6 Minutes
Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge 2025 — a sharper take on tradition
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge tries to blend the marque's hallmark refinement with a sportier edge. On first acquaintance the car still feels unmistakably Rolls-Royce: long bonnet, upright Pantheon grille and rear-hinged coach doors that announce presence before the engine does. But beneath the familiar silhouette, Black Badge styling and a performance tweak aim to attract buyers seeking attitude as well as absolute comfort.
Engine and performance: heritage V12 with a little extra bite
Under the signature grille is the familiar 6.75-litre V12 twin-turbo petrol engine. In Black Badge tune this motor is rated at about 600 horsepower and around 900 newton metres of torque, sent to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic. Rolls-Royce does not publish exhaustive performance figures, but 0–100 km/h comes in at roughly 4.5 seconds and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Those numbers place the Ghost Black Badge behind super-sedan rivals that chase headline horsepower, yet they are ample for the car's brief: composed, effortless thrust more than raw, track-style speed. A small but meaningful change for Black Badge is the L button on the column gear selector. Engage it and the engine mapping sharpens, throttle response becomes more immediate and the active exhaust valves lift their voice slightly. Adaptive air suspension and variable dampers also firm up to help the body resist roll without abandoning long-distance poise.
Ride quality: where appearance clashes with comfort
This is where the Ghost Black Badge shows a real trade-off. The Black Badge specification includes an upgraded suspension package and larger 22-inch wheels that enhance the car's stance. Visually the effect is striking, but the combination of bigger rims and lower-profile tyres reduces the system's ability to isolate high-frequency road imperfections. In practice, the Ghost remains composed over larger undulations and settles well through curves, but on rougher surfaces those low-profile tyres can transmit sharper vibrations into the cabin.
Key point: the suspension hardware is excellent, but the wheel and tyre choice modestly undermines Rolls-Royce's famed 'magic carpet' ride. Buyers who prioritise absolute serenity can still order the standard Ghost with smaller wheels and higher-profile tyres to preserve the brand's signature cushioning.
Interior: craftsmanship meets discreet modern tech
Inside, the cabin strikes a careful balance between traditional hand-crafted luxury and contemporary convenience. The long, elegant dashboard retains the Ghost's restrained layout, with a fresh driver display and an optional illuminated panel ahead of the front passenger. Materials are of the usual Rolls-Royce caliber: veneers, leather and even carbon fibre are finished and fitted in ways that feel distinct from rivals like Bentley and Range Rover.
Technology is present but generally hidden behind layers of simplicity. The audio system is spacious and clear; seats offer heating, cooling and massage functions; and infotainment features sit beneath a calm veneer rather than shouting for attention. Rear occupants benefit from generous proportions, with more usable space than some competitors. If the cabin feels less ostentatious than a fully bespoke phantom, that is a deliberate choice to blend modern minimalism with old-world craft.
Design and market positioning
The Black Badge family has been Rolls-Royce's way of courting a younger, more image-conscious clientele. Darker trim, blacked-out details and slightly sharper dynamics are intended to broaden the brand's appeal without abandoning its core identity. The Ghost Black Badge performs that task competently, presenting a more muscular visual persona and a hint of urgency when requested.
Yet the program exposes a subtle tension in Rolls-Royce's strategy: how far can the company push sporty cues before it dilutes the fundamental promise of unmatched serenity? The 22-inch wheels make a fashionable statement, but they also create the most noticeable compromise in an otherwise refined package.
Practical considerations and comparisons
- Space: Rear-seat comfort is strong and often preferable to direct rivals such as the Bentley Flying Spur. The Ghost also competes favourably with long-wheelbase executive saloons like the Mercedes S-Class or BMW i7 when it comes to passenger room, provided bespoke interior options do not intrude on usable width.
- Ride vs. looks: Black Badge styling and large wheels enhance curb appeal, but those who want the quintessential Rolls-Royce ride may prefer the standard Ghost with smaller wheels.
- Alternatives: If outright performance is the priority, ultra-powerful Bentleys and bespoke luxury-sport sedans will offer higher horsepower. If pure comfort rules, a standard Ghost or other long-wheelbase luxury saloon will keep things smoother.
What the Ghost Black Badge does best
- Delivers a luxurious, well-built cabin with contemporary comforts hidden beneath classic styling
- Offers robust V12 torque and a refined power delivery that feels effortless in everyday driving
- Presents a bolder aesthetic that broadens Rolls-Royce's appeal to a different buyer profile
Quoted highlight: "The Black Badge Ghost is a Rolls-Royce in temperament, with a slightly more assertive exterior and engine character. The compromise comes down to wheels and tyres — style over absolute float."
Specification snapshot
- Engine: 6.75-litre V12 twin-turbo
- Power: 600 hp (approx)
- Torque: 900 Nm
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive: All-wheel drive
- 0–100 km/h: ~4.5 seconds
- Top speed: 250 km/h (limited)
- Combined fuel consumption: ~17.9 L/100 km
- Length x Width x Height: 5,545 x 2,148 x 1,573 mm
- Base price: ~£325,000
- Editor score (example): 4.0/5.0
Final take
The 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is a thoughtful attempt to add sportier character to one of the world’s most serene saloons. It succeeds visually and in subtle performance tweaks, but the aesthetic choices — notably the 22-inch wheels — introduce a measurable compromise to ride isolation. For clients who prize looks and a sharper temperament, Black Badge is an attractive option. For purists after the quintessential Rolls-Royce experience, the standard Ghost, with its smaller wheels and slightly gentler setup, remains the more faithful choice.
Source: autoexpress.co
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