Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended launched in India for Rs 7.95 crores

Rolls-Royce revealed the second generation of the Ghost on September 1 and less than a month later, we’re getting our first look at a new long wheelbase variant. The Ghost Extended is what the variant will be called and it is launching in India for Rs 7.95 crore. Needless to say, the Extended variant will cater to those who like to be driven around, rather than driving around.

The Rolls-Royce Ghost Extended has a wheelbase that is 170mm more than the standard, dare I say it, short-wheelbase car. That has obviously increased space inside the cabin, particularly in the back-seat. However, the Extended is also heavier than the standard Ghost. At 2530kg, it weighs 40kg more.

The second generation Rolls-Royce Ghost is a huge departure from the first generation car. It ditches the BMW platform that it was based on for the new space frame that also underpins the current generation Phantom. In terms of its powertrain, the Ghost Extended gets the 6.75-litre V12 that churns out 563bhp and 850Nm of torque, identical to the regular Ghost. It also gets AWD, and for the first time, rear-wheel steering.

On the outside, the Ghost Extended looks rather similar to the standard Ghost with new laser headlamps and a downlit Pantheon grille that looks extended a bit more on the longer wheelbase variant. The longer wheelbase obviously changes the proportions of the car, but Rolls’ designers seem to have done a good job extending the rear door and the body around the apertures without sullying the lines on the car.

There are updates to the interiors too. Rolls-Royce is offering the option of a Serenity Seat, which seems to be wider, better cushioned and that Rolls-Royce claims will offer “comfort akin to a business class jet experience”. There is also a new Champagne fridge that can operate between 6 and 11 degrees Celsius, as that is the ideal wine-serving temperature.

The Ghost Extended has been developed by listening to Rolls-Royce customers, particularly from the Asia Pacific region. These are customers that are often chauffeured around in the week, but enjoy getting behind the wheel during the weekends. The Extended is Rs 1 crore more expensive than the standard Ghost, which costs Rs 6.95 crore in India.