It’s the essence of British luxury ... albeit now under the wing of Germany’s BMW Group.
For decades, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars and, in particular, its flagship Phantom model, have been synonymous with comfort, elegance, and status. One word you might not have used? Silent.
In August, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars took the wraps off the latest edition of the Phantom – the Phantom VII, the first overhaul of the car since 2003 and an attempt to bring innovation to a model that traces its history back to 1925.
The new model is based around what the manufacturer describes as the “Architecture of Luxury” – a revolutionary aluminium spaceframe that, along with a host of other technical innovations, ensures a smoother and quieter ride.
Indeed, the Phantom VIII has been dubbed the “the most silent motor car in the world” and Rolls-Royce Motors claims it is so quiet that, when engineers first tested the car, they had to check their sound instruments were calibrated correctly because they couldn’t believe the readings.
In the back, naturally, no luxury is spared. Theatre screens and picnic tables can be deployed from the back of the front seat, while a centre console houses whisky glasses, champagne flutes and a coolbox. Seating is available in a variety of configurations.
“Phantom is the epitome of effortless style, an historical nameplate that occupies a rarefied space in the luxury constellation and conjures a rare magic all of its own, said Giles Taylor, director of design.
“New Phantom raises a glass to an illustrious design legacy whilst forging a modern and revitalised presence for the next era of Rolls-Royce design.”
Rolls-Royce has dealerships in cities across the region, including Hong Kong and Singapore.
Of course, silent rides aren’t for everyone. If you like people to hear you coming, one promising new option is the MacLaren 570S Spider. The new Spider is a convertible, meaning you can feel the wind in your hair as you accelerate to 100km/h in just 3.2 seconds – assuming you can find somewhere to put your foot down in Asia’s congested cities.
