Rolls-Royce Ghost EWB
We've driven the stretched version of the ‘baby’ Rolls. Is it better than a Phantom?
The Ghost EWB probably isn’t for Rolls buyers who don’t envy their chauffeur’s position behind the wheel. It provides the same fabulously comfortable rear seats as the standard model, as well as all the impeccable luxury of the polished wood tables, lambswool rugs, TV screens and individual climate controls. But despite the extra length and weight, the driver’s seat remains the best place to be.
Luxury giant Rolls-Royce has big plans for its ‘entry-level’ limo, the Ghost, including a Coupe and Drophead cabrio. But for now, it’s launched this stretched version.
The new Ghost Extended Wheelbase, or EWB, is 170mm longer than the standard car and gets twice as much rear legroom. Even with the front seats in their rearmost position, there’s 330mm of leg space in the back, so the tallest passengers can stretch out in comfort. And the sense of room is further enhanced by the standard panoramic sunroof.
Although the EWB debuted at April’s Shanghai Motor Show, and is aimed at Asian markets – where length of stretch reflects passenger status – it retains the Ghost’s focus as the driver’s Rolls.
Every effort has been made to ensure that the extra bodywork and weight (only 30kg more than the regular car) haven’t affected the experience; the idea is that the chauffeur hands back the keys at the weekend so the owner can have some fun behind the wheel. Rolls claims this is an increasingly popular usage pattern in Asia.
Whoever is driving, the new model is an elegant piece of work that leaves the Ghost’s graceful proportions intact. Unless you look closely, or have the standard car on hand for comparison, it’s hard to detect the extra length. The way to tell the difference is to look at the rear doors, which are now 35mm longer than the fronts.
No changes have been made to the drivetrain or chassis, so it’s the same mighty 563bhp 6.6-litre V12 powering the rear wheels through an eight-speed auto, plus air-suspension with electronically adaptive damping.
Okay, you don’t get the same uncanny sense of isolation from the outside world as in the bigger Phantom, but maybe that’s a good thing. There’s a little more road noise and tyre thump, plus greater steering feel – all the better to exploit the unlikely acceleration (0-62mph takes 4.9 seconds) and the surprising tenacity and control of the chassis through corners.
As long as you keep things neat and smooth at the wheel, the Ghost EWB will respond in kind. All gain and no pain, then – just as Rolls-Royce intended.
