Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II quick spin

Price: From $545,000 plus on-road and dealer costs.

Vitals: 6.6-litre V12 twin turbo, 420kW/780Nm, eight-speed automatic, 14L/100km, RWD.

What is it?

The recently-facelifted "entry-level" Rolls-Royce sedan, featuring subtle design tweaks, a host of interior upgrades, revised suspension and the adoption of the GPS-guided automatic transmission first introduced on the two-door Wraith.

What it isn't

A BMW 7-Series, despite the fact the Ghost shares its basic mechanicals and structure with the German flagship limousine. Nor is it cheap – both in terms of price and quality.

What does it say about me?

That you've made it, appreciate the finest quality and probably wear a watch that costs more than the average family hatchback.

What doesn't it say about me?

That you can't stretch to – or simply can't justify the – top-shelf Phantom that costs an additional $300k.

Who else is buying it?

Based on its price alone, it'd be fair to assume that only Australia's wealthiest are in the market for such an opulent machine.

What colours does it come in?

What colour would sir like? Rolls-Royce can tailor the Ghost to individual tastes, including an endless colour palette and myriad interior options. Our test car stood out with its bright Salamance Blue and satin silver two-tone paint job with contrasting cream leather and black stained ash interior.

If it were a celebrity, who would it be?

Michael Fassbender: a classy, stylish and powerful Brit (or close enough as he's from Ireland) with German origins.

Why would I buy it?

Because it's one of the most opulent, beautifully-crafted limousines on the planet, complete with rear-opening suicide doors that make a statement whenever you pull up to the red carpet.

Best bits?

The feeling of serenity it provides on the road; there are very few cars that manage to cacoon its occupants from the outside world in the same way a Rolls-Royce can.

Worst bits?

The extravagant list of options, which amounted to more than $200,000 on our test car, including some features that are standard equipment on family sedans these days such as active cruise control, lane departure warning and head-up display.

Will it let me down?

Highly unlikely, considering its Teutonic underpinnings and meticulous attention to detail.

Does it cost too much?

Depends on whether you consider paying $50,000 for a watch or a pair of speakers is over the top or not. In any case, it's more expensive than the current crop of top-end German alternatives (although the Mercedes-Maybach S600 is likely to arrive at around the same price later this year) but significantly less than the flagship Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Will I get a deal?

If you tailor the Ghost to your likings, then probably not. But I'm sure Rolls-Royce will discreetly negotiate on existing stock.

Will it get me noticed?

Yes, it doesn't matter where you drive – whether it's to the country estate, the office or even the shops – the exclusivity of a Rolls is bound to attract attention.

Does it go?

With a 6.6-litre twin-turbo V12 generating 420kW, Rolls-Royce claims the Ghost will whisk its occupants to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds. And it does so with an effortless, but whisper quiet, surge of pulling power that it feels as though it has a generator, rather than a combustion engine, pushing it along.

Does it like corners?

It's pretty capable for a car that weighs more than 2.2 tonnes, but its soft suspension settings – even with the optional Dynamic package fitted to our test car - are more tuned for comfort than corner carving.

What about bumps?

Bumps? What bumps? The Ghost lives up to its name by feeling as though it hovers over the road.

How's the stereo system?

As you'd expect from a half-million-dollar car, it's pretty impressive with 18 individually-tuned speakers offering excellent sound clarity and staging while a highly sensitive microphone automatically monitors ambient noise to subtly adjust the volume and tone. It's also pretty up-to-the-minute with a 20.5Gb hard drive, a wi-fi hotspot, voice-controlled navigation and Bluetooth connectivity.

What about service stations?

When a car doesn't have a fuel economy gauge within its trip meter you sense the cost of filling it up doesn't even register with its owners. But, for those that do count every penny, the Ghost comes with a wicked thirst, consuming an average of 14L/100km and over 20L/100km in city traffic.

Would you buy one?

Personally, I'd spend my first half-a-million dollars of disposable income on something faster and brasher. But if I had a slot in the garage for something ultra-luxurious then I'd happily live with a Ghost in my house.

What else should I consider?

The Ghost lives in rarified air, slotting between the mainstream limousines and the absolute pinnacle with only a few equally peerless rivals, such as the Bentley Flying Spur and upcoming Mercedes-Maybach S600.

The spin

Ghost Series II is an oasis of calm in a frenetic business world.

The translation

The Ghost offers those high-flying, hard-working executives a place to chill-out while on the move