Few names in the automotive world evoke as much admiration and respect as Rolls-Royce. Founded in 1906 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce, the brand has become the gold standard for luxury cars. Over the past century, Rolls-Royce has produced some of the most iconic and luxurious vehicles the world has ever seen. Known for their opulence, unrivaled craftsmanship, and smooth rides, Rolls-Royce cars are more than just modes of transportation—they are symbols of success, elegance, and bespoke luxury.
This blog delves into the best Rolls-Royce models that have defined the brand’s legacy. Each car in this list offers unique features, cutting-edge technology, and breathtaking aesthetics that make it an epitome of automotive excellence.
1. Rolls-Royce Phantom
First Introduced: 1925
Current Generation: 8th Generation (since 2017)
Notable Models: Phantom Series I-VII, Phantom Drophead Coupé, Phantom Extended Wheelbase
The Rolls-Royce Phantom is undoubtedly the flagship model of the brand. First introduced in 1925, the Phantom quickly established itself as one of the most luxurious cars in the world. The current 8th-generation Phantom, introduced in 2017, continues that tradition with its state-of-the-art features and unparalleled craftsmanship.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Phantom is powered by a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 563 horsepower, allowing the car to glide effortlessly despite its substantial weight.
- Luxury: The interior is customizable through Rolls-Royce’s Bespoke Program, allowing clients to select from a wide range of high-end materials, including custom leathers, rare woods, and fine metals.
- Technology: The Phantom features the “Gallery,” a customizable art display inside the dashboard. Additionally, it offers advanced driver assistance systems and a starlight headliner, which uses fiber optics to create a night-sky effect on the car’s ceiling.
- Performance: Despite its size, the Phantom offers an incredibly smooth and serene ride, thanks to its advanced air suspension and soundproofing.
The Rolls-Royce Phantom remains the quintessential luxury sedan, blending tradition with modernity, making it the choice of dignitaries, celebrities, and business tycoons alike.
2. Rolls-Royce Ghost
First Introduced: 2009
Current Generation: Second Generation (since 2020)
Notable Models: Ghost Series I, Ghost Series II, Ghost Extended
The Rolls-Royce Ghost was first introduced in 2009 as a more “accessible” alternative to the Phantom. However, despite being slightly smaller and more affordable, the Ghost is still a Rolls-Royce through and through, offering a level of luxury and craftsmanship that far exceeds other brands.
Key Features:
- Engine: Like the Phantom, the Ghost is equipped with a 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 engine, producing 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque.
- Luxury: The Ghost features a minimalist yet sophisticated interior, with a focus on calm, uncluttered design. Rolls-Royce describes the Ghost’s design philosophy as “Post Opulence,” emphasizing a sense of subtle elegance.
- Technology: One of the standout features of the Ghost is its Planar Suspension System, which ensures an even smoother ride by anticipating road conditions and adjusting accordingly.
- Performance: The Ghost offers a more driver-oriented experience compared to the Phantom, with a lighter chassis and improved handling, making it ideal for owners who enjoy being behind the wheel.
The Ghost has quickly become one of the most popular models in the Rolls-Royce lineup, appealing to younger, more dynamic buyers without compromising on the brand’s heritage of luxury.
3. Rolls-Royce Wraith
First Introduced: 2013
Notable Models: Wraith Black Badge, Wraith Kryptos Collection
The Rolls-Royce Wraith is a grand touring coupe that combines power and luxury in a way few cars can match. With its sleek fastback design and performance-oriented features, the Wraith is a model that appeals to those who crave both elegance and excitement.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Wraith is powered by a 6.6-liter V12 engine that produces 624 horsepower, making it one of the most powerful Rolls-Royce models ever produced.
- Luxury: Inside, the Wraith offers the same level of customization and opulence as other Rolls-Royce models, with high-quality leather, wood veneers, and even the famous starlight headliner.
- Performance: Despite its size and weight, the Wraith accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, offering a surprisingly nimble and exhilarating driving experience.
- Black Badge: The Wraith is available in a Black Badge variant, which adds a sportier look and feel to the car. Black Badge models come with darker exterior accents, upgraded performance, and a more dynamic driving experience.
The Wraith is the perfect Rolls-Royce for those who want a grand tourer that can deliver both performance and the highest level of luxury.
4. Rolls-Royce Dawn
First Introduced: 2015
Notable Models: Dawn Black Badge, Dawn Silver Bullet Collection
For those who seek open-top luxury, the Rolls-Royce Dawn is an ideal choice. A convertible version of the Wraith, the Dawn offers the same performance and luxury, with the added appeal of wind-in-your-hair driving.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Dawn shares the Wraith’s 6.6-liter V12 engine, delivering 563 horsepower and a top speed of 155 mph.
- Luxury: The Dawn’s interior is an exquisite combination of luxury and comfort, with customizable options for leather upholstery, wood veneers, and metal accents. The car’s folding soft-top roof operates in near silence, a feature Rolls-Royce describes as the “Silent Ballet.”
- Performance: Despite being a convertible, the Dawn maintains a quiet, comfortable ride with minimal wind or road noise, thanks to advanced soundproofing technologies.
- Exclusivity: Rolls-Royce regularly releases limited-edition models of the Dawn, such as the Silver Bullet Collection, a two-seater version that offers even greater exclusivity.
The Dawn is a car for those who enjoy the finer things in life and prefer to do so under the open sky, making it one of the most elegant convertibles on the market today.
5. Rolls-Royce Cullinan
First Introduced: 2018
Notable Models: Cullinan Black Badge
Named after the largest diamond ever discovered, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan is the brand’s first-ever SUV. It brings the signature Rolls-Royce luxury to a new segment, combining off-road capability with unparalleled comfort and sophistication.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Cullinan is powered by a 6.75-liter V12 engine that delivers 563 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, ensuring smooth power delivery both on and off-road.
- Luxury: Inside, the Cullinan offers an exquisite cabin that feels more like a high-end lounge than an SUV interior. Features include rear seats that can recline, fold-out picnic tables, and a refrigerator. The cargo area can also be customized with Viewing Seats, which fold out for impromptu outdoor seating.
- Off-Road Capability: While it may seem counterintuitive for a Rolls-Royce to venture off-road, the Cullinan is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system and an Off-Road mode, allowing it to tackle rough terrain with ease while still maintaining a smooth, comfortable ride.
- Black Badge: Like the Wraith and Dawn, the Cullinan is also available in a Black Badge variant, which adds a more aggressive design and enhanced performance.
The Cullinan redefines luxury in the SUV market, offering everything a Rolls-Royce should—opulence, comfort, and style—while adding a level of practicality that makes it ideal for everyday use or off-the-beaten-path adventures.
6. Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost
First Introduced: 1906
Notable Models: Silver Ghost 40/50 HP, 2018 Silver Ghost Collection
The Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost holds a special place in the history of the brand. First introduced in 1906, it earned a reputation for being one of the most reliable and luxurious cars of its time. In fact, one Silver Ghost, dubbed AX201, was driven over 14,000 miles without any mechanical issues, cementing Rolls-Royce’s status as the manufacturer of “the best car in the world.”
Key Features:
- Legacy: The Silver Ghost was powered by a 7.0-liter inline-six engine that was considered revolutionary for its time. The car’s combination of power, reliability, and comfort made it a favorite among the aristocracy.
- Luxury: Early Silver Ghost models featured luxurious interiors with polished wood, leather upholstery, and silver-plated fittings.
- Modern Homage: In 2018, Rolls-Royce released the Silver Ghost Collection, a limited-edition modern Phantom inspired by the original. This model featured exclusive details such as a Solid Silver Spirit of Ecstasy and specially commissioned Hallmark Axles.
The Silver Ghost remains a testament to Rolls-Royce’s commitment to excellence, a legacy that continues to influence the brand’s cars today.
7. **Rolls
-Royce Corniche**
First Introduced: 1971
Notable Models: Corniche Convertible, Corniche V
The Rolls-Royce Corniche is one of the brand’s most iconic models, blending the elegance of a coupe with the open-air experience of a convertible. First introduced in 1971, the Corniche remained in production for over three decades, making it one of Rolls-Royce’s most enduring models.
Key Features:
- Engine: The Corniche was powered by a 6.75-liter V8 engine, offering smooth performance that matched its luxurious image.
- Luxury: The Corniche featured a hand-crafted interior with plush leather seats, wood trim, and the option for a folding soft-top roof.
- Legacy: The Corniche became a symbol of 1970s and 1980s luxury, often seen in the driveways of celebrities, royalty, and affluent collectors.
- Final Edition: The final version of the Corniche, produced in 2000, featured even more luxurious appointments, with improvements in both performance and technology.
The Corniche remains one of Rolls-Royce’s most beloved models, capturing the essence of classic luxury and timeless style.
8. Rolls-Royce 20/25
First Introduced: 1929
Notable Models: 20/25 HP
The Rolls-Royce 20/25 was a mid-size luxury car designed for owners who preferred to drive themselves rather than be chauffeured. Produced between 1929 and 1936, the 20/25 combined the elegance of Rolls-Royce with the practicality of a smaller, more manageable car.
Key Features:
- Engine: The 20/25 was powered by a 3.7-liter inline-six engine, offering a smooth and refined driving experience.
- Luxury: Like all Rolls-Royces, the 20/25 featured a luxurious interior with high-quality materials and customizable options.
- Popularity: The 20/25 was one of the most popular Rolls-Royce models of the 1930s, and many were fitted with custom coachwork by leading bodybuilders of the time.
The 20/25 helped solidify Rolls-Royce’s reputation for offering luxury cars that catered to both drivers and passengers, making it an important part of the brand’s history.
Thoughts on The Best Rolls-Royce Car Models: A Journey Through Timeless Luxury
Over the years, Rolls-Royce has produced some of the most exquisite and revered cars in the world. From the timeless elegance of the Phantom to the contemporary luxury of the Cullinan, each model offers a unique combination of performance, craftsmanship, and comfort that defines the Rolls-Royce brand.
Whether you’re looking for a driver-focused grand tourer like the Wraith or an opulent sedan like the Phantom, Rolls-Royce cars are built to provide an unrivaled experience. As the brand continues to innovate and expand into new segments, such as electric vehicles and SUVs, Rolls-Royce remains the benchmark for what a luxury car should be: bespoke, refined, and unforgettable.
