2017 Rolls-Royce Wraith Review

The rear-wheel-drive Wraith is driven by a powerful turbocharged 6.6-liter V12 (624 horsepower, 605 lb-ft of torque) paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Highlights of its standard features include 20-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive xenon headlights with automatic high-beam control, a self-adjusting air suspension, keyless ignition and entry, power-closing rear-hinged "coach" doors, hands-free trunk opening and closing, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, cruise control with upcoming curve detection, leather upholstery and trim, wood accents, eight-way power-adjustable front seats with heating (and four-way power lumbar), front-seat massage functions, driver-seat memory settings, lane departure warning and a head-up display.

Also standard are a surround-view camera system, four-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth connectivity, a 10.3-inch center display screen, a navigation system, voice controls, concierge services, and an 18-speaker sound system with a CD/DVD player, satellite and HD radio, digital music storage and a USB port.

There are three primary feature packages for the 2017 Wraith. The Driver's Assistance Systems Three package adds an infrared night-vision display and adaptive cruise control. The U.S. Wraith package includes Driver's Assistance Systems Three plus any wheel design, the 1,300-watt Bespoke Audio system (18-channel amplifier, 18 speakers and digital sound processing), lambswool floor mats and a fixed-glass roof.

Many items within the Wraith's grouped packages are available as stand-alone options. Other individual options include ventilated front seats, a leather trunk floor, and a plethora of interior personalization options for trim, doorsills, stitching, surface materials and inlays. Exterior option highlights include two-tone paint schemes with or without a third, separating color and paint-matched center caps for the wheels. There are also several options for the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, including solid silver, gold-plated, illuminated polycarbonate and bottom-lit figures.

The Wraith Black Badge is something else entirely, providing a sportier driving experience to what is already Rolls-Royce's most driver-oriented car. It starts with a sportier suspension tune, a modified transmission calibration and a torque increase to 642 lb-ft. Some features are unique to the Black Badge but, knowing Rolls, they can probably be outfitted to the normal Wraith for the right price. These include a glossy black Spirit of Ecstasy, carbon-fiber and alloy wheels, upgraded brakes, a retuned suspension, LED headlights, carbon-fiber interior trim, darkened air vents, a different clock and embroidery in the shape of an infinity sign.