Rolls-Royce Phantom arrives in Australia

They say good things come to those who wait. By "they" you could be referring to the incredibly polite staff at your nearest Rolls-Royce dealership, who will need to inform prospective buyers of the all-new 2018 Rolls-Royce Phantom model there is a bit of queue for the all-new behemoth.

A nine month queue.

Oh, and depending on how you specify your car, it may take another 12 months to hand-built it.

But the buzz surrounding the biggest, most luxurious and most expensive vehicle in the 111-year history of the fabled car company appears justified. After getting up close and personal with the first new Phantom to touch down in Australia, motoring.com was impressed.

Due to be previewed to customers in a couple of weeks, ahead of its global launch in Switzerland in October, and Australian sales debut in the first quarter of 2018, the lighter, more powerful yet smoother and quieter beast won't leave you much change from $1 million. In fact, it'll likely cost more than $1 million.

The last model required around $900,000 before on-road costs. So you could either have a one-bedroom shoe-box apartment in Sydney’s glitzy Double Bay or a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

Fuel consumption is claimed at 13.9L/100km, down from 14.8L/100km. Top speed is limited to 250km/h, not bad for a car that tips the scales at 2560kg unladen.

From 50 paces, the exterior design doesn't look tremendously different, but step a little closer and it's clear there are some changes…but none which are disrespectful to the Phantom’s long history.

The new laser headlights add a modern touch within the classic rectangular face, and the shoulder lines are now more pronounced. Adding a hint more sportiness to the profile, Rolls has given the rear windscreen a little more rake.

Coach-style rear hinging passenger doors have returned and can be closed automatically from inside or outside the vehicle. The heated umbrella holders are a nice touch too.

It's what's inside that counts
The Rolls-Royce Phantom has always been about the journey, and how it transports occupants in first-class luxury. Although drivers get a whole load of new technology, including a fully-digitised (but cleverly integrated) instrument panel, pop up concealed infotainment screen and loads more driving aids, I was most impressed by the back seats.

Entry into the rear is easy, even for taller types, and the primo leather covering every surface is supple like no other. Just about the only surface inside not leather-covered is the floor, which features plush-pile carpets and can be raised in the rear for added comfort.

The fold out picnic tables are now electrically operated and there's two new control centres for passengers: one inside the rear pillar for doors and audio, the other in the central arm rest for audio, navigation and in-built infotainment screens.

All the added technology is welcome, but just sitting in the back is incredibly relaxing and Rolls-Royce has retained the fundamentals. I love all the tactility too, as John Mahoney mentioned in his story from the UK launch of the Phantom. The pull-out vent shutters feel sumptuous and, wherever your hands fall, there's something lavish and handcrafted to touch.

The boot is 548 litres, not massive but not small either, while the new aluminium space-frame chassis underneath the car is stiffer and lighter than before. But instead of making the car lighter overall, Rolls-Royce decided to add more than 130kg of sound insulation just to make the cabin quieter.

Add special 22-inch tyres with an insulating foam layer and 6mm double-glazed glass all-round and clearly, this car is designed to be the world’s quietest. Ever.

It's all about priorities.

Rolls-Royce reckons the new Phantom is the "world's leading luxury item" and I'm disinclined to argue. Check out our tour of the Rolls-Royce factory if you don't believe me.