2018 Rolls-Royce Wraith Review

The rear-wheel-drive Wraith is driven by a powerful turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 (624 horsepower, 605 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Standard feature highlights include 20-inch wheels, parking sensors, adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control, a self-adjusting air suspension, power-closing rear-hinged coach doors, hands-free trunk opening and closing, auto-dimming mirrors, cruise control with upcoming curve detection, leather upholstery and trim, wood accents, heated front seats with massage functions, lane departure warning and a head-up display.

Also standard are a surround-view camera system, four-zone automatic climate control, a 10.3-inch center display screen, a navigation system, and an 18-speaker sound system with satellite and HD radio, digital music storage and a USB port.

The Wraith offers three primary feature packages. The Driver's Assistance Systems Three package adds an infrared night-vision display and adaptive cruise control. The U.S. Wraith package includes Driver's Assistance Systems Three plus any wheel design, the 1,300-watt Bespoke Audio system (18-channel amplifier, 18 speakers and digital sound processing), lambswool floor mats, and a fixed-glass roof.

Many items within the Wraith's grouped packages are available as stand-alone options. Other individual options include ventilated front seats, a leather trunk floor, and a plethora of interior personalization options for trim, doorsills, stitching, surface materials and inlays. Exterior option highlights include two-tone paint schemes, with or without a third separating color, and paint-matched center caps for the wheels. The Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament is also offered in several iterations, including solid silver, gold-plated and illuminated polycarbonate.

The Wraith Black Badge is something else entirely, providing a sportier driving experience to what is already Rolls-Royce's most driver-oriented car. It starts with a sportier-tuned suspension, a modified transmission calibration, and a torque increase to 642 lb-ft. Some features are unique to the Black Badge — but knowing Rolls, they can probably be outfitted to the normal Wraith for the right price. These include a glossy-black Spirit of Ecstasy, carbon-fiber and alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, a retuned suspension, LED headlights, carbon-fiber interior trim, darkened air vents, a different clock, and embroidery in the shape of an infinity sign.