Ghost Series II Black Badge
Under the moody blue sky of Provence, we slipped behind the wheel of the newly unveiled 2025 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II Black Badge—the most commanding and audacious iteration of the Ghost yet. Rolls-Royce has long been synonymous with quiet opulence. Still, Black Badge speaks a different language—one of unrelenting power, rebellious luxury, and an edge that caters to a younger, more dynamic clientele. At Villa La Coste, surrounded by vineyards and rolling countryside, we put this formidable machine through its paces, carving through the region’s winding roads with eerie precision.
At first glance, it’s clear that the Ghost Series II Black Badge isn’t merely a variation—it’s a statement. The Pantheon grille, now subtly illuminated, exudes an almost spectral glow, giving the car an arresting presence even at a standstill. The Spirit of Ecstasy, finished in menacing black chrome, slices through the air—a stark contrast to the gleaming stainless steel of standard models. 22-inch wheels, designed exclusively for the Ghost Series II, reinforce its imposing stance—blackened, polished, and unmistakably bold.
Even the door handles have been re-engineered for Black Badge, featuring a soft-close mechanism that glides with supernatural smoothness—an exclusive touch that ensures every interaction with the Ghost feels effortless yet profound.
At its core, the Ghost Series II Black Badge remains a Rolls-Royce—elegant, poised, yet unfathomably powerful. The twin-turbocharged 6.75-liter V12 has been fine-tuned for this darker persona, now producing 600 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The Black Badge driving mode sharpens throttle response and opens up a more aggressive exhaust note—something almost heretical in the world of Rolls-Royce, yet entirely fitting for this shadowy specter.
The all-wheel drive and all-wheel steering make for an experience that is both commanding and effortless, allowing the Ghost to move with uncanny agility, whether gliding through French countryside lanes or prowling through urban landscapes. It’s a study in paradox—an ultra-luxury sedan with the heart of a grand tourer.
Step inside, and the duality of the Ghost Series II Black Badge continues. Rolls-Royce’s new digital interface, seamlessly integrated into the minimalist dashboard, enhances connectivity and driving ease. Yet, amidst the advanced technology, tradition remains untouched—the analog timepiece, exclusive to Black Badge, sits like a jewel at the heart of the console, a nod to the brand’s enduring craftsmanship.
The Starlight Headliner, now featuring shooting-star animations, transforms the cabin into a celestial experience, while Turchese leather upholstery—a favorite among Black Badge owners—brings a modern vibrancy to the interior. Carbon-fiber composite trims, meticulously layered with a diamond-like finish, replace traditional wood veneers, reinforcing the car’s contemporary edge.
Black Badge exists for those who reject convention—the entrepreneurs, the innovators, the disruptors. This car doesn’t whisper; it asserts. The younger Black Badge clientele craves performance, exclusivity, and a presence that refuses to blend in with old-money tradition. The Ghost Series II Black Badge delivers exactly that—a Rolls-Royce that doesn’t play by the rules.
Of course, no Rolls-Royce is complete without the brand’s legendary Bespoke program. Customers can commission one-of-one paint finishes, interior trims inspired by their narratives, and even monogrammed details hidden within the car’s stitching. The Ghost Series II Black Badge may have a darker soul, but it remains the ultimate blank canvas for those who demand unparalleled personalization.
As our time in Provence came to an end, the Ghost Series II Black Badge remained an enigma—both ethereal and dominant, effortlessly poised yet undeniably aggressive. This is Rolls-Royce’s vision of modern luxury: one that refuses to be defined by tradition, yet insists on the finest things in life. A darker, bolder, more thrilling Rolls-Royce has arrived.
