A vast, ornate and stylized expression of opulence, class and taste, the modern Rolls Royce retains the hallmark comfort, grandeur and extravagance of the ultra-luxury British brand and re-interprets them faithfully for the 21
st Century. One of four derivatives of the premium super-luxury Phantom line, the Coupe’s sheer body, engine size, rich appointment, serene on-road experience, and role as a two-door version of the usually chauffeured four-door Phantom, makes it the ultimate expression of personal luxury.
Long regarded as a lifestyle experience or indulgent asset ultra-wealthy clients procure like a yacht or ski cabin, a Rolls Royce has few automotive competitors and is often judged by different parameters. The Phantom Coupe is a more unique proposition, with only the Bentley Brooklands or top-end Mercedes-Benz CL-Class models as possible alternatives. However, while the CL-Class meets similar automotive criteria, its contemporary corporate design isn’t nearly as haughty, dramatic, pampering or exclusive, and while the Brooklands may have more torque, but is based on an aging pre-BMW Rolls Royce design on its last legs, and lacks the Phantom Coupe’s stark statement and cutting edge style.
A magnificently stylized and contemporary design that brilliantly weds the brash, blocky and upright design language popularly associated with the brand, to more subtly flowing and elegant curvature, the Phantom Coupe is topped off with sparse flourishes of ostentatious embellishment. Developed under BMW ownership, the Phantom Coupe’s dimensions reflect a Bavarian sensibility, with a short front overhang, long wheelbase and somewhat long rear overhang, which together works to improve driving dynamics, balance, handling and boot space. Tall, long and wide, the Phantom Coupe’s gigantic dimensions make compact crossover SUVs seem like family hatchbacks, but bestow upon the driver a regally high and alert driving position.
With a high waistline and low glasshouse, with a contrast between pillar-less side windows and a huge rear-pillar, the Phantom Coupe has great and imposing presence, which is boldest from front views. Using contrasting shapes and sizes for its fascia, the Phantom Coupe’s huge and very upright polished grille features a retractable and ornate Spirit of Ecstasy statuette elegantly straddled atop. Slim running lights also sit juxtaposed to big round headlights while a luxuriously long bonnet leads to a windshield frame with small triangular side windows – The Phantom Coupe’s sense of occasion and opulence can be enhanced with an optional bare stainless steel bonnet and windscreen frame combo.
Utilizing a subtle ridge at the side of the fascia like the classic Rolls Royce Corniche, the Phantom Coupe’s long flanks are characterized by a light penned L-shape character line and sexy rear-swinging ‘suicide’ doors, while a gentle curve over the rear wheel-arch leads to a modestly tapered in and sloped boot. With huge 21-inch alloy wheels, the Phantom Coupe’s wheel-arches are filled in nicely and look proportioned to its 5609mm length and 1592mm height. With its wider front track and bold fascia, the Phantom Coupe looks imposing from front, while from rear views are subtly athletic and elegant.
A sumptuously appointed luxury coupe with sublime ride, the Phantom Coupe promotes a gentle, indulgent and elegant driving style like one adopts to impress a lady friend. Keeping in theme, the Phantom Coupe’s rear-swinging doors seem to have been designed to allow elegant cabin ingress, while the theatrics and unconventionality of the door swing, length and weight also prompt one to open and close them for companions of the fairer sex. Once inside there is acres of front space, where is seating high and upright for an alert dining table position with improved visibility for cornering. Rear space, is also good, with the thick rear pillars bestowing a private and exclusive ambiance.
A sumptuous feast of finest luscious leathers, woods and chrome, the Phantom Coupe’s rich interior is uncompromisingly luxurious and radiates old world charm that hides modern technology. With no visible plastics, Phantom Coupe passengers only touch the finest materials, while a rotating analogue clock panel reveals an intuitive infotainment unit controlled from a hidden dial. Elegant climate controls match round ‘eyeball’ vents with organ-stop controls. With a traditional absence of speedometer, the Phantom Coupe instead has a power reserve dial, which approximates engine speed. The Phantom Coupe’s un-hurried and gentlemanly ambiance is reflected by low-set steering grip moulds and no manual gear selection. An optional fiber-optic lit ‘starry sky’ roof adds to night time ambient lighting.
Powering the Phantom Coupe’s statuesque frame is a super-smooth BMW-developed V12 engine enlarged to Rolls’ traditional 6.75-liter displacement and re-tuned for creamy delivery and huge low-end torque to achieve the required and effortless wafting sensation. Thoroughly modern, the Phantom Coupe’s 48-valve DOHC direct injection V12 hums at whispering volume as it propels 2590kg of unrivalled personal luxury to 100km/h in a sensational yet near silent 5.8-seconds and to an electronically-governed 250km/h maximum. Though tasked with a hefty load, the Phantom Coupe’s prodigious engine rarely needs to be taken by the scruff into high revs, but rather feels amply motivated from tickover, with 75% of its maximum torque available at 1000rpm and 531lb/ft peaking at 3500rpm.
With long throttle travel and vast torque, the Phantom Coupe is a smooth and elegant drive, while its six-speed auto gearbox makes seamlessly shifts, and features a more responsive ‘sport’ setting. Gliding through town or motorway, there’s little evidence of combustion under the hood until a stab at the throttle elicits an urgent increase of velocity, and wells power to 453BHP at 5350rpm. Responsive, progressive and ample, the Phantom Coupe’s engine provides muscular fluidity and better efficiency than rival Bentley Brooklands’ traditional Rolls 6.75 V8. Efficiency being relative, the Phantom Coupe is still thirsty, requiring 6.7-liters 98RON fuel and emitting 377g/km CO2 emissions on the combined cycle – However, if necessary, can use low octane 91RON fuel.
While its’ amply powerful engine and tall top gear allow the Phantom to cruise at 160km/h using just 10% of its power, its ride characteristics are equally serene and laid back. Seeming to float when cruising, the Phantom Coupe is the ultimate boulevardier, soaking up bumps and cracks with a suppleness belying its huge low profile 255/50R21 front and 285/45R21 rear tires. With its wafting ride best enjoyed in front, the Phantom Coupe delivers a pampering and relaxing driving experience that isolates the rough edges of real world road and noises. Swiftly gliding on tarmac, the Phantom Coupe’s driving experience is one that takes a couple of days to adjust to
A refined and most automotive pleasure, the Phantom Coupe’s ample charms and gilded and cosseting cabin and ride characteristics are not fully appreciated from a first drive but have an underlying complexity of flavor and style that becomes an acquired taste after a couple of days driving, not unlike a taste for fois gras, Cohibas or single malt Scotch is developed. Initially the Phantom Coupe seems distant, soft, disconnected with over-assisted steering. However, living with the Phantom for a few days one adapts to its magnificently indulgent nature and becomes enamored of its haughty and indulgent waft, and a countryside drive, makes one appreciate that masked under layers of Rolls Royce sumptuousness lies confident BMW handling.
On snaking country roads, the Phantom Coupe leans somewhat on corners but settles in confidently when outside wheels are loaded, and remains balanced with firm rear grip. The Phantom Coupe’s suspension, configuration and weight distribution provide handling precision, poise, grip, balance and fluidity belying its weight and sumptuously supple ride, while turn-in and cornering lines are precise with front wheels with front wheels resolutely dug in to tarmac.
After acquiring a taste for the Phantom Coupe’ serenely swooshing ride and light but accurate steering, developing an instinct for its proportions is next. When moving, the Phantom Coupe’s high seats provide good road views, but parking in tight London streets can be nerve racking, owing to its huge dimensions, long and high bonnet, tight rear windscreen, thick rear pillars, and highly cautious parking sensors, until one establishes a instinct for its sumptuous proportions.
Rolls Royce Phantom Coupe
- Engine: 6.75-liter, in-line V12-cylinders
- Valve-train: 48-valve, DOHC, direct injection
- Bore x stroke: 92 x 84.6mm
- Compression ratio: 11:1
- Gearbox: 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel-drive
- Gear ratios: 1st 4.171:1; 2nd 2.34:1; 3rd 1.521:1; 4th 1.143:1; 5th 0.867:1; 6th 0.691:1
- Reverse / final drive ratios: 3.403:1 / 3.46:1
- Power, BHP (PS) [Kw]: 453 (460) [338] @ 5,350rpm
- Specific power: 67.1BHP/liter
- Power-to-weight ratio: 175BHP/ton
- Torque lb/ft (Nm): 531 (720) 3,500rpm
- Specific torque: 106.6Nm/liter
- 0-100 km/h: 5.8-seconds
- Maximum speed: 250km/h (governed)
- Fuel requirement: 98 RON (minimum 91RON)
- Fuel consumption, urban / extra-urban / combined: 23.2 / 11.3 / 15.7 liters/100km
- CO2 emissions, combined: 377g/km
- Length: 5,609mm
- Width: 1,987mm
- Height: 1,592mm
- Wheelbase: 3,320mm
- Track, F/R: 1,687 / 1,671mm
- Headroom, F/R: 981 / 942mm
- Shoulder room, F/R: 1,491 / 1,298mm
- Elbow room, F/R: 1,562 / 1,266mm
- Aerodynamic drag co-efficient: 0.36
- Luggage capacity (DIN): 395-liters
- Unladen weight, DIN: 2,590kg
- Gross vehicle weight: 3,050kg
- Payload: 460kg
- Fuel capacity: 100-liters
- Brakes, F/R: Ventilated discs, 374mm / 370mm
- Steering: Variable power assistance, rack & pinion
- Turning circle: 13.1-meters
- Tires, F/R: 255/50R21 / 285/45R21
- Price, UK: £310,000
Revised recently, the Peugeot RCZ’s re-worked front fascia and bumper assembly ditched the black emblem background and the huge gaping front grille for a more delineated grille and lower air intake with a body colour strip between. The Vertical running lights are replaced by horizontal ones that are incorporated within the edge of the lower intake segment. Low and wide with huge 235/40R19 footwear filling in its toned arches and lithe athletic body, the RCZ looks purposeful and distinctive, while its gracefully arced and flowing roofline – with contrasting silhouette colour and black top – lends a certain sense of classy yet wholly contemporary and cosmopolitan chic.
Though low-slung and sporty in dimensions, the RCZ’s ‘double bubble’ roof – reminiscent of classic Zagato designs – provides terrific front headspace, even for taller drivers, and help offset the drastically low roof angle at the rear. Versatile, comfortable and supportive, the RCZ’s front seats and reach and rake adjustable steering allow a good driving position, while shoulder width is suitable for larger occupants. Despite the low roof and rakish pillars, one found the RCZ’s cabin airy and front and side visibility good when driving through corners. More suitable for small adults and children for longer journeys, the RCZ’s rear seats were more practical and accommodating than anticipated.
Elegant, smart and classy inside, the RCZ feels a notch above expectations inside, with piano black centre console trim, lashings of tasteful metallic fittings and good finishing and upholstery. Instruments are large and readable, while infotainment, vehicle and climate control functions are ergonomic and user-friendly. A round vent, clock and instrument motif dominates the leather bound dash, while and flip-up sat-nav screen is well placed and sized so as to be clear but not obstructive. A well-packaged car given its size and low roof arrangement, the RCZ’s boot opening is large but high, but the optional full-size spare wheel did reduce its otherwise generous size.
Powered by a versatile and punchy 1.6-litre direct injection turbocharged engine, tuned to develop 154BHP at 5800rpm and 180lb/ft torque throughout 1400-4500rpm in service in the entry-level model, the RCZ THP156 dashes to 100km/h in 9-seconds and tops out at 212km/h, in automatic gearbox guise. More important than the headline figures is the THP156 auto’s on-the-move flexibility. With ample maximum torque over a broad mid-range band, the RCZ THP156 feels lively and responsive when overtaking or joining a fast highway. Spooling up swiftly with little turbo lag and generous across-the-range torque the THP156 is also versatile and peppy in town.
Smooth and willing, the THP156 accelerates confidently with a gutsy snarl as one gives it full throttle. Though not as quick as the more powerful THP200 and upcoming RCZ-R versions, which use more highly tuned 197BHP and 266BHP versions of this engine, the THP156’s charm lies in the fact that one gets to wring it harder with higher revs and wider throttle positions and so engages more with the engine’s characteristics on public roads. Quicker, crisper and smoother than expected, the six-speed gearbox was also sportier and more responsive to manually-actuated shift inputs than expected, while a tall top gear allows for smooth and efficient highway cruising.
A smooth, stable and confident highway cruiser and long-distance driver, the RCZ THP156 feels planted at speed and rebounds in tight and buttoned down manner over sudden dips, crests or textural changes. Riding on massive alloy wheels with wide low profile tires, the RCZ is firm on the ground and features tidy and composed body control through both fast sweeping bends and tight corners alike. However, while it may ride on the firm side, it didn’t feel jarring on test drive, while noise, vibration and harshness was well isolated and cabin and ride refinement were good. In town the compact RCZ is maneuverable.
With hot hatch-like underpinnings the RCZ feels eager and nippy while its pinned-down composure RCZ is that of a more mature, refined and well-sorted front-drive sports coupe. Turning in tidily, the RCZ’ front wheel grip is however excellent. Steering is precise and feels well-weighted and quick for a sporty drive along winding lanes, while feel and feedback is balanced between being sporty and eager to complement its cornering agility and stable and reassuring for high speed driving. Launching off the line the RCZ THP156’s driven front tires traction is high, while through corners it is noted for its tenacious and vice-like grip and road-holding.
Specifications: Peugeot RCZ THP156 (auto)
At over 4.8-meters the Mercedes E-Class is a large car but with its good visibility and very tight turning steering, is surprisingly maneuverable in confined town conditions, and is able to perform single-point u-turns better than many smaller cars. With its long wheelbase and wide track, the E200 has a big footprint and is in its element on the highway where it rides with the assured directional stability and firm yet pliant and planted nature of a true Autobahn-cruncher. A smooth riding executive motor, the E200 Elegance enjoys more pliant suspension and tires than its sport package derivatives, and is so supple and forgiving over road imperfections and bumps, while interior noise, vibration and harshness suppression is excellent.
Given that the E200 CGI Elegance is the more comfort oriented version and that the sport versions are already supple, the tested version was quite adept at tacking tight winding country lanes, with its steering accurate and with a good level of feedback for sharp turn-ins. Displaying good front grip, the E200 turns in sharply and precisely, while its rear end has a high grip threshold when loaded with lateral acceleration. Though its softer springing means the Elegance can lean in more than the Sport package version and thus theoretically less susceptible to over-steer, one found that its thinner 225/55R16 tires compensated with a lower – but still confidently high – grip level.
For such a large, wide and not insubstantially heavy 1615kg executive car designed to comfort and pamper, the E200 CGI Elegance also proved to be adept at being hustled through sharp snaking roads at a swift pace, with its steering, grip and balanced chassis gelling together for confident and reassuringly poised experience, despite more body lean than sportier versions. At its best through fast sweeping corners, the E200 Elegance was remarkably grippy and stable, while at low speed, while the trick to mastering the E200 through fast sharp corners is to brake and shift down before a corner, and only re-apply power smoothly by the apex, so as to not un-stick its rear wheels and set-off its zealous electronic stability controls.
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