New Rolls-Royce Ghost Caught Uncovered In Germany

The Rolls-Royce Ghost is set to receive a mild refresh this year, and our spy photographers have caught the company out testing it once again. The first time, the smallest Rolls was caught out getting some winter testing in, but this time it was spied close to the BMW test center in Munch with a little bit of camo but many of its updated features unveiled.

With the newest generation introduced in 2020, the Ghost is due for an update, though we don’t think this one will be as comprehensive as many would have hoped. We imagine it will be mostly cosmetic much in the same way the Cullinan’s was, featuring looks borrowed from the Spectre EV.

Small Aesthetic Changes

The front of the vehicle continues to be covered. However, you can still make out the new headlights that appear to cut in and up as you move toward the vehicle’s center, which is a significant departure from the square elements in the previous version. It’s possible the lighting could drop at the outside corners in the same way the new Cullinan’s do, but we’d bet against it. A new lower fascia and some additional venting can be seen, and we’re getting the sense the Ghost isn’t going to have the same square face as before.

The sides are unchanged, though we expect new wheel choices to arrive. The only big change in the rear is the addition of taillights with two LED strips taken from the Spectre. No shots could be grabbed from the interior, but we imagine the fully digital driver’s display and updated infotainment system will debut.

It Isn’t Going Electric Just Yet

Everything else about the model is set to continue unchanged, including the mighty 6.75-liter V12, though it should receive some tweaks to help with emissions and perhaps fuel economy numbers. Continuing with the V12 sets it apart from its rival Bentley, which recently announced that it’s switching its W12 models to a hybridized V8 setup that will debut in the Continental GT in the next week or two.

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Is it the best option for performance? Probably not, but Rolls-Royce has already figured out what many other automakers are only just learning: the super-rich want vehicles with character. They want something that speaks to them emotionally, and a V12 unmistakably does. With ever-tightening emissions regulations, we hope the small automaker continues to find ways to keep it alive, even if that means hybridization, as instant electric torque with the sound of a naturally aspirated V12 may be the best of both worlds.