2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost Review by Cars.com Staff

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Change

2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost

Starting MSRP $250,000–$290,000


Expert Reviews

By Cars.com Staff

Cars.com National March 23, 2012

Vehicle Overview

Although the Ghost is Rolls-Royce's smallest and least expensive sedan, the average bystander wouldn't think it. With a starting price of $250,000 and a twin-turbo V-12 under the hood, it competes with the likes of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur, or perhaps a well-accessorized Mercedes-Benz S65 AMG.

New for 2012

An extended-wheelbase version of the Ghost is newly available.

Exterior

Though stately by anyone's standards, the Ghost's lines are sleeker than the brand's larger, more upright Phantom sedan. The size comparisons, of course, are all relative: At 212.6 inches long, the regular-length Ghost stretches more than 10 inches past most minivans. Exterior features include:

  • Nineteen- and 20-inch wheels are available, with self-righting centerpieces that display Rolls-Royce's double-R logo right-side up no matter the position of the wheel
  • Retracting Spirit of Ecstasy statuette on the hood
  • Rear-hinged doors can power shut at the touch of a backseat button
  • Front doors have storage nooks with Teflon-coated umbrellas

Interior

Up front, the Ghost's dashboard is an imposing array of wood and chrome. There's an iDrive-like controller that shows the influence of Rolls-Royce owner BMW, but other similarities are few. Technological features include a navigation system with graphics similar to BMW's latest version of iDrive, a head-up display and a 16-speaker stereo with full USB/iPod integration. Interior features include:

  • Recessed backseat sits well behind the door openings, meaning many passengers would require a hand to make a graceful exit
  • Two- and three-seat rear configurations available
  • Both rows of seats feature leather from cows raised in fields free of barbed wire to minimize imperfections
  • Each car's wood inlays come from the same tree to ensure consistent coloration as the wood ages

Under the Hood

The Ghost's twin-turbocharged 6.6-liter V-12 makes 563 horsepower and 575 pounds-feet of torque. Working through an eight-speed automatic transmission, the engine can propel the car to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds, Rolls-Royce says. Other sedans may be quicker, but at nearly 5,500 pounds, the Ghost weighs nearly as much as some full-size SUVs. Mechanical features include:

  • Rear-wheel drive
  • Runs on premium gas

Safety

Safety features include:

  • Antilock brakes
  • Traction control
  • Electronic stability system
  • Side-impact and side curtain airbags

People Who Viewed This Car Also Viewed

Choose up to three models to compare to the 2012 Rolls-Royce Ghost.

Compare Side-by-Side
2014 Porsche Cayman

2014 Porsche Cayman

Starting MSRP
$52,600 - $63,800

 

Not Yet Rated

2013 Bentley Mulsanne

2013 Bentley Mulsanne

Starting MSRP
$296,000 - $296,000

2014 Bentley Continental GT

2014 Bentley Continental GT

Starting MSRP
$177,500 - $217,000

 

Not Yet Rated

Change Location

Closest Dealers Listing this Car in ZIP 20146

*Invoice prices are made available by Cars.com and are not dealer advertising. All prices are subject to regional variations. Prices last updated 9/23/10. Click here for more information.