2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Long a symbol of wealth, power, and fame, the Rolls-Royce automobile is more than just transportation, and the 2015 Rolls-Royce Phantom Coupe is more than just a Rolls. The Phantom brand represents the flagship of this BMW-owned British automaker’s extraordinary lineup. And while the Phantom sedan is designed primarily to be driven by a chauffeur, the 4-passenger Phantom Coupe, though still large, luxurious, and legendary, is offered for the owner who enjoys driving him- or herself to the theater or private jetport.

For 2015, the Phantom Coupe debuts added illumination that further highlights the available Starlight Headliner, an LED-infused interior roof liner accurately displaying the constellations of the owner’s preferred (and cloudless) night sky. Perhaps this might alleviate the alcove-like rear seating arrangement, often described as claustrophobic by reviewers. While the lack of sun- or moonroof availability is thought to further exacerbate this alleged discomfort, selecting the Starlight Headliner might relieve those seated aft of their anxieties as they sip champagne and enjoy a show (or C-Span) on the optional rear-seat DVD/video display. And the Phantom Drophead Coupe, covered separately, can provide open-air seating when the weather allows. This opulent option can even be ordered to reflect the night sky as it appeared on January 1, 2003, the precise date that the Phantom series was launched.

Of course, the Phantom Coupe, like all Rolls-Royce motorcars, is virtually hand-crafted from the wheels up, with hand-stitched leather interior trim pieces and upholstery, hand-painted exterior colors, and individually finished cabin woods. Combined with a stiffer suspension system and sportier brake and transmission calibration, the 2015 Phantom Coupe offers those who would prefer to drive themselves a nearly flawless cruising experience.

Again, the Phantom Coupe is offered only in rear-wheel drive (RWD) and returns with a standard 6.7-liter V12 engine mated with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Look for 453 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque from this potent drivetrain, with a 0-60 time claimed by Rolls to be under 6 seconds. Mileage estimates remain 11 mpg city/19 highway/14 combined for those that care, with, of course, premium gasoline required.

With the 2-door arrangement, one would think that rear-seat access would be a bit of a struggle. Not so. The coach-like rear-hinged doors are broad enough to allow those destined for front or rear to enter and egress easily, while the rear stadium seating offers all occupants a commanding view of the world, claustrophobic as it may be for those in the rear seat. Alas, trunk space is a mere 10.5 cubic feet, significantly less than some of the world’s less luxurious coupes.

In any case, standard appearance features aboard the 2015 Phantom Coupe include 21-inch aluminum wheels, power-operated soft-close doors and a power-closing trunk lid, while the opulent use of premium leather is complemented by full power accessories, power-adjustable and heated front seats, memory for driver's settings, and multi-zone auto climate control. And of course, umbrellas will still be fitted into rear door panels in case a sudden squall comes up on the way to the opera.

Technology and entertainment includes a multi-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth-interfaced Rolls-Royce infotainment telematics with an 8.8-inch display, a 6-CD changer, 15 Logic 7 Surround Sound speakers, satellite radio with an included lifetime subscription, and an auxiliary audio input.

Options for the 2015 Phantom Coupe are again limited only by the imagination. Besides the already-noted Starlight Headliner, such add-ons as personalized exterior paint schemes, interior fabrics and hues, and accent materials—including genuine wood, leather, carbon fiber, and heavy metals—are all available for a price via Rolls-Royce’s touted Bespoke program. This unique personalization program means, quite literally, if an owner wants it, Rolls will install it aboard the Phantom Coupe. Even the signature Spirit of Ecstasy can be cast in genuine silver or gold, or maybe the illuminated Spirit is more to your taste. Furthermore, a rear-seat DVD and video entertainment center is also available to this plush 2-door, along with personalized hand stitching of interior fabrics, a dozen designer wheel styling packages, and a leather-encased picnic setting for 4.

Finally, the 2015 Phantom Coupe offers a number of standard safety items, but its sheer heft is, perhaps, its greatest safety asset. In any case, look for 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front and rear side-mounted airbags, and front and rear head airbags to return as delivered safety equipment. Also returning are standard daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, daytime running lights, adaptable and self-leveling LED headlights, and a post-collision safety system. Be advised, however, that though a remote antitheft alarm and Rolls-Royce Assist emergency alerts and communications are also standard, don’t look for Rolls to include such updated safety equipment as blind-spot warnings, lane-departure alerts, or adaptive cruise control anytime soon.