Rolls-Royce Wraith: Is It the Ultimate Luxury GT?

When one considers a Rolls-Royce, the immediate image that springs to mind is one of unparalleled luxury, exquisite craftsmanship, and an almost ethereal sense of exclusivity. The Rolls-Royce Wraith, presented as a majestic grand tourer, aims to encapsulate these very ideals while adding a dash of sporting prowess. But does it truly deliver on its promise? Is the Wraith a good car, a worthy custodian of the Spirit of Ecstasy, and a smart choice for the discerning driver?

Unparalleled Craftsmanship: A Sanctuary on Wheels

The very essence of a Rolls-Royce lies within its cabin, and the Wraith is no exception. Stepping inside is akin to entering a private, seven-star luxury hotel on wheels. This is where the significant premium for a Rolls-Royce is justified, and it remains the primary allure for those who choose this marque over any other. The attention to detail is simply extraordinary, bordering on obsessive, ensuring a level of finesse that is almost unmatched in the automotive world.

Every surface, every control, and every stitch within the Wraith’s interior speaks volumes of its handcrafted quality. The materials chosen are of the highest possible grade, creating an ambience of pure indulgence. You'll find genuine wood veneers, meticulously polished to a deep lustre, adorning the dashboard and door panels. The leather upholstery is nothing short of sumptuous, feeling incredibly soft to the touch and exuding a rich, inviting aroma. Even the typically mundane plastics found in other vehicles are imbued with a premium feel in the Wraith, demonstrating Rolls-Royce's commitment to excellence across the board. For those seeking a more contemporary edge, carbon fibre accents are also available, seamlessly integrated into the traditional luxury aesthetic.

Space and Comfort: Grand Touring Dimensions

While the Wraith commands a formidable presence, it's important to note that it isn't designed to be a limousine. As a two-door GT coupe, its primary focus is on providing an exceptional experience for its occupants, rather than maximising rear legroom to chauffeur heads of state. However, the cabin space is surprisingly generous for its class.

The individual bucket seats in the rear offer a remarkably decent amount of space, comfortably accommodating typical adult occupants. While headroom might be considered tight for taller individuals due to the coupe's elegant sloping roofline, the legroom is, in fact, quite impressive – often surpassing that found in many compact saloons and even rivalling some mid-size saloons. This makes the Wraith a viable option for longer journeys with four adults, a testament to its grand touring capabilities.

The front seats, naturally, are the prime position in any GT coupe. Drivers of all sizes will find it effortless to discover their perfect seating position, thanks to extensive adjustability. Ingress and egress for rear seat occupants, often a challenge in two-door vehicles, is made remarkably easy in the Wraith. This is facilitated by the power rear seat easy entry option for the front seats, which glides them forward at the touch of a button, combined with the wide-opening doors. This thoughtful engineering ensures that the Wraith remains a practical and comfortable proposition, even for those in the back.

Interior Dimensions Comparison

To put the Wraith's interior space into perspective, here's how it stacks up against some of its closest rivals:

Practicality Meets Grandeur: Boot Space and Features

Beyond its luxurious cabin, the Wraith also offers a surprising degree of practicality. The boot of the 2021 Wraith is notably capacious, measuring over 16 cubic feet. This capacity is on par with many mid-size saloons, a remarkable feat for a luxury coupe. This generous luggage space means the Wraith can comfortably accommodate weekend luggage for all four occupants, or even a couple of golf bags, making it a truly capable grand tourer.

Many of its rivals struggle in this particular area. For instance, the Aston Martin DB11 has a significantly smaller boot, suitable only for a couple of small bags. The Bentley Continental GT offers a bit more space, enough for an extra piece of luggage, but still falls short of the Wraith. The Ferrari GTC4 Lusso, on the other hand, performs admirably in this regard, offering a boot capacity almost on par with the Wraith, making both these vehicles strong contenders for those who value both luxury and usability.

Abundance of Features

The Wraith is designed to offer a sporty performance without compromising the inherent luxury appeal of a Rolls-Royce, and this is reflected in its extensive list of standard and optional features. The level of refinement and convenience provided is truly exceptional. Key features include:

• 8-way direction control, power reclining, power height-adjustable, and massaging lumbar support front seats, complemented by the Power Rear Seat Easy Entry system for effortless rear access.
• Heated front bucket seats, ensuring comfort in cooler climates.
• Heated bucket front-facing rear seats, extending the same level of comfort to all passengers.
• Premium leather seat trim, door trim inserts, and a leather upholstered dashboard, showcasing the ubiquitous use of high-quality materials.
• Genuine wood interior trim, often paired with chrome or aluminium interior accents, providing a classic yet sophisticated aesthetic.
• A power tilt/telescoping steering column with an auto tilt-away function, enhancing driver comfort and ease of entry/exit.
• Dual zone front and rear automatic air conditioning with separate rear AC controls, allowing for individual climate preferences throughout the cabin.
• Memory settings for door mirrors, steering wheel, audio, and HVAC, ensuring personalised comfort is just a button press away.
• A convenient garage door transmitter.
• A Head-Up Display (HUD), projecting vital information directly onto the windscreen for minimal driver distraction.

Furthermore, Rolls-Royce offers an extensive array of optional extras, allowing owners to further spec the cabin to their personal needs and desires, ensuring a truly bespoke vehicle.

The Heart of the Beast: Performance and Powertrain Considerations

Beneath the Wraith's elegant bonnet lies a powerhouse designed to deliver effortless performance. The 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith, for instance, is powered by a magnificent 6.6-litre V12 engine. This formidable powerplant is shared with the 2014 BMW 760LI V12, highlighting its pedigree and capability. While Rolls-Royce typically avoids quoting horsepower figures, the sensation of power is undeniable, propelling the Wraith with serene authority.

For such a sophisticated engine, proper maintenance, particularly the choice of engine oil, is paramount. Owners often seek guidance on the best lubricants to ensure longevity and optimal performance, especially given the engine's higher-than-normal operating temperatures. Interestingly, HPL (High Performance Lubricants) has recommended their 0W-40 supercar oil for this specific vehicle, a testament to its suitability for demanding applications.

It's reassuring to know that the owner's manual for the 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith 6.6L V12 provides flexibility, allowing for four different types of oil: 0W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-40. This range indicates that the engine is designed to accommodate various viscosities, but the recommendation for a 0W-40 supercar oil from a specialist like HPL suggests it's particularly well-suited for maintaining the engine's health under all conditions, especially considering its high operating temperatures. Always consult your vehicle's specific owner's manual and a trusted specialist for the most accurate oil recommendations for your particular model year and driving conditions.

Infotainment: A Blend of Tradition and Technology

In a car of such stature, the infotainment system plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall experience. The 2021 Wraith employs the iDrive infotainment system, a unit familiar to those acquainted with BMW vehicles. This system generally offers intuitive controls and clear graphics, fitting well within the luxurious cabin.

However, there is one notable omission that might surprise some owners in today's technologically advanced landscape: the lack of integrated Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While this might seem like a minor detail, these features have become standard on many budget-oriented cars, allowing seamless smartphone integration for navigation, music, and communication. In a vehicle of the Wraith's calibre and price point, its absence could be seen as a slight oversight.

That being said, the rest of the infotainment experience is precisely what one would expect from a Rolls-Royce. The highlight is undoubtedly the phenomenal 18-speaker surround sound system. This audio masterpiece is designed to compensate for ambient noise using external microphones, enhancing the overall listening experience to an extraordinary degree. The clarity, depth, and richness of the sound are truly a treat, even for those with the keenest ears, transforming the cabin into a private concert hall.

Is the Rolls-Royce Wraith a Good Car? The Verdict

So, after delving into its myriad attributes, is the Rolls-Royce Wraith a good car? The unequivocal answer is yes, most certainly. It is an exceptional vehicle that excels in its primary purpose: to be a grand tourer of the highest order, offering an experience of luxury, comfort, and effortless performance that few others can match.

Its unparalleled handcrafted interior, with its exquisite materials and meticulous attention to detail, creates a sanctuary from the outside world. The surprising practicality offered by its generous boot space and thoughtful rear-seat access further enhances its appeal as a genuinely usable luxury car. While the infotainment system might lag slightly in smartphone integration compared to some mainstream offerings, it more than compensates with its sublime audio quality and overall ease of use.

The powerful V12 engine, coupled with the proper maintenance and oil choices, ensures a driving experience that is both commanding and serenely refined. The Wraith isn't just a car; it's a statement, an indulgence, and a testament to automotive artistry. For those seeking the ultimate blend of luxury, power, and a truly bespoke experience in a grand touring coupe, the Rolls-Royce Wraith is not just good – it is outstanding.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What makes the Rolls-Royce Wraith interior so special?

The Wraith's interior is renowned for its handcrafted nature and extraordinary attention to detail. It features real wood veneers, sumptuous leather, and optional carbon fibre, all applied with meticulous precision. Every element is designed to create a "seven-star luxury hotel on wheels" experience, justifying its premium cost.

Is the Rolls-Royce Wraith practical for daily use?

Surprisingly, yes, for a luxury coupe. While not a limousine, it offers decent rear seat space with good legroom (though headroom is tight). Its wide-opening doors and power rear seat easy entry make ingress/egress straightforward. Crucially, its 16.6 cubic feet boot capacity is on par with many mid-size saloons, making it practical for luggage on extended trips.

What kind of engine oil does the Rolls-Royce Wraith use?

For the 2016 Rolls-Royce Wraith with its 6.6L V12 engine, the owner's manual allows for several oil types, including 0W-30, 5W-30, and 0W-40. HPL (High Performance Lubricants) has specifically recommended their 0W-40 supercar oil for this vehicle, particularly given its higher-than-normal operating temperatures. Always refer to your vehicle's specific owner's manual for precise recommendations.

Does the Rolls-Royce Wraith have Apple CarPlay or Android Auto?

The 2021 Rolls-Royce Wraith, utilising the BMW-derived iDrive infotainment system, does not come with integrated Apple CarPlay or Android Auto as standard. While this is a notable omission compared to many modern vehicles, its 18-speaker surround sound system with ambient noise compensation offers an exceptional audio experience.

How does the Wraith compare to its rivals in terms of space?

In terms of cabin space, the Wraith offers decent room, especially in the front. Its rear legroom is surprisingly good for a coupe, rivalling some mid-size saloons. For boot capacity, the Wraith's 16.6 cubic feet is very competitive, surpassing the Aston Martin DB11 and Bentley Continental GT, and nearly matching the Ferrari GTC4 Lusso.

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