How much is a Rolls-Royce? Your No-Nonsense Guide to Prices, Trims, and the Bespoke Rabbit Hole
People always whisper it at valet lines: “How much is a Rolls-Royce?” After a week hopping between a Ghost, a Cullinan, and one deliriously plush Phantom, I can tell you the real answer is equal parts sticker price and imagination. Rolls-Royce is the rare brand where the base number is just a polite suggestion. Still, there are concrete figures to start with—and, yes, a ceiling somewhere above the clouds if you go full bespoke.
Rolls-Royce prices today: the short answer
Approximate U.S. starting prices (before destination, taxes, and options) as I’ve seen on recent cars:
- Ghost: around $345,000+
- Ghost Black Badge: around $400,000+
- Cullinan (the Rolls-Royce SUV): around $355,000+
- Cullinan Black Badge: around $415,000+
- Spectre (EV coupe): around $425,000+
- Phantom: around $505,000+
That’s the sensible part. Bespoke paint, custom veneers, one-off embroidery, a constellation ceiling to match your wedding night’s exact sky—those can nudge a “standard” build well past $600,000. And ultra-bespoke specials (think Boat Tail) enter the many-millions chat.
How much is a Rolls-Royce in the real world?
I noticed right away—especially in the Cullinan—that you don’t shop a Rolls like other luxury cars. You curate it. The configurator is just the warm-up; the real fun begins in the Bespoke lounge at Goodwood or your local showroom, where a specialist nudges you toward things you didn’t know you needed. Silk-lined umbrellas? Shooting Star headliner? A veneer that looks like it was lifted from a 1930s speedboat? Yes, and yes, and… how much time do you have?
How much is a Rolls-Royce Ghost?
Figure around $345,000 to start, but most Ghosts I’ve sat in clear $400,000 once you add the good stuff. It uses a twin-turbo V12 (563 hp, Black Badge up to 592 hp) and hustles to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds—quiet enough that your kids can argue in the back and you’ll still hear every syllable. The ride on rough roads reminded me of gliding in house slippers; there’s a gentle, pillowy motion that never gets sloppy. Infotainment is BMW-based and intuitive, though a few owners mentioned to me the occasional Bluetooth hiccup with certain phones. Minor, but on a car this serene, you notice.
How much is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan (the Rolls-Royce SUV)?
Starting just north of $355,000 ($415,000-ish for Black Badge), the Cullinan is the one I’d take to an Alpine ski weekend. It’s tall, imperious, and somehow still feels smaller from behind the wheel than it looks from the curb. The 563-hp V12 just murmurs along. I tried it on a scarred stretch out by the countryside; the air suspension simply edited the road. The only quirk? The high sill and hefty door mean you adapt your exit “technique” in tight parking spots. Small price for a rolling lounge.
How much is the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
The electric Spectre opens around $425,000. The first time I drove one, I half expected EV whine. Instead: hush, followed by hush. It’s brisk (think ~4.4 seconds to 60 mph), with a silken throttle that makes traffic feel like slow cinema. Range will depend on your right foot and climate, but plan for around 260–290 miles in mixed use. It’s not meant for hypermiling; it’s meant to turn a late-night city drive into a private screening.
How much is a Rolls-Royce Phantom?
Phantom is the answer to the question you ask when you’ve stopped asking questions. Budget at least $505,000 before your imagination gets involved. The V12 (563 hp, 664 lb-ft) never breaks a sweat, and the car itself feels like a moving cathedral—starlight headliner and all. The steering is surprisingly light, and there’s an almost nautical grace to the way it rolls over expansion joints. If you like to arrive without announcing it, this is your quiet thunder.
Rolls-Royce prices vs rivals: what you’re really paying for
| Model | Starting Price (approx.) | Power | 0–60 mph | Closest Rival (approx. price) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rolls-Royce Ghost | $345k+ | 563–592 hp (V12) | ~4.5 s | Mercedes-Maybach S 680 (~$235k) |
| Rolls-Royce Cullinan | $355k+ | 563–592 hp (V12) | ~5.0 s | Bentley Bentayga EWB (~$230k+) |
| Rolls-Royce Spectre | $425k+ | EV dual-motor | ~4.4 s | Bentley Continental GT Speed (~$300k+ when fully optioned) |
| Rolls-Royce Phantom | $505k+ | 563 hp (V12) | ~5.1 s | Bentley Mulsanne (discontinued; secondary market) |
Competitors undercut Rolls-Royce on price, sure. But the difference is the sense of calm and the made-for-you detail. I’ve seen veneer samples matched to a client’s heirloom humidor. That sort of thing doesn’t fit in a spreadsheet.
Highlights that make a Rolls-Royce feel worth it
- Starlight Headliner with available Shooting Star effect (over 1,300 fiber-optic “stars”)
- Coach doors with power close (never look undignified again)
- V12 serenity or near-silent EV glide, depending on model
- Ride quality that turns bad roads into background noise
- 4-year, unlimited-mileage warranty and included maintenance
- Bespoke everything: paint, leathers, embroidery, veneers—even umbrellas
Where Rolls-Royce cars are made (and why that matters)
Every Rolls-Royce is built at Goodwood, West Sussex, England. You feel that craftsman vibe immediately—leathers that look and smell like old-world luxury, stitching that you only see in high-end leather goods, and woodwork that makes Scandinavian furniture look mass-market. Build times vary, but several months is normal when you go heavy on bespoke choices.
The little imperfections (because nothing’s perfect)
- Infotainment, while smooth, sometimes lags a generation behind BMW’s latest UI.
- Thick doors and high sills mean graceful exits require a touch of choreography.
- Fuel economy? Let’s say “unapologetically single-digit in town” for V12 models.
None of these are dealbreakers. But if you’re cross-shopping a Maybach, it’s fair to note.
So… how much is a Rolls-Royce?
If you want a number you can bank on: a Rolls-Royce typically starts around the mid-$300,000s and can land anywhere between $400,000 and $700,000 depending on options. Go fully bespoke, and “How much is a Rolls-Royce?” becomes “How imaginative are you?” Either way, if you’re buying one, do yourself a favor and protect the car you’ve curated—starting with properly tailored floor mats. It’s the quiet hero of living with a luxury car every day.
FAQ: Rolls-Royce pricing and ownership
- How much is a Rolls-Royce Ghost? Around $345,000 to start; many customer builds land $380,000–$450,000.
- How much is a Rolls-Royce Cullinan? Starts near $355,000; Black Badge versions commonly cross $450,000 with options.
- How much is a Rolls-Royce Phantom? Roughly $505,000 to begin, with bespoke builds frequently well above $600,000.
- Who owns Rolls-Royce Motor Cars? BMW AG. The aerospace company Rolls-Royce plc is separate.
- Where are Rolls-Royce cars built? Goodwood, West Sussex, England.
