The Rolls-Royce Wraith isn’t your average luxury coupe. From 2013 to 2021, it set a benchmark for what a high-performance grand tourer could look and feel like. This car didn’t just get you from A to B; it made you arrive in absolute style, with a twin-turbo V12 under the hood and handcrafted excellence stitched into every inch of its cabin.
Design That Commands Attention
At first glance, the Wraith’s sleek fastback silhouette instantly separates it from other Rolls-Royce models. It’s bold, modern and more aggressive, yet still unmistakably regal. Rear-hinged coach doors, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, and flawless bodywork contribute to a sense of occasion every time you get in.
Inside, the Wraith is no less impressive. Rolls-Royce designers didn’t just build an interior; they curated an experience. Think hand-stitched leather, bookmatched wood panels, deep-pile carpets, and an optional Starlight headliner that recreates a night sky using fiber-optic lighting. The attention to detail is insane. The only real drawback? Rear headroom suffers a bit due to the coupe’s sloping roofline. Visibility is also slightly compromised, but Rolls helps out with parking sensors and a 360-degree camera system.
Explore more about the Wraith’s iconic design here: Autocar Review
Powertrain: V12 Muscle Wrapped in Silk
Don’t let the Wraith’s elegance fool you. Underneath that long hood lies a 6.6-litre twin-turbocharged V12 engine producing 624 horsepower (or up to 632 hp in some trims) and 590 lb-ft of torque. For Black Badge versions, torque shoots up to 642 lb-ft. That kind of power launches this 5,380-pound beast from 0 to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds, sports car territory.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox isn’t just smart, it’s psychic. It uses GPS data to anticipate gear shifts based on your location, such as corners or elevation changes. Rolls-Royce calls it “Satellite Aided Transmission,” and it works seamlessly.
Despite all that power, don’t expect track-worthy sharpness. The Wraith isn’t a Ferrari FF or a Porsche 911. It has wider rear tracks, active anti-roll bars, and a stiffer suspension for sure-footed handling, but there’s still a touch of body roll and vague steering feedback in tighter turns. What it excels at is cruising fast, silent, and graceful cruising.
A detailed performance review can be found here: Top Gear Review
Driving Experience: Effortless in Every Way
From the moment you fire it up, the Wraith feels like a whisper wrapped in power. It’s designed for long-distance luxury, not lap times. The power reserve dial replaces the tachometer, reminding you that this car is about wafting, not revving.
Road imperfections? Mostly erased. Cabin noise? Practically non-existent. On the highway, it feels almost electric, a testament to the silent strength of that V12. Steering is light at city speeds but firms up nicely at cruising pace. It’s incredibly refined, but if you’re looking for sharp feedback and agility, this might not be your cup of tea.
Compared to the Bentley Continental GT, the Wraith feels more isolated and serene but also less engaging. Some might find it too detached. But for buyers who prioritise comfort and presence over spirited handling, the Wraith delivers.
Read a personal take on the Wraith’s driving dynamics: MotorTrend 2020 Review
Practicality: Not Built for the School Run
At around £235,000 to £330,000 when new, the Wraith was never meant to be practical. Add bespoke features, and you’re pushing into $400K+ territory. That said, it does offer more cargo space (17 cubic feet) than most coupes and an adequate, if tight, backseat for occasional use.
Fuel economy is predictably poor: 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Maintenance costs are steep, as you’d expect, and while the infotainment system is functional (thanks to BMW’s iDrive), it lacks the futuristic polish you’d find in newer luxury rivals. Also, safety features like blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist are notably absent.
Still, the value here isn’t in spec sheets or tech checkboxes. It’s in the craftsmanship, exclusivity, and feel.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- One of the most powerful Rolls-Royces ever built
- Handcrafted luxury inside and out
- Surprisingly fast for its size
- Starlight headliner and customization options
- Ultra-smooth ride
Cons:
- Expensive to buy and own
- Limited rear-seat space
- Tech feels dated
- Not a sharp handler
- Poor fuel economy
Final Verdict: A Car for the Few Who Get It
The Rolls-Royce Wraith is not for everyone. It doesn’t shout. It doesn’t chase lap records. It doesn’t bother with gimmicks. What it offers is rare: a blend of raw power, supreme comfort, and old-school craftsmanship in a sleek, modern package.
It’s not trying to be a Bentley or a Ferrari. It’s a Rolls-Royce through and through and a particularly dynamic one at that. If you want something that turns heads, pampers you, and reminds the world you don’t follow trends, the Wraith delivers.
For an in-depth guide on model history and trims, check this Car and Driver Wraith Breakdown.
Whether you’re a car enthusiast, luxury buyer, or simply curious about automotive excellence, the Rolls-Royce Wraith stands as a modern-day monument to what a coupe can be when price is no object and execution is everything.
