Car review: The 2025 Ghost Series II Black Badge is a mobile fortress of solitude

Khaleej Times

18-07-2025

For those who've made it — or are on their way — few cars reflect success like a Rolls-Royce. While the marque offers special editions for every kind of buyer, it's the dark-themed Black Badge variant that appeals to those seeking a more dynamic experience. We had the rare opportunity to pilot the 2025 Ghost Series II Black Badge and found there's no shortage of talking points. Allow us to elaborate.
DESIGN & AESTHETICS
Rolls-Royce cars have never been subtle — their sheer size commands presence, filling both the lane and your field of vision. The new Series II stretches over 5.5 metres, keeping with that tradition. Previously built on BMW's CLAR platform (shared with the 7 Series), the Ghost now rides on Rolls-Royce's bespoke Architecture of Luxury platform, also used by its larger siblings.
Upfront, the iconic Pantheon grille is now backlit with 20 LEDs, flanked by almost-rectangular headlamps that mark the beginning of its long bonnet. The profile remains elegant, tapering to the rear where slimmer taillights with vertical elements now reside. Despite its size, the Ghost feels refined in its design. With smoother surfaces, a visual fluidity has been endowed to these hard metal elements.
The Black Badge Ghost reveals Rolls-Royce's darker, more assertive side — it's Venom to Spider-Man. It debuts a unique lower grille and redesigned air intakes. Signature black chrome darkens the Spirit of Ecstasy, grille, badges, and door handles, and it sits on Black Badge –specific 22-inch Y-spoke alloy wheels that dramatically expose the disc brakes and bold yellow callipers.
But the interior is even more of a spectacle, with every inch a masterclass in personalised luxury, where even the smallest details are thoughtfully considered. Entry and exit at the rear are handled even more gracefully than the front, thanks to wide-opening, rear-hinged coach doors. Press a discreet button and a full-size umbrella emerges. Press another and the doors close on their own — an electronic chaperone.
The cabin feels extraordinarily spacious. The rear is designed primarily for two, but an optional three-seat arrangement is available, along with rear privacy glass to keep out prying eyes. Our test example featured striking yellow-and-black leather upholstery, enhanced by up to 107,000 laser-checked perforations forming cloud-inspired, eye-catching 3D patterns. Below, a deep-pile lambswool carpet invites your feet to sink in, while above, the signature Shooting Star Headliner dazzles with hundreds of tiny LEDs.
In the driver's space, you get a view of the classic structured dashboard, and everything you touch is authentic. That signature black-stained metal is also found on the organ stops, air vents, and door pulls. Start-up is via a button left of the slim-rimmed steering wheel; gear selection is done through a column-mounted stalk.
POWERTRAIN & PERFORMANCE
The Black Badge produces 29 PS and 50 Nm more than the standard model, thanks to its massive 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12, now delivering a supercar-like 600 PS and 900 Nm. On the move, the steering is feather-light yet precisely weighted — you could guide it with a stiff finger. The Black Badge-specific Planar Suspension, with adaptive dampers and self-levelling air struts, delivers an even more agile version of Rolls-Royce's signature 'magic carpet ride.' What you notice — or rather don't — is the absence of ambient noise; it's all reduced to pin-drop silence.
Despite weighing around 2.5 tonnes, stomp the right foot and it surges to 100kmph in under five seconds, raising its nose and squatting at the rear in the process. Activate 'Low' mode via the gear stalk and shifts quicken by 50 per cent at 90 per cent throttle, with a deeper, more assertive exhaust note. Still, I prefer a gentle foot and gracious pace — this is where it truly shines.
All-wheel drive and all-wheel steering work seamlessly to provide superb grip and yaw control at all sensible speeds. Braking is confident, with a higher bite point and reduced pedal travel ensuring responsive deceleration. But remember, this speedy variant still favours poise over aggression.
FEATURES & FUNCTIONALITY
The boot is deep and holds plenty of luggage, though the centre cool console meant for your favourite beverage and flutes takes up some space and gives it an awkward shape.
On the technological front, Bluetooth connectivity is easy, but the voice control system is underwhelming. Rear-seat passengers control the infotainment via the centre console, where they can adjust music, navigation, and more. The proprietary Bespoke Audio system, developed in-house, grabs attention with its metallic speaker grilles and orchestral sound quality. The rear-seat occupants can also access optional individual 12-inch HD screens or retractable tables for dignitaries to carry out signature duties.
The AC system performed well front and rear, even after hours parked in the sun. And thanks to the physical, tactile controls and clear markings, finding comfort was made easy.
VERDICT
The Rolls-Royce remains the darling of the automotive world. While the Phantom may be the most emphatic, the Ghost no longer plays second fiddle — sharing the same platform but aimed at a different customer: one who loves a drive. Stomp the throttle and the Ghost Black Badge surges ahead with added enthusiasm. But mirroring what the musician Sting once said: 'A gentleman will walk, but never run', I'd rather coast along at a gracious pace, bask in the plush seats, and enjoy quiet serenity than shred those tyres. It is less about aggression and more about an attitude of refined athleticism. Sportier rivals do exist, the optional extras can be pricey, and you'll flinch every time someone parks too close. But for those who can afford it, it's their mobile fortress of solitude.
SPECS:
Body type — 5-seater; 4-door premium full-size sedan
Engine — Front-engine; twin-turbo 6.75-litre V12; all-wheel drive
Transmission — 10-speed automatic
Peak output — 600 PS @ 5,250rpm — 900 Nm @ 1,700 rpm
0 to 100kmph — sub-5 seconds (estimated)
Top speed — 250kmph (electronically limited; claimed)
Price — Starting at Dh1,350,000
EDITOR'S RATING: 8/10 stars