2013 Rolls-Royce Phantom VI

The Rolls-Royce Phantom is an ultraluxury V-12-powered sedan available in regular- and long-wheelbase body styles. This posh vehicle blends British heritage with German components and technology, as the Rolls-Royce brand is owned by BMW. The Phantom competes with the Bentley Mulsanne and Maybach Type 57. The long-wheelbase model competes with the Maybach Type 62. The Phantom Coupe and Drophead Coupe (convertible) are covered in separate reports in the Cars.com Research section.

New for 2013
The Phantom lineup gets a new front bumper design for 2013 with standard LED headlights. Technology changes include an updated navigation system with 3-D map display and an updated camera system with top, rear and split-front views. There is also a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Exterior
The Phantom has a long hood with a short front overhang and long rear overhang. The traditionally styled front features an upright face with recessed, rectangular headlamps and prominently displayed fog lamps. The regular Phantom has an approximately 140-inch wheelbase and 229.7-inch overall length, and the extended model's dimensions are about 150 inches for the wheelbase and 239.5 inches overall. Exterior features include:

• 21-inch alloy wheels
• Dual stainless-steel exhaust
• Sunroof
• Electrically heated front windshield
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Auto-leveling headlamps
• Rear-hinged rear doors
• Synchronized wheel centers keep the Rolls-Royce badges on all four wheels upright at all times

Interior
The Phantom can comfortably seat five, or four if the optional rear bucket seats are chosen. To aid in safety, privacy and social interaction, backseat occupants sit far back in lounge-shaped seats alongside the rear pillars rather than next to the doors. Rear passengers can enjoy handcrafted folding tables and an available video system. Interior features include:

• Leather-trimmed seats and dash
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Genuine wood trim
• Navigation system
• Automatic dual climate control
• Heated front seats (heated rear seats optional)
• Refrigerated compartment in glove box

Under the HoodThe Phantom packs a V-12 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. Although it's no lightweight at more than 5,500 pounds, Rolls-Royce says the Phantom can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.7 seconds. Mechanical features include:

• 453-horsepower, 6.8-liter V-12 with 531 pounds-feet of torque
• Rear-wheel drive
• Adaptive suspension
• Run-flat tires

SafetySafety features include:

• Side-impact airbags
• Side curtain airbags
• Active front head restraints
• Antilock brakes
• Electronic stability system
• Traction control