2005 Rolls Royce Phantom Review

Specifications

More Options for More Money

If old-world luxury is what you want, Rolls Royce is the company of choice. The luxury marques lavishly appointed Phantom sets new standards in chassis, suspension, and engine technology without leaving behind the desired classic appearance.

As one of the most expensive vehicles currently on the market, clients expect the best from the British manufacturer, and Rolls continues to delivery by broadening the options list on the Phantom for 2005.

Up front and in back, Rolls Royce puts forth several high-end features, adding customization by offering an additional pallet of lavish materials to furnish the interior. Take for example the three spokes on the thin-rimmed steering wheel; they can be accented with wood for a mere $600. If a customer should so desire additional veneer on the dashboards lower surfaces, as well as on the ventilation console for the rear passengers, the cost has been set at $1,100. Customers can select from the highest grades of glossy Birds Eye Maple, Burr Walnut, Elm Cluster, Figured Mahogany or Oak Burr.

Near the top of the options list is a perforated leather headliner. At $1,700, it replaces the sumptuous standard wool/cashmere fabric. As a note, rival Bentley already offers a perforated leather roofliner as standard equipment on its Arnage T.

Also, for the first time buyers can fit their new Phantom with a tilt/slide sunroof. Its one of the most expensive additions on the list, topping the price chart at a whopping $3,300. Operated by overhead-mounted violin key buttons, it features tinted privacy glass with a retractable shutter. While the price tags on such items may drop jaws, its important to remember that without them, customers would need to order a custom-built Rolls, which could cost tens of thousands more.

Imelda Marcos is no doubt paying attention, as the Flying Ladys footwear can be upgraded to 21-inch alloy wheels, featuring a design which first appeared on the 100 EX Concept (see concept archives), wrapped in runflat WR-rated Goodyear 255/50 rubber up front and wider 285/45 performance tires in back. This wheel and tire package will set a Phantom buyer back $3,000. Chromed wheel centers are an additional $600. The new wheel and tire package is a bit intriguing as the Phantoms standard-equipment wheels measure larger at 22 inches, plus feature a mechanism to ensure that the Rolls Royce badging at center will always remain upright when the car comes to a stop.

Three new exterior colors are now available as a brochure option as opposed to custom-order for 2005, including Silver Mono, Platinum Mono, and Arctic White. To complement the exterior, Rolls Royce has added six new interior color schemes, which include Seashell Mono, Tan Mono, Light Grey Mono, Blue Grey Mono, Seashell and Black. These colors apply to the seating surfaces, roof liner, door panels, dashboards and carpets, ensuring perfect color coordination.

The 2005 Phantom carries forward its current BMW-sourced powertrain, which is a 453 horsepower 6.7-liter, 48-valve, DOHC V12 delivering 551 lb-ft of torque, allowing 5.8 second sprints to 60 mph and a top speed limited to 150 mph.

Despite its sophisticated 6-speed transmission regular Phantoms arent exactly environmentally friendly, gulping gasoline at a gluttonous rate. Driving in the city will yield 10 mpg while cruising on the highway is much more efficient at 21 mpg. Truly, at the Phantoms lofty price cost doesnt really enter the fuel economy equation, only environmental concerns.

The Phantoms additional options do not arrive without impacting the cars overall base price. Rolls Royce has adjusted pricing in all markets, upping the list price of the Phantom by an average of 1.8 percent. Broken down, this makes up for a 1.2 percent increase to E323,700 for European markets, and a hefty 2.7 percent increase to $328,750 in the USA. Its highly unlikely that the price increase will cause a Rolls Royce buyer to shop elsewhere, as buyers in this market are less price sensitive and more brand loyal than entry-level buyers.