The Rolls-Royce Phantom has been updated, though the changes are subtle and will depend heavily on the buyer’s personal taste.
The Rolls-Royce flagship sedan arrived in its current form in 2017 as a 2018 model. The updated version, known as the Series II, is expected to go on sale later this year as the 2023 model.
Exterior changes are limited to a revised grille, with a new accent line running across the top and a lighting system to make the grille stand out at night. Buyers can also opt for a shade chrome pack that keeps the grille and other exterior accents darker.
There are small laser-cut bezels around the headlight which when illuminated look like distant stars. It is a nice addition to the popular Starlight headliners found inside many modern Rolls-Royces. Buyers will also have new wheel patterns to choose from, including a 3D-milled design with triangular facets, or a retro disc design mimicking the wheels used on a 1920s Rolls-Royce.
The changes inside are even more subtle. The rim of the steering wheel is slightly thicker, and there’s a new connectivity feature that enables owners to connect to their vehicle via the Rolls-Royce Whisper app. This makes it easy to send navigation details to the vehicle using a smartphone, and owners can also get key vehicle details such as the vehicle’s location, safety status, and maintenance needs.
There is also a wide range of customization options for the cabin, which Rolls-Royce has highlighted with its own curated special edition known as the Phantom Platino. It has various fabric surfaces, as well as 3D-printed ceramic accents, and of course, real wood.
No changes have been announced for the powertrain, which makes sense given that the 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V-12 was fairly new compared to the V-12 powering the latest Phantom. The engine produces 563 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, with drive sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic.
Rolls-Royce is expected to offer an electric Phantom, though that likely won’t happen until Rolls-Royce gets any closer to its goal of becoming a full-electric brand by 2030. Rolls-Royce’s first electric vehicle will be a massive coupe called the Specter. It uses the same aluminum space-frame platform found in all contemporary Rolls-Royces and will begin sales next year.
