Rolls-Royce Ghost

Every Ghost car sold in India is powered by a 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine. In Standard and Extended forms, it delivers 563 hp and 820 Nm, with the Black Badge tune delivering 591hp and 900Nm. Power is delivered to all four wheels, and it is supported by all-wheel steering.

On Indian roads, the Ghost feels deceptively calm. Acceleration to 100 km/h in less than five seconds happens without drama, noise, or effort. The Planar Suspension and Flagbearer system actively smooths out broken surfaces, leaving poor tarmac almost irrelevant. The trade-off is size. While more agile than the Phantom, it still demands respect in narrow lanes and tight ramps. This powertrain is for owners who want silent authority rather than overt performance theatrics.

Each Ghost variant is based on a different lifestyle, rather than the number of features.

Ghost Standard Wheelbase

This is the most rounded version of the Rolls-Royce Ghost. With a slightly shorter body and the same V12 powertrain, it is much easier to place on Indian roads. Owners who like to drive themselves will appreciate the steering response and the reduction in bulk (particularly in the cities). At the same time, the rear seat still provides the calm, insulated experience of a Rolls-Royce Ghost car.

Ghost Extended Wheelbase

The Extended Wheelbase is all about the comfort of the rear seat. The additional 170mm of legroom alters the feel of the back seat, providing occupants with room to stretch out, recline and work in near silence. This variant is suited to mostly chauffeur-driven buyers.

Ghost Black Badge

The Ghost Black Badge is the most expressive version of the range. With more power, faster responses and darker exterior and interior detail, it is more assertive from behind the wheel. It is targeted at buyers who want their Rolls-Royce Ghost to feel modern and confident, but not to cross over into overt sportiness.

Ghost mileage is not the focus, although expectations are predictable. ARAI-certified figures are between 6.3 and 7.1 kmpl. In real-world driving in the city, owners can expect 3.5 to 4.8 kmpl and relaxed highway cruising can return as much as 8.5 kmpl. The Black Badge normally uses a little more fuel when driven enthusiastically. With an 82 litre fuel tank capacity, 350 to 400 km is typically the range for refuelling distances.

The Series II Ghost has a monolithic, understated look. The lighted Pantheon grille is at the center, but detailing is held back. Slimmer headlights and Spectre-inspired tail lamps bring a touch of modernity to the design without necessitating any modifications to its instantly recognisable Rolls-Royce personality.

Large 22-inch wheels, coach doors and subtle surface detailing give the Ghost scale without excess. On the roads of India, its width is noticeable, but the clean design helps it not feel so imposing, like a Phantom in everyday use.

Inside the Ghost is designed as a calmed controlled space and not a showcase. The illuminated fascia, Starlight headliner and Duality Twill fabric bring in craftsmanship without visual overload.

The SPIRIT operating system enables digital dials to be colour-matched to the cabin and Whispers app integration enables remote vehicle functions. Seating comfort is outstanding specially the Extended Wheelbase with reclining Serenity seats and massage functions. This is a cabin for long hours, whether working, resting, or being quietly transported across the city.

Safety in the Ghost is part of the experience without being very noticeable. The aluminium spaceframe gives structural strength and multiple airbags provide protection for all occupants. Level-2 ADAS features include night vision, adaptive cruise control, lane assistance and autonomous emergency braking. A 360-degree camera and all-wheel steering are useful in India, making manoeuvring this large sedan much less stressful than expected.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost occupies a special place. Compared to the Bentley Flying Spur, it is more about ride comfort than sporty engagement. Against the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, it has more exclusivity and bespoke depth. Buyers choose the Ghost not for value comparisons, but for its balance of modern luxury, craftsmanship and daily usability at the ultra-luxury level.

Here's a quick look at where the Rolls-Royce Ghost excels, and where ownership requires compromise.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost makes sense for those who want the full Rolls-Royce experience, but don't want to commit to the sheer scale of the Phantom. It offers a rare balance of presence, comfort and drivability, making it more usable for daily drives in Indian cities. Owners who like to drive themselves will find the Standard Wheelbase particularly rewarding, while chauffeur-driven buyers will gravitate towards the Extended version for its rear seat space.

But do keep in mind that this is not a rational purchase in the conventional sense. Fuel costs, size and attention are realities that one must accept. If your priority is modern luxury with minimum fuss, then there are other luxury alternatives like the Maybach. But, if you are looking for craftsmanship, calm and status in a more contemporary form, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is one of the most complete luxury cars you can purchase in India.