InTerIor “Plush” isn’t the right word, because the Ghost’s interior isn’t mushy soft. But “firm” doesn’t work either, because there’s nothing hard-edged or rigid about the Ghost— except its integrity. Instead, seating and accoutrements are simply “quality.” The interior looks inviting in the same way the sofa in the Oval Office might seem a nice place to sit. No question it’s the best seat in the house but is it really ok if I sit down—I am wearing jeans, you know? In fact, there’s no reason to worry. Entering the Ghost through one of the impressive doors (note the in-door umbrella on the driver’s side) is as effortless as stepping into first class on a trans-oceanic flight—and as lovely. Leather and wood, of course, with every possible kind of adjustment possible. Heated seats, cooled seats, seats that electronically move and shift to accommodate any passenger (and that goes for the rear seats as well)… The hand-stitched leatherwork takes more than two weeks to complete per Ghost and requires nine hides from the same batch, ensuring consistency throughout. Blenheim wool carpets underfoot and a cashmere-blend roof lining overhead—seriously? Is it possible to be uncomfortable in the Ghost? Only if it’s not yours and you have jam on your hands. Even then, the flip-down tray tables for rear passengers offer plenty of room to eat lunch, write a report or rest your drink as you watch a movie on the in-flight—sorry, make that “on-the-road”—entertainment system.
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Tech The electronics in the Ghost are great, and utilize a centrally located interface that gives you control over every vehicle system. You can even raise and lower the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament (a seemingly seamless cover slides into place when she’s hiding). The navigation system is great as well, and here we have to pause to give Rolls-Royce some additional credit. For some reason, numerous luxury brands skip through this basic feature and offer navigation systems that are rudimentary, difficult to negotiate and often lackluster compared to factory standard systems on vehicles costing much, much less. The navigation system on the Ghost is one of the best we’ve tried, with highly detailed maps that are quick to load and update and a screen that’s easy to read in any light. Well done. We mentioned the odd surprise or two, and it’s in the tech department that we found ours. The Ghost has a Head Up Display, as Rolls-Royce calls it, that projects a wealth of information (though not cluttered) in a transparent illuminated format on the windshield in front of you, just below your line of sight. This allows drivers to keep their eyes on the road while checking their speed or following navigation system directions. A special coating on the inside of the windshield ensures the H.U.D. is sharp and clear at all times. There’s an Active Cruise Control system that makes driving in heavy traffic a bit easier, keeping the
summer
2011
kingdom
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