Luxury marque wants to show that leather isn’t the only premium interior material
In the world of Rolls-Royce, having a unique car is normal. PHOTO FROM ROLLS-ROYCE
Yes, you read that right. The company that is considered to be the pinnacle of automotive luxury is putting fabric seats (in the rear, no less) in its flagship vehicle, the Rolls-Royce Phantom. Has the world gone mad?
We won't be surprised if someone orders a Platino that uses real platinum in its trim. PHOTO FROM ROLLS-ROYCE
But before you raise your pitchforks, the über-luxury automaker has actually been exploring fabric interiors since 2015 with the Serenity, a bespoke Phantom with a hand-painted, hand-embroidered silk interior. Of course, you could argue that anyone who has enough money for a Rolls-Royce can choose any material to use in his or her car, but that’s not the point the automaker wants to make.
For its latest experiment, the eighth-generation Phantom Series II gets a new bespoke model called the Platino, named after the precious metal platinum, and it wants to show (with this model) that there are indeed more luxurious materials out there aside from leather.
When was the last time you saw fabric and luxury go together in the automotive world? PHOTO FROM ROLLS-ROYCE
The cloth used in the Platino isn’t just your regular, run-of-the-mill textile. Two different fabrics were used in the white-on-white interior. The first is made in an Italian mill for a “durable, yet luxurious appearance,” and the second fabric is derived from bamboo fibers because of its lustrous finish. The fabric is embroidered with a repeating pattern “based on the abstract interpretation of the Spirit of Ecstasy,” and it’s present on the rear seats, the touchpoints (like the door cards, the armrest, and the center console), and the “Gallery” (or the artwork in the dashboard). The hardier Italian fabric is used on the lower parts of the interior that see the most contact.
If you like how this cabin is finished, you can order it in this specification. But if white fabrics aren’t your thing, you can always spec your Phantom with the finest leather upholstery out there.
You now have the option to either go ultra-modern or dip back into the brand's storied history. PHOTO FROM ROLLS-ROYCE
Meanwhile, the standard Phantom receives subtle updates for 2023. There’s an updated Pantheon grille with a polished horizontal strip to line up with the DRLs, and it’s also illuminated (like the Ghost and some BMW offerings). If you look closely enough at the headlights, you’ll see glowing dots on the bezel, similar to the Starlight headliner found inside.
There are also two new wheel choices. The first is a milled stainless-steel wheel with 3D triangular facets or polished stainless-steel and black-lacquer disc wheel. The brightwork can also be specced in a darker shade of chrome, and the steering wheel has been made thicker.
If you have enough money for one, you can make the cabin as garish as your heart desires. PHOTO FROM ROLLS-ROYCE
This Phantom introduces Rolls-Royce Connected, which allows owners to send an address directly to the car (via the owners-only Whispers app) and monitor the vehicle’s location. And it can contact a dealership for servicing or information if needed.
Those are all the changes you’ll see in the car, so that means the BMW-sourced 6.75-liter V12 engine remains untouched. If you were expecting electrification, you’ll have to wait for the Spectre‘s debut.
As for how much? You probably don’t need to ask. Those capable of ordering one are probably asking their butlers to contact the local Rolls-Royce dealership at the moment.
Keyword: The Rolls-Royce Phantom gets updated for 2023 with the option for…fabric seats?