Rolls-Royce has finally updated the eighth-gen Phantom after five long years. The automaker has mentioned that the changes to the updated model are based on inputs from its clients. They “implored Rolls-Royce not to make any major changes to an already iconic motor car”. This is a clear indication that the 2023 Phantom doesn’t come with a whole lot of changes. In fact, Rolls-Royce doesn’t even call it a facelift. It has been labeled as a ‘new expression’.
What's New for the 2023 Rolls-Royce Phantom Series II?
On the outside, it is pretty much the same as the outgoing model, except for a few changes. You get a new polished horizontal line between the DRLs above the now-illuminated Pantheon grille.
If you observe closely, you’ll also notice a very subtle geometric change to this grille to make the Spirit of Ecstasy badge even more prominent. This certainly differentiates it from the model that’s been the same since 2017. If that doesn’t help, then the headlights with intricate laser-cut bezel starlights that, on levels, mimic the starlight headliner inside the cabin, should do the trick.
The other prominent change includes a new set of 3D, milled, stainless steel wheels with triangular facets. This can be commissioned in either a fully or part-polished finish. Should you need some more exclusivity, you can even opt for the elegant disc wheel, something that was present on the Rolls-Royce models of yore. This disc wheel is produced in polished stainless steel and black lacquer.
The automaker has even given dark treatment to some of the elements, based on the feedback of its clients. This includes a darkened chrome grille surround, black bonnet reins, windscreen surround, and side frame finishers. These are optional and don’t come as standard.
Coming to the changes on the inside, Rolls-Royce has made the steering wheel slightly thicker. The automaker noted that owners now wish to drive the car themselves, so paying attention to the littlest of things like the thickness of the steering wheel is what Rolls Royce did. Clients who will choose to be chauffeur-driven might be better off with the Extended model.
The updated Phantom is graced with a lot of tech features. The company has debuted ‘Rolls-Royce Connected’ here. You can use the ‘Whispers’ app to send a location to the car directly. It can even be used to display the car’s location, security status, and current 'health' condition.
And, as is with every uber-luxury manufacturer, Rolls-Royce, too, offers a ton of customization options via the Rolls-Royce Bespoke Collective. With this Phantom, the brand has come up with Phantom Platino, a range of trim offerings, basically. Here, the front seats are upholstered in fine leather, and the rear seats are in fabric made from bamboo and cotton.
Apart from all this, you also get the signature Starlight Headliner and a dashboard clock with a 3D-printed ceramic surround.
It will continue to be powered by the same 6.7-liter, twin-turbo V-12 engine that puts out 563 horses at 5,000 rpm and 664 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm. An eight-speed automatic gearbox powers the wheels.
Final Thoughts
As Rolls-Royce put it, the Phantom update is not about what should be changed but is about what should be preserved and protected. There’s no word on the pricing yet, but the facelift Phantom; I mean, the new-expression Phantom, will certainly be more expensive than the outgoing model. The current model starts at around $460,000 for the standard version and around $550,000 for the extended wheelbase model.