What's it like driving around town in an RM1.65 million Rolls-Royce Ghost?

Back in March, the second-generation Rolls-Royce Ghost was launched right here in Malaysia. Coming in hot with two versions, we were given the opportunity to experience the extended-wheelbase version appropriately called the Ghost Extended. So, what's it like rolling around town in an RM1.65 million beauty?

First and foremost, the new Ghost is all about creating a sense of luxury with a new sense of minimalism that seems to be the 'in' thing today. The term that Rolls-Royce has used in great amounts to explain the Ghost is 'Post Opulence', which in our basic little heads simply means pure, clean, simple, and yet sophisticated, luxurious, and most importantly, instantly recognisable as a Rolls-Royce.

Looking at how the new Ghost presented itself in the heart of Putrajaya, we completely and totally get it. Their grand efforts to create something that looks this clean yet opulent is no easy task, and yet, they've managed to design a car that is stunning to look at no matter the angle - clean, crisp, and balanced all around. This is a very important aspect considering that the brand's customers are getting a lot younger compared to yesteryears.

When dealing with the younger elites of the world, it is also critical to create a car that is both amazing to be chauffered around as well as driving it themselves. Rolls-Royce was never particular on the performance, and yet, it's there (in abundance) for those who prefer to seat behind the steering wheel instead of at the back. Amazingly, you can do both in the new Ghost, which is something harder to pull off in something like the Phantom.

Underneath that smooth-looking bonnet with the iconic 'Spirit of Ecstasy' ornament lies an updated 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 which produces 563hp and 850Nm of torque. This power unit allows the 5.7-metre, 2.5-tonne behemoth to hit 0-100km/h in just 4.8 seconds before cruising up to its limited top speed of 250km/h. Stunning? Indeed.

What's even more amazing is the levels of comfort no matter what speed you're travelling at. The Ghost's Planar Suspension System offers what Rolls-Royce describes as the 'Magic Carpet Ride' thanks to the system's complex connectivity between its advanced air suspension, self-leveling function, satellite aided transmission, on-road driving dynamics, and more.

The experience of being a passenger inside the Ghost Extended is unlike any other car as it felt more like cruising on a still lake all on your own - calm, steady, and no outside interruptions whatsoever. This was also achievable with over 100kg worth of acoustic insulation placed all over the new Ghost, including inside the wheels.

Speaking of passengers, the new Ghost is still a Rolls-Royce and whoever is sitting at the back gets to experience the ultimate levels of luxury without feeling overwhelmed. The extended version offers even greater legroom for comfort, and it's not just from the ultra-comfortable seats with massage functions. Everything has been meticulously designed to create a 'detoxifying' area to escape all the hustles and bustles, which is why you'll see the word 'comfort' being used quite a lot.

Take the Effortless Doors as a start. The Ghost's coach doors can be effortlessly opened and closed just by lightly pulling the lever or pushing a button. Once, inside, the Shooting Star Headliner welcomes you to your very own personal space to relax and enjoy. If that's not enough, there are built-in foldable picnic tables with theatre configuration, Rolls-Royce's 18-speaker bespoke audio system, and a central cooling chamber for your drink of choice. It's like being in your own personal theatre with chilled drinks waiting to be consumed.

All of these make the new Ghost a Rolls-Royce that you can truly enjoy no matter where you sit, including behind the steering wheel (and you won't look like a driver, either). The unit that we test drove was finished in the gorgeous Midnight Sapphire with Cashmere Grey/Navy Blue interior, but considering the bespoke nature of the Ghost (or any other Rolls-Royce model), you have a wide array of colour choices and options to truly make it your own. This also includes any grand requests like using a tree from your orchard for its interior wood veneer.

Priced from RM1.45 million for the standard-wheelbase Ghost (RM1.65 million for the Ghost Extended) before adding taxes and options, the new Rolls-Royce Ghost is a great representation of a timeless beauty whilst keeping up with the times. This is something that's very easy to say, but extremely difficult to execute. It might be an expensive piece of kit for most of us, but those who can afford it will understand that the Ghost is indeed worth every cent.