The Rolls-Royce Ghost is the “smaller” Rolls-Royce sedan, introduced in 2009 as a slightly more compact, more driver-friendly companion to the Phantom. It became the best-selling Rolls-Royce of its era. The second-generation Ghost arrived in 2020 with all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering and a deliberately understated “post-opulent” design, and it was updated as Ghost Series II in 2024. It is offered in standard and Extended wheelbase versions — the latter designed for owners who are driven.

Ghost at a glance
Introduced 2009
Generations Two (2009, 2020); Series II update 2024
Engine 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 (second generation)
Drive All-wheel drive with all-wheel steering (second generation)
Versions Ghost, Ghost Extended, Black Badge Ghost

The name

The Ghost name honours the Silver Ghost of 1907, the car that established Rolls-Royce’s reputation. Read the Silver Ghost story.

First generation (2009–2020)

BMW-era Rolls-Royce wanted a car below the Phantom that could reach new customers without diluting the brand. The first Ghost shared some engineering with the BMW 7 Series of the time, but had its own body, interior and a twin-turbocharged V12. It kept Rolls-Royce signatures — rear-hinged coach doors, the Spirit of Ecstasy, umbrellas in the doors — in a package that was easier to drive and park. It was a big commercial success, and the Wraith coupé and Dawn convertible were derived from it.

Second generation (2020–today)

The current Ghost moved to Rolls-Royce’s own aluminium Architecture of Luxury, shared with the Phantom and Cullinan. Key features:

  • All-wheel drive and all-wheel steering for stability and maneuverability.
  • Planar suspension, combining a camera that reads the road ahead with a special damper system above the front suspension to deliver the brand’s “Magic Carpet Ride”.
  • A cabin tuned for silence, with more than 100 kg of acoustic insulation, including in the tyres.
  • The Illuminated Fascia, a starry display of tiny lights across the passenger side of the dashboard.

Rolls-Royce described the design as “post-opulent” — fewer lines, less chrome, and luxury expressed through materials and craftsmanship rather than decoration.

Ghost vs Phantom

The Phantom is larger, taller and more formal, with a higher seating position and the Gallery dashboard. The Ghost is sleeker and more personal, often driven by its owner — though the Ghost Extended adds legroom for the rear. Compare it with its Mercedes rival in Maybach vs Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Black Badge

Black Badge is Rolls-Royce’s darker, more powerful sub-brand, with blacked-out chrome, more power and a sportier character — aimed at younger clients.

Chauffeured Ghosts

A Ghost Extended makes a superb wedding or special-event car. For day-to-day executive travel in New York and New Jersey, most chauffeured services use the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, which offers comparable rear-seat comfort and discretion.