It almost feels wrong to be talking about performance in this test; surely it’s too vulgar a word for such a monumental car?
Either way, quantify and rate its performance we must, so here are the figures: 0-60mph in 6.1sec and 100mph in 15.7sec.
How does this feel in a car weighing 2655kg? At first, frankly ridiculous. With familiarity, though, comes the realisation that the Coupe’s pace is more brisk than truly rapid.
Bentley’s more powerful but similarly conceived Brooklands marches to 100mph in 11.9sec. But does the Phantom have enough performance?
In almost all circumstances, yes; only on prolonged high-speed ascents would more power help.
Something BMW could provide, but perhaps not without sacrificing the sense of achieving without ever really trying that you only get with Rolls-Royce. The 6.75 V12 never sounds strained, it’s just a distant and refined hum as the 531lb ft of torque goes to work.
It is in the area of ride and handling that the Coupe promises to differ most from any other Phantom.
With a 200mm shorter wheelbase, broader rear tyres, stiffer rear dampers and springs and a thicker rear anti-roll bar, the Coupe is noticeably sharper than its saloon and Drophead relatives.
The Coupe might weigh 2.7 tonnes, but it does have the advantage of being perfectly balanced front to rear, meaning that beyond the initial body roll it progresses through a corner with remarkable balance.
The unavoidable flipside to the improved handling is a slight deterioration in ride quality, most noticeably at low speeds.
By any normal standard the Coupe rides very well, but where a Phantom saloon’s passengers wouldn’t notice the slightest movement, the Coupe’s may register a small thud.
Although blessed with its own character, the Coupe remains true to the Phantom DNA: fabulously comfortable and luxurious but still rewarding and involving to drive.
