Rolls-Royce published a new set of photos with the Phantom Series II taken from the media presentation of the updated flagship in the French Riviera, called “Phantom Rendezvous”. The new shots give us a closer look at different trim options and combinations for the Phantom, including the one-off Great British Phantom.

Design changes in the Phantom Series II are limited to the slightly tweaked Pantheon Grille, which is now illuminated, and the laser-cut bezel starlights on the headlights. Thus, the most important change is the additional personalization options giving a fresh look to the eighth-generation Phantom which was originally introduced in 2017.

 

Besides the beautiful Phantom Plantino that was unveiled as part of the facelift, the company exhibited another bespoke example called the Great British Phantom that was created for Rolls-Royce’s “more patriotic clients”. In our eyes, it looks sportier and closer to what a Black Edition would look like, although this trim is not available for the Phantom. The Great British Phantom comes with new wheels, a Magma Red exterior shade and dark chrome accents on the grille, bonnet, window surrounds, tailgate, and exhaust pipes which was added as an option by popular demand. The model also comes with a special emblem on the C-pillar and a matching piece of art inspired by the Union Flag in the Phantom’s gallery located on the dashboard.

If you are a loyal reader you probably already know that we really like the new 22-inch disc wheels. A few weeks ago we put them in the entire Rolls-Royce range, but they admittedly look better on the Phantom due to its opulent and imposing nature. Luckily, the press material is filled with examples of disc-wheeled Phantoms, combined with different exterior shades from the almost unlimited color palette. Personally, I prefer the black lacquer finish as exhibited in the black Phantom, although the standard polished stainless steel finish is also quite nice.

 

All Phantom variants are fitted with the same twin-turbo 6.75-liter V12 that produces 563 hp and 900 Nm of torque. Driving a Phantom isn’t meant to be the sportiest experience out there, but we guess that our colleagues from the press enjoyed the magic carpet ride of the luxury sedan on the twisty roads of the French Riviera.

The event took place at the Maybourne Riviera Hotel in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, providing the photographers with a great view of Monaco. Rolls-Royce chose the Côte d’Azur for the press drive not only because of the beautiful roads and the fact it is filled with Rolls-Royce’s clients, but also because of its connection with the history of the company as Sir Henry Royce spent his winters in a villa at Le Canadel from 1912 until his death in 1933.