If Rajneesh, aka Osho, had the pleasure of owning 93 Rolls-Royce cars, here’s your chance to slide into one of its newest iterations. For connoisseurs of the finest luxury automobiles, the highly anticipated Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II has officially arrived in India. This update is tipped to be the most technologically advanced model in the Rolls-Royce lineup, offering an exhilarating “driver-focussed V12” engine that promises to redefine the ultimate luxury driving experience, the company claims.

When the original Ghost was launched in 2009, it was affectionately dubbed the “Baby Rolls-Royce”. Known for being a more modern and refined expression of ‘subtle’ luxury, the Ghost was designed to appeal to a younger, more understated audience, offering both cutting-edge technology and remarkable craftsmanship. In 2020, the Ghost underwent a significant upgrade, with the second-generation car emerging as a redefined masterpiece that further amplified both creative and technological advancements. The Series II, now unveiled in India as part of its global launch, is a further evolution that incorporates a wealth of enhancements, showcasing Rolls-Royce’s commitment to continuous perfection.

Aptly named the Ghost, the car barely makes any noise because it’s known to be equipped with 200 pounds of sound-dampening materials; and it is synonymous with silent luxury. While you recline yourself in the back seat, you barely hear anything that’s going on outside. That said, the car also has heated seats with massage features; 22-inch custom-made alloy wheels with the RR logo in the centre that stands upright when the wheels are in motion; bright, colourful interiors with hand-crafted leather, lacquer and metal; a star-studded roof with occasional shooting stars flying across; and of course the ‘effortless doors’ that open and shut with the touch of a button.

The Series II features bold new exterior styling that gracefully builds upon the Ghost’s foundational design. At its core is a refined driving experience, centred around the 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine and eight-speed gearbox. This high-performance vehicle is paired with Rolls-Royce’s Planar Suspension System, Flagbearer, and Satellite Aided Transmission, all of which ensure an unmatched level of precision and comfort for the discerning driver. These systems are designed to enhance the Ghost’s handling capabilities, making it one of the most responsive and driver-focussed vehicles in the luxury segment.

Irene Nikkein, Regional Director for Asia-Pacific at Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, says the company’s clients appreciate the Ghost’s handling capabilities and its potential for Bespoke personalisation. “The Ghost Series II remains faithful to its principles, yet it elevates every aspect of its presence,” she said. According to her, this version of the Ghost is the perfect luxury vehicle for those who appreciate the art of driving and seek a true touring machine, capable of extraordinary performance and style.

The Ghost’s Central Information Display incorporates the marque’s advanced SPIRIT operating system. This lets customers extend their Bespoke commission from hardware to software as the colour of the digital instrument dials can now be tailored to complement the interior palette or exterior finish. SPIRIT also integrates Whispers, the Rolls-Royce private members application, allowing owners to send destinations directly to their motor car, view its location, and manage vehicle locking remotely.

Besides the base model, Rolls-Royce is offering two other variants of the Ghost Series II: the Ghost Extended and the Black Badge Ghost Series II, providing further options for customers who seek additional space or a more personalised, high-performance experience.

The Black Badge Ghost Series II, being the top-end version, lets customers personalise several things. “I love driving myself and that’s one of the reasons I went for this model over the Phantom, which is a giant,” says Venu Gopalakrishnan, Founder and CEO of Kochi-based Litmus7 Systems Consulting, who has booked for this model and is awaiting delivery. “It’s kind of peppy and stylish and one can do a lot of customisations like the double-tone colour seats, lambswool floor mats, pinstripes applied to wheel centre, illuminated badge and fascia and much more which I opted for.”

While the pricing of a Rolls-Royce is dependent on the specifications/customisations a customer wants, the ex-showroom prices in India start at ₹8.95 crore for the Ghost Series II; ₹10.19 crore for the Ghost Extended Series II; and ₹10.53 crore for the Black Badge Ghost Series II.

The demand for Rolls-Royce in India continues to soar, with the luxury brand’s market growing by nearly a third in 2024. Nikkein anticipates that Indian customers will be eager to commission even more ambitious and Bespoke creations, solidifying the Ghost’s place as a symbol of refined wealth and craftsmanship.

Globally, Rolls-Royce has long been the vehicle of choice for the rich and famous, with celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Simon Cowell, and Gwen Stefani among those who have embraced the brand’s signature elegance and power. In India, the affluent have similarly embraced Rolls-Royce as a mark of distinction and taste. Bollywood celebrities, too, have added their names to the list of Rolls-Royce owners, with Amitabh Bachchan receiving a Phantom gifted by director Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and stars like Shah Rukh Khan, Akshay Kumar, and Ajay Devgan opting for the majestic Phantom models. The Ambanis own a Cullinan, while Priyanka Chopra, Sanjay Dutt and Hrithik Roshan are among those with a Ghost.