electric cars

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost: An Escape from the World

Posted on by Emma Collins

It wasn’t a particularly auspicious day to drive the all-new 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost. Recently, I’d received some disappointing news, and while not life-threatening, it was certainly a downer. The assignment was to find a humorous angle for the Ghost test-drive, but humor felt elusive. My initial drive the previous week had highlighted flaws, a tendency to project personal moods onto the vehicle. The new Rolls-Royce Ghost, however, seemed to anticipate my melancholic state, sitting low on its air suspension as if brooding on my behalf. Rolls-Royce aimed for a more understated presence with the Ghost, featuring a less prominent grille, more conventionally proportioned headlights, and smoother lines. Unlike the commanding stance of the Phantom or the assertive presence of the Cullinan SUV, the Ghost adopts a distinctly more subdued persona. It’s the royal family member who, while still royalty, doesn’t necessarily flaunt it.

Escaping the Mundane in the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Pulling on the substantial, front half of the unique, Siamese-style door handles, I was met with the stark brilliance of Arctic White leather, chosen to complement the Ghost’s English White exterior paint. A delicate, bluish-turquoise pinstripe, hand-painted along the flanks, was subtly echoed in the interior trim. The floor mats, described by me as “shag carpet” but corrected to “lambswool” by the Rolls-Royce representative, added a touch of plushness. Notably, the upholstery eschewed the quilted stitching often found in competitors like Bentley, a design element that has even appeared in unexpected places like the new Nissan Sentra.

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Sinking into the seats, I searched for the door handle, only to realize its absence. A switch on the center console operated the door, a convenience befitting a vehicle costing $428,000. The door swung shut silently, effectively isolating me from the outside world. Gazing around the cabin, enveloped in white leather and the luxurious lambswool carpets, my mind conjured the first jest of the review: “Help, I’m trapped in Sammy Davis Jr.’s living room!” In truth, it felt more akin to an isolation chamber. The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost provided a sense of numbness, a welcome absence of external stimuli.

Pressing the start button, the V-12 engine awakened with 563 horsepower, settling into a rapid idle. Despite the exquisite details—the open-pore wood, the ornate clock, the Starlight headliner with its randomly placed shooting stars—my spirits remained subdued. The intricate starscape above the glovebox, a feat involving six panes of glass and 90,000 etchings, is a detail often highlighted in automotive reviews. Yet, this magnificent car was mine for the next 72 hours, a rare privilege. The question lingered: why wasn’t I more excited? Perhaps this immersive tranquility was precisely what was needed.

The Ultimate Smooth Experience: Driving the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Engaging Drive required pulling the slim shift stalk forward and down, reminiscent of vintage American sedans. The 5,500-pound behemoth of German engineering and British luxury began to move. The initial impression was one of immense presence, despite its comparatively restrained dimensions within the all luxury car brands name lineup. A brief drive in a Mercedes-Benz A-Class later that day made the Ghost feel like its change purse in comparison.

The most striking characteristic was the unparalleled smoothness. Every element of the car exuded refinement, even the digital gauge animations, which were so fluid they mimicked physical needles. The barely perceptible vibration from the cold engine and the seamless, almost imperceptible transmission shifts were remarkable. The engine would cut power momentarily, yet the surge of acceleration remained uninterrupted—a testament to Rolls-Royce’s engineering prowess.

The ride quality was not entirely free of road imperfections; rather, the air suspension masterfully enveloped each bump in a layer of silk before it reached the cabin. The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost glided down the road, its gentle pitching motion akin to a boat on calm waters. While the engine’s sound was audible during acceleration, the cabin became as silent as an electric vehicle once cruising speed was reached. The steering, light enough to be operated with a single finger, offered minimal feedback, echoing the effortless driving experience of classic luxury cars but with significantly improved directional precision.

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A standout technological feature was the camera system that scanned the road ahead, preemptively adjusting the suspension. Observing other vehicles jarring over road imperfections, I braced for a similar reaction from the Ghost. Instead, I detected only a fleeting stiffening of the suspension, just enough to absorb the impact smoothly, much like an outfielder catching a fly ball. This system ensured that occupants of the famous expensive car brands experienced unparalleled comfort, a stark contrast to the jolts endured by those in less sophisticated vehicles.

Conclusion: A Sanctuary on Wheels

The 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost excels at providing an unparalleled sanctuary from the outside world. Its understated elegance, combined with a supremely comfortable and quiet ride, creates an environment of serene isolation. While my initial mood may have cast a shadow, the Ghost’s inherent qualities—its refined engineering, luxurious appointments, and advanced technology—ultimately offered a welcome escape. This vehicle is more than just transportation; it’s a statement of quiet luxury and a testament to the art of automotive refinement.

For those seeking an automotive experience that prioritizes tranquility and exquisite comfort, the 2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost stands in a class of its own.

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Emma Collins