Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Every generation
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (250 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the vehicle consistently described as the benchmark for luxury, refinement, and comfort.
3 problems reported (2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentHigh cost of ownership
Extremely expensive maintenance and repair costs; a front air suspension failure cited at approximately $9,000.
- RecurrentAverage reliability
Described as "no Toyota or Honda but also no Chevy or Range Rover"; concerns about long-term costs rather than catastrophic failure.
- IsolatedDepreciation
Significant value loss, especially on low-volume special editions; one example lost over $100,000 in value as a new-old-stock demo.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or series as the "best." The Black Badge variant is mentioned once as a desirable "daily driver" for its added presence. An isolated data point mentions a 2014 Ghost Alpine Rally Edition, but this is presented as an anecdote about depreciation, not a recommendation.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Bentley Mulsanne, Mercedes-Benz S-Class (and Maybach), BMW 7 Series, Cadillac Celestiq and Volvo ES90 (as an EV benchmark for quietness).
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Overall sentiment
The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with the vehicle consistently described as the benchmark for luxury, refinement, and comfort. It is characterized by an "unmatched elegance," an "imperious" and "spooky" quietness that sets a new standard for cabin isolation, and a ride quality that is "soft and well-damped without being lollopy." The interior is repeatedly cited for its supreme comfort and material richness, with one owner noting the seats are second to none, even compared to other ultra-luxury models. The car is positioned as a consummate "all-rounder" daily driver, capable of everything from grocery shopping to formal dinners. Criticisms are exceedingly rare and focus almost exclusively on the high cost of ownership and potential reliability concerns, rather than deficiencies in the product itself.
Positioning vs competitors
The Ghost is positioned as the smaller, more driver-oriented sedan compared to the Phantom, yet it retains near-equal levels of luxury and refinement. It is frequently compared to top-tier luxury sedans like the Mercedes S-Class Maybach and BMW 7 Series, with the consensus being that the Ghost offers a significantly more opulent, quieter, and more special experience. It is noted that a well-optioned 7 Series can approach the Ghost's price, but the Rolls-Royce delivers a level of detail, material quality, and brand cachet that mainstream luxury flagships cannot match. The Cadillac Celestiq is mentioned as a potential electric competitor aiming to beat Rolls-Royce at its own game. Compared to its SUV sibling, the Cullinan, the Ghost's interior is perceived by some as feeling and looking nicer despite the SUV's higher price tag.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient detailed owner data on specific configurations, options, or packages. One mention suggests the Black Badge variant for a daily driver. There is an isolated, non-specific suggestion to use premium fuel.
General recommendations
Suitable as a daily driver for those seeking the ultimate in luxury, comfort, and quietness. Strongly recommended for buyers for whom cost of ownership is not a primary concern. Not recommended for buyers sensitive to high maintenance and repair costs, which are described as "extremely high" and can run into the tens of thousands over several years. Potential buyers are advised that while reliability is considered "average," any repair is very expensive due to parts and labor. Purchasing a used example is presented as a way to avoid significant depreciation, with one example showing a steep drop in value. Test driving should focus on evaluating the unparalleled ride serenity and cabin isolation.
Remarks
The provided data spans multiple generations of the Ghost (Series I, Series II, and likely the current generation), but owner feedback does not distinguish between them, instead treating "Ghost" as a consistent benchmark for luxury. Much of the discussion is from admirers and commentators rather than long-term owners, which limits detailed operational feedback. The car's platform relationship with the BMW 7 Series (F01 generation) is noted, with the 7 Series described as "pretty much a short wheelbase Rolls Royce Ghost," highlighting the shared engineering foundation. The legendary "Silver Ghost" name from 1907 is referenced as the origin of the "Ghost" model name, chosen to advertise the car's quietness and reliability. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner discussions and numerous comparative references.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearSource: NHTSA (US)Show table
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 1 | 2 | engine and engine cooling |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices2 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2011 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 18V248000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2011-2012 BMW 550i, 550i xDrive, 550i Gran Turismo, 550i Gran Turismo xDrive, 750i, 750Li, 750i xDrive, 750Li xDrive, 760Li, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M, ActiveHybrid7, MINI Cooper S Convertible, John Cooper Works (JCW) Convertible, Cooper S Countryman, Cooper S Countryman ALL4, Cooper S, JCW, Cooper S Clubman, JCW Clubman, Cooper S Roadster, JCW Roadster, Cooper S Coupe, JCW Coupe and Rolls-Royce Ghost, 2011 BMW X6 Hybrid and 2012 BMW 650i Coupe, 650i xDrive Coupe, 650i Convertible and 650i xDrive Convertible vehicles. The electric auxiliary water pump may fail and cause the circuit board to overheat.
2011 · engine and engine cooling:engine:gasoline:turbo/superchargercampaign 12V166000
ROLLS-ROYCE IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2011 GHOST VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TURBOCHARGED ENGINES BECAUSE THE CIRCUIT BOARD FOR THE ELECTRIC AUXILIARY WATER PUMP CAN OVERHEAT.
Specifications
6.75 V12
12-cylinder · 571 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2020–2026