Meet the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost, the boldest of its range, starting at RM1.8 mil

When Rolls-Royce Malaysia pulled the wraps off the first Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost in Malaysia, you might have seen a few raised eyebrows from those in attendance (us included). We’re talking about a Black Badge—the famous alter-ego of Rolls-Royce—being unveiled not in the *black* expression you’d expect from the name…but in white?

A bold move indeed, and one that’s befitting of “the most dynamic car in the Black Badge range”. After all, the dark side of Goodwood’s ultra-luxury automotive club for the elite has a reputation for being non-conformist.

“We are witnessing highly successful entrepreneurs who are more diverse than ever before, coming from non-traditional industries. They are innovators, trailblazers—and above all—those who dare. Black Badge is their code of luxury,” said Anas Zawawi Khalid, Director of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur.

Make no mistake, the hallmarks of a Black Badge are still cloaked in black in this Ghost, quietly asserting its power and authority—much like its subversive target clientele. And whoever these ultra-high net worth individuals may be, they’re in for a spirited drive.

Defining ‘Post-Opulence’

To be fair, our earlier observation of the Ghost’s white coat is merely a subject of first impressions, considering that clients are able to commission a fresh paint from 44,000 ‘ready-to-wear’ colours or create their own entirely unique Bespoke hue. With the striking white model we briefly came to be acquainted with, however, the marque’s Post Opulent design conversation really does speak for itself.

Starting at the bonnet, the high-polished chrome finish of the iconic Spirit of Ecstacy and Pantheon Grille makes a strong statement against the clean canvas. To achieve the dark hue, a specific electrolyte is introduced to the traditional chrome plating process that is co deposited on the stainless-steel substrate. Each component is then hand-polished to a mirror black chrome finish before it is fitted to the motor car.

The new 21-inch wheels equally command attention with their model-exclusive design. What escapes the common eye but not the marque’s designers is the fact that the barrel of each wheel is made up of 22 layers of carbon fibre, laid on three axes, then folded back on themselves at the outer edges of the rim to form a total of 44 layers. Complete with the signature Floating Hubcap, the position of the Double R monogram remains upright at all times. With Rolls-Royce, luxury is in the details.

Welcome to the dark side

Inside, the car reflects the Black Badge aesthetic with a mysteriously dark combination of black Bolinar veneer and technical fibre. Leaves woven from resin-coated carbon and contrasting metal-coated thread laid in a diamond pattern are applied by hand on the interior trims, creating a three-dimensional effect.

True to the Rolls-Royce Bespoke service, clients have the option to personalise the cabin as they see fit. This includes the 850 twinkling LEDs on the hallmark Starlight Headliner, as well as the Lemniscate (read: infinity symbol) in between the two individual rear seats—an emblem of the Black Badge family.

Under the hood

It’s not all about visual upgrades with the Black Badge Ghost; there are a number of engineering enhancements too. The 6.75-litre twin-turbo V12 engine is familiar, but the drivetrain and chassis have been reengineered for urgent performance, where all 900Nm of torque is available from just 1700rpm.

In Low Mode (the marque’s equivalent of sports mode), gearshift speeds are increased by 50 per cent when the throttle is depressed to 90 per cent, delivering abundant power reserves with dramatic immediacy. Additionally, the braking bite point has been raised and pedal travel decreased for greater confidence when exploiting the car’s full power.

This is a Rolls-Royce you can drive off into the night with, unannounced. This is the epitome of the Black Badge.

The Rolls-Royce Black Badge Ghost is available to commission now, with prices starting from RM1.8 million before customisations and taxes.

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