2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom Features Review

June 17, 2009

FEATURES | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Winged Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the grille
Motor Trend

That's a good stereo
Edmunds

could involve a bit of finessing to get the temperature you want
Autoblog

According to Edmunds, when it comes to features on the 2009 Phantom, “the ultra-luxury competition may offer more high-tech gizmos and a greater sense of the contemporary, [but] the Rolls-Royce Phantom features an undeniable old-world charm and much-larger-than-life presence.”

What really sets the Phantom apart from its competition is the sheer number of dazzling options and finishes, along with Rolls-Royce’s willingness to accessorize it in almost any way imaginable, from turning the glove box into a humidor to modifying the body for added luggage space in the trunk to buffing the Ecstasy ornament with 24-carat gold.

Motor Trend lists its top five details: 1) “Winged Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the grille when you shut off the engine.” 2) “Twin umbrellas deploy from the front door opening.” 3) “Forget something as vulgar as a tachometer. The Phantom has a Power Reserve gauge instead.” 4) “Rear ashtrays, beautifully cast of metal, resemble organ pipes.” 5) “Rear panel of the trunk area folds down for use as tailgate party seating, or a nice place to spread out your buffet.”

Autoblog says some features are hidden, “like the seat controls under the center armrest, which is a minor issue, and the media screen controller, which is a good thing.” Another small complaint from Autoblog is that “the only thing there is to play with are the climate control knobs, which, not being digital, could involve a bit of finessing to get the temperature you want.”

“How's the 15-speaker stereo?” asks Edmunds. “We were convinced that it was our driving partner who was singing along. It wasn't until we screwed up the courage to look over and see that his mouth was shut that we realized it was a recorded voice. Moments later, he said, unprompted, ‘God, I thought that was you singing!’ That's a good stereo.”

The Phantom is the most expensive car road-tested by TheCarConnection.com to date. While the navigation system and satellite radio simply aren’t integrated as well or as easy to use as they could be, the Phantom is nonetheless deserving of its place among the best ultra-luxury cars available.

Conclusion

Each 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom has features befitting its status as one of the world’s most expensive sedans.

FEATURES | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:Winged Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the grilleMotor TrendThat's a good stereoEdmundscould involve a bit of finessing to get the temperature you wantAutoblog According to Edmunds, when it comes to features on the 2009 Phantom, “the ultra-luxury competition may offer more high-tech gizmos and a greater sense of the contemporary, [but] the Rolls-Royce Phantom features an undeniable old-world charm and much-larger-than-life presence.” What really sets the Phantom apart from its competition is the sheer number of dazzling options and finishes, along with Rolls-Royce’s willingness to accessorize it in almost any way imaginable, from turning the glove box into a humidor to modifying the body for added luggage space in the trunk to buffing the Ecstasy ornament with 24-carat gold. Motor Trend lists its top five details: 1) “Winged Spirit of Ecstasy retracts into the grille when you shut off the engine.” 2) “Twin umbrellas deploy from the front door opening.” 3) “Forget something as vulgar as a tachometer. The Phantom has a Power Reserve gauge instead.” 4) “Rear ashtrays, beautifully cast of metal, resemble organ pipes.” 5) “Rear panel of the trunk area folds down for use as tailgate party seating, or a nice place to spread out your buffet.” Autoblog says some features are hidden, “like the seat controls under the center armrest, which is a minor issue, and the media screen controller, which is a good thing.” Another small complaint from Autoblog is that “the only thing there is to play with are the climate control knobs, which, not being digital, could involve a bit of finessing to get the temperature you want.” “How's the 15-speaker stereo?” asks Edmunds. “We were convinced that it was our driving partner who was singing along. It wasn't until we screwed up the courage to look over and see that his mouth was shut that we realized it was a recorded voice. Moments later, he said, unprompted, ‘God, I thought that was you singing!’ That's a good stereo.” The Phantom is the most expensive car road-tested by TheCarConnection.com to date. While the navigation system and satellite radio simply aren’t integrated as well or as easy to use as they could be, the Phantom is nonetheless deserving of its place among the best ultra-luxury cars available. ConclusionEach 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom has features befitting its status as one of the world’s most expensive sedans. 2009 ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM STYLING | [6 out of 10] Edmunds: "more leather hides and matching pieces of wood than you'll find on a herd of cattle lost in Sequoia National Forest" Autoblog: "the Phantom Drophead Coupé is Rolls-Royce's halo car" Motor Trend: "Could there be a more ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The only real competitors to the 2009 Rolls-Royce Phantom are the Maybach sedans, the 57 and 62. Built by Mercedes-Benz and derived from the S-Class sedan, the Maybach duo offers a constellation of fit and finish choices to a body that’s less conservative, and less appealingly traditional, than that of the Phantom.

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See the Rolls-Royce Phantom in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004

Comments (4 total)

  1. By  waterproof iphone #1, Posted: 7/1/2009

    very cool car, the most grand car in the world.

  2. By  rolls royce phantom #3, Posted: 7/29/2009

    Thanks for sharing such great post, according to me the Rolls Royce Phantom has a perfectly divine combination of uniquely imposing looks and presence with the sumptuous interiors. The Rolls Royce may appear traditional but it is definitely a modern performer.

  3. By  Dump trucks #4, Posted: 8/18/2009

    agree with the above comment, well written and explained. pics of rolls royce phantom would have made post more attractive and eye catchy :)

  4. By  Auto chart #5, Posted: 10/1/2009

    though this is really a super luxury car but honestly i don’t know why at first look it does not get the catch, outer shape is like a rectangular box really which is the only thing i don’t like in this model

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