Since we were first introduced to the concept of the most sporting Rolls-Royce, ever, it seemed a bit optimistic. That's because it's a Rolls-Royce.
As Top Gear's James May puts it, everything about the vehicle's performance is supposed to be an orchestral experience. A roller is supposed to waft you along in complete comfort. Something we're not sure a 6.6-liter V12 can do.
Autocar recently plunged into the Wraith's deep-pile carpets to find out what the deal is.
What is it?
Search the price lists for £235,000, 5.3-metre long coupes and you’ll find the Rolls-Royce Wraith is a unique proposition. Saloon cars of the Rolls-Royce Ghost’s stature are few and far between in the first instance. Coupes based on them, like the Wraith, fewer still....
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But look at the figures: length, 5269mm; width, 1947mm; weight, 2435kg. It’s no FF. Yes, the engine makes 624bhp, but it’s ostensibly the same unit as used in the Ghost, which means it’s a stroked version of an already large BMW V12, enlarged to some 6.6-litres and equipped with two turbos. There’s only so much dynamism you can have with those numbers...
Should I buy one?
You might well. The Wraith is epitomised by some of its systems, like the navigation-led gearbox selection: that’s there to help you along, to make life easier, without being a pest...
Though it seems Autocar genuinely liked the Rolls-Royce Wraith, if you read between the lines and attentively it's pretty clear what the pub actually thinks of the vehicle. Essentially it's a new-age Rolls. It's largely a BMW 7-Series with some components masked and others not so much. It's not all that dynamic; however, it's more sporting than your typical Rolls-Royce.
If you want a proper Rolls you should probably focus on the Phantom, if you want a sportier ride, perhaps a 7-Series is a wiser choice provided you're not looking to drop jaws whether that's at the club or country club.
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