Definitive Rolls-Royce Tier List: Every Roller Ranked by Our Editors
Now, ranking every current Rolls-Royce model is not easy, despite the fact our editors have extensively driven all of them in various locales, from Monaco and the South of France, to Palm Springs, Toronto, Miami, the Laurentians and Jackson Hole. The British marque doesn’t make duds; it makes — without exaggeration — the best luxury cars in the world. We’re splitting hairs to separate the Cullinan SUV from the Ghost sedan, and the opulent Phantom limo from the new, all-electric Spectre coupe. We’re also not including coach-built creations like the Sweptail, Boat Tail, or Droptail. They’re not production models and, besides, anything that isn’t to our particular taste on those machines would happily be remedied by Rolls-Royce’s coach-builders if we were to commission a design of our own.
Of course, feel free to @ us if you disagree with our extremely serious and definitive Rolls-Royce ranking — but good luck trying to change our minds on this.
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Rolls-Royce Ghost / Ghost Extended: C Tier
Starting at just over $400,000, the Ghost is the entry point into Rolls-Royce ownership. Not long ago, the Ghost was once considered the runt of the Rolls’ litter, but not anymore. Today it feels more like a downsized Phantom or a low-riding Cullinan than anything else. A decade ago, it was heavily based on the BMW 7 Series, which made it feel a little less special than a Rolls-Royce should. Since 2021, however, the Ghost is based on Rolls’ own “architecture of luxury,” just like every other car on this list.
For the first time, the Ghost now feels unlike any other mass-market car; it feels only like a Rolls-Royce. The 6.75-litre V12 engine is overkill. The steering is fingertip light. All-wheel drive means there’s no need to put it away in winter. The cabin can be configured entirely to your liking, and — crucially — the rear doors do open backwards in signature Rolls-Royce style. If you’re looking to be driven rather than drive, you’ll want the Ghost Extended. Or, if you’re looking for a slightly-more responsive (we wouldn’t say “sporty”) driving experience, look to the new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost model.
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
Rolls-Royce Cullinan: B Tier
The main reason we’re ranking the Cullinan SUV above the Ghost is simple: the SUV is more versatile. You don’t have to make excuses for it; an owner could take this machine everywhere and never regret it. This is the only Rolls you wouldn’t hesitate to drive over a rough, rocky, or muddy road. It’s the one you want for ski weekends and cottage getaways. It’s also the best for baby seats and kids. And, it’s the only Rolls-Royce that looks good dirty. The added versatility comes at a slight premium over the Ghost — the Cullinan starts at roughly $460,000 — but the extra $60k is small potatoes in this rarified market where many owners spend at least $100,000 on options and custom finishes.
Rolls-Royce Phantom Extended: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
This is the most expensive new Rolls-Royce you can buy off the shelf, without going down the coachbuilt route. Still, the Phantom Extended doesn’t come cheap. It starts at nearly $700,000 and there’s almost zero chance you’ll drive off a dealer’s lot without dropping $1 million. This is a car for Kings and Queens, quite literally. The rear seats are tucked behind that massive C-pillar, which grants an added sense of privacy. There’s more room to stretch out than there is in a first-class seat. It’s simply glorious. However, the sheer size and attention-grabbing nature of this machine means it’s best reserved for special occasions, and not something you’d want to drive (or even be driven in) daily.
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
Rolls-Royce Spectre: A-Tier
The brand knocked it out of the park with this, its first EV. It’s got the more than enough power and range, and — despite not having the brand’s V12 engine — you still know the instant you drive off that you’re in a Rolls. It’s buttery smooth, and almost too silent. The starlight door panels are just *chefs kiss.* So, why is it not S-tier? For one, we wish it were a convertible, because why not? (Hands up if you miss the old Rolls-Royce Phantom Drophead as much as we do.) For another, the design is, perhaps, a tad on the safe side considering this is the world’s first all-electric Rolls-Royce and the interior, while nice, is overly familiar at this point. As far as luxury EVs are concerned though, this is the best there is.
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
Rolls-Royce Phantom: S-Tier
The recently updated Phantom, now dubbed Series II, is the definitive modern Rolls-Royce. It’s the most Rolls-Royce-feeling Rolls-Royce, whether you’re sitting behind the wheel or in the back seat. Sure, the $600,000 Phantom has a little less leg room than the stretched Phantom Extended, but the slight reduction in size makes this car much more versatile. Unlike the gargantuan Extended, this is a vehicle any owner would actually enjoy driving. It’s a car you could commute in (and maybe the best car to commute in). Nothing else makes bad roads feel as smooth either. It’s like riding on a cloud. The Phantom is not limited to special-occasion use, but it still feels like a special occasion every time you step in, which is exactly what a Rolls-Royce should do.
