispers” app.
6. Technology upgrades: How does it remain connected?
Rolls-Royce’s latest Spirit 3.0 interface offers a 12.3-inch touchscreen, augmented reality navigation, and swiping through the infotainment’s menus. It comes with 18-speakers Bespoke Audio System by Klipsch that delivers concert hall acoustics, and 5G connectivity to support over the air updates.
The Black Badge variant also gets a driver focused head up display that projects speed, navigation and performance information on the windshield. All of the models offer a valet mode that restricts speed and access to personal data while the car is parked.
7. Who Is Extended Wheelbase Variant For?
Executives and dignitaries who wish to focus on the rear seat comfort are catered to by extended Ghost Series II (Rs 10.19 crore). Added legroom, along with optional privacy partitions and refrigerators, make the cabin into a mobile office. Noise canceling curtains, air purification systems as well as the Serenity Package (noise canceling curtains and air purification systems) are also available from Rolls Royce.
Strong demand for this variant has existed in Delhi and Chennai with chauffeur driven luxury being a status symbol. According to dealers, almost 40 percent of Ghost Series II orders are for the extended model.
8. The pricing breakdown: Rs 8.95 Crore and above.
- Standard Ghost Series II: Rs 8.95 crore
- Extended Wheelbase: Rs 10.19 crore
- Black Badge Ghost Series II: Rs 10.52 crore
The prices above are ex-showroom and don’t include the huge price increase (up to 30 percent) associated with Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke customization program. Popular add ons include personalized tread plates, embroidered head rests and the option to have the paint of the car matched to a client’s existing accessories.
9. Market Strategy: Why India?
India’s luxury market is expanding at the rate of almost a third (29 percent) by 2024, driven largely by young entrepreneurial and legacy wealth, remarks Rolls Royce Motor Cars’ Asia Pacific director, Irene Nikkein. Since the launch of Ghost Series II, footfall at the brand’s dealerships in New Delhi and Chennai has grown by 25 percent.
Indian buyers care more about rearseat comfort and choice of colors compared to European markets. In response, Rolls-Royce has suggested regional features such as dust proof upholstery and improved cooling systems.
10. What do Buyers Get for Ownership Experience?
Membership to the Whispers app is included with the purchase of a Ghost Series II, offering VIP events, private jet partnerships and a 24/7 concierge. In addition, owners have a dedicated service liaison and their first five years of maintenance are complimentary.
Rolls Royce’s Bespoke Collective will design the marque’s only one-off elements. Like a dashboard inlay made from a customer’s vintage watch or a starlight headliner corresponding to their date of birth.
Key Takeaways
- There are three variants in total of Rolls Royce Ghost Series II – standard, extended and Black Badge, which starts at Rs 8.95 crore onwards.
Revisions of design consist of an illuminated grille, 22-inch wheels and a reworked cabin with the … latest connectivity features.
The Black Badge Ghost Series II, priced at Rs 10.52 crore, comes with a darker styling and improved performance for thrill seeking buyers.
Rolls-Royce is focusing on India’s luxury market growth, with Chennai and Delhi showrooms leading sales. - It includes bespoke customization, 5 year maintenance and access to the exclusive Whispers app.
Rolls-Royce starts a new chapter of tradition with innovation with the Ghost Series II — reaffirming its place as the leader in the ultra-luxury segment in India.
