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Rolls-Royce Wraith

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Expert Rating

Rolls-Royce Wraith

(2014 - present)

    Summary


    The Rolls-Royce Wraith is a large two-door coupe that is now the oldest model in the Rolls-Royce range, first arriving on UK roads in early 2014.

    Like the previous generation of the Rolls-Royce Ghost saloon, the Wraith is built on the same platform as the old BMW 7 Series, and assembled at the Rolls-Royce production plant in Goodwood, UK.

    Taking its name from a Rolls-Royce model from 1938, the Wraith is powered by a turbocharged 6.6-litre V12 engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.

    A number of variants have been launched across the Wraith’s lifespan, usually limited edition or bespoke models that generally consist of tweaks to the interior and exterior design.

    With a number of newer luxury rivals launching throughout the Wraith’s tenure, Top Gear admits that the ageing Wraith now looks rather dated. “It has fallen a bit behind on tech, and is tangibly a generation behind the new Phantom and Cullinan, not to mention other luxury car rivals.”

    “The Rolls-Royce Wraith might not be perfect”, explains What Car?, “but it’s a hugely desirable ownership proposition for the privileged few who can afford it.” Like the smaller Bentley Continental GT coupe, the Wraith has a price tag that surpasses a quarter of a million pounds, though that is considerably cheaper than Rolls-Royce’s current flagship model, the £360,000 Phantom.

    British reviewers have warmly regarded the Wraith for almost a decade, praising the high-end coupe for its luxurious cabin trim and its refined engine, although consumer-centric publications consistently mention that the Wraith is very expensive to run day-to-day.

    As of January 2023, the Rolls-Royce Wraith holds an Expert Rating of 79%, based on 18 reviews published by the UK media. It is set to be replaced by the all-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe in 2023.

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    Wraith highlights

    • Spacious luxury interior trim
    • Impressive performance from a refined engine
    • Will retain its value well
    • A real head-turner with an elegant exterior

    Wraith lowlights

    • Poor fuel economy
    • Very expensive, base price and extras
    • To heavy to feel like a driver’s car
    • Rather dated, with its days now numbered

    Key specifications


    Body style: Large coupe
    Engines: petrol
    Price: From £258,000 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2014
    Last updated: Summer 2019
    Replacement due: 2023


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    No safety rating

    As of January 2023, the Rolls-Royce has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP, and due to its price and the exclusivity of the Rolls-Royce brand, we doubt it ever will be. If it is put through its paces by Euro NCAP, we will publish the results here.

    Eco rating


    Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

    No eco rating

    As of January 2023, the Rolls-Royce Wraith has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Roll-Royce Wraith has received

    2014

    • Top Gear Awards – Rather Splendid Motor Car of the Year
    • Popular Science Magazine – Best of What’s New Award

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Rolls-Royce Wraith, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Audi S8 | Bentley Continental GTBentey Flying Spur | BMW 7 Series | Lexus LSMercedes-Benz S-Class | Mercedes-Maybach S-Class | Rolls-Royce Dawn | Rolls-Royce Ghost

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    The Rolls-Royce Wraith is one of the most luxurious coupes you can buy, but as the oldest Rolls-Royce model in production, its age is starting to show.Rolls-Royce Wraith