2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom Review

　　

2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom Review

byMichael CantuCorrespondent

　　Michael Cantu has worked in the automotive industry since 2014. He has written over 800 car-related articles and tested and reviewed over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Michael is a contributor at zzdcar and has also contributed to MotorTrend, Digital Trends and InsideEVs. Michael was featured on a few InsideEVs YouTube channel videos on the topic of electric vehicles. Michael was a MotorTrend Car of the Year judge for 2019 and was a driver in MotorTrend's World's Greatest Drag Races 7 & 8.

　　The 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom is a full-size luxury sedan that provides an almost endless amount of unmatched comfort and luxury. It's the brand's flagship model and it's unlike anything else in the market. The Phantom's many one-of-a-kind features, extensive customization options and unsurpassed build quality help justify the sky-high price tag. This vehicle is not designed to be driven by the wealthy elite of the world, but instead, to be chauffeured in.

　　

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom 4dr Sedan (6.7L 12cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.78 per gallon for premium unleaded in North Dakota.

Monthly estimates based on costs in North Dakota

　　$312/mo  for Phantom Base

　　Phantom Base

　　4dr Sedan (6.7L 12cyl Turbo 8A) - $458,000 MSRPEWB 4dr Sedan (6.7L 12cyl Turbo 8A) (Most Popular) - $538,000 MSRP

　　vs

　　$197/mo

　　Avg. Large Car

　　There aren't any significant updates for 2021. But as is typically the case, the luxury automaker has created some one-off models and a limited-production series. One-off models include the Koa Phantom, which incorporates Koa wood, a rare tree species only found on the Hawaiian islands, and the Phantom Oribe, a Phantom designed in collaboration with Hermès. The Phantom Tempus Collection is limited to 20 examples and has a design that Rolls-Royce was inspired by "time, astronomical phenomena and the infinite reaches of the universe." So, yeah, try to top that.

　　A few other automakers do try. The Bentley Flying Spur is the Phantom's closest rival, and it offers similar levels of comfort, luxury and customization. Another is the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, although it's not as exclusive as the Phantom. There's appeal to all three cars, but there's no debating that the Phantom is one of the most extravagant production vehicles in the world.

　　

Which Phantom does zzdcar recommend?

The Rolls-Royce Phantom isn't like most vehicles and doesn't come in different trim levels. Instead, it's offered in standard and extended-wheelbase (EWB) lengths. Considering that the Phantom costs about half a million, why not opt for the utmost comfort with the EWB model? It offers a significant increase in rear seat legroom, the part of the cabin where most owners will be sitting. For additional privacy, add the optional rear compartment curtains, and for more tech, get the Driver Assistance package, which adds adaptive cruise control.

　　

2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom models

The 2021 Rolls-Royce Phantom is offered in two variants: the standard Phantom and the extended wheelbase (EWB). Both are powered by a turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 engine (563 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque). An eight-speed transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

　　The standard Phantom and EWB models are generally appointed with the same features. These include:

　　21-inch wheels Adaptive air suspension that adjusts to road conditions Power-closing doors with concealed umbrellas Front and rear parking sensors (alert you to obstacles that may not be visible in front of or behind the vehicle when parking) Leather headliner with starlight-like illumination Heated and ventilated front seats with massage functions Rear bench seat 10.25-inch central display Digital instrument cluster Navigation system Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield) 16-speaker audio system Adaptive headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves) Surround-view camera system (gives you a top-down view of the Phantom and its surroundings for tight parking situations) A suite of advanced safety features: Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios) Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane) Blind-spot monitor (alerts you if a vehicle in the next lane over is in your blind spot) Packaged options include:

　　Driver Assistance Systems package (standard on the EWB model) Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front) Night vision (displays an infrared image of the area in front of the vehicle to assist while driving at night) Rear Theatre Configuration Two rear electronically deployable 12-inch screens Phantom package includes the Driver Assistance Systems package, plus: 22-inch wheels Rear elevating footrests Rear seat curtains Wider outboard seats Rolls-Royce monograms on all headrests The Phantom also offers several different types of wood for veneer and Canadel paneling. Veneers can be extended to other parts of the interior. There is also a choice of Gallery (dashboard) design, clock design, doorsill engraving, and trunk interior color.

　　Besides the bespoke options offered to all buyers, the numerous stand-alone options include:

　　Solid silver, gold-plated or carbon-fiber Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament Ventilated and massaging rear seats Two rear fold-out tables Rear elevating footrests Lambswool floor mats Embossed headrests Rear cooler with two Champagne flutes 18-speaker audio system Rear headrest cushions Shooting star headliner Phantom Suite (limousine-like separate rear cabin with electrochromic privacy glass and an intercom system)

　　

2021 Phantom Highlights

Trim: BaseEWBBase

　　

Base MSRP	$458,000
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	14 MPG
Cost to Drive	$312/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	19.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / unlimited miles