Rolls-Royce launches first Phantom in 15 years

LEADING MOTORING and lifestyle media converged on the idyllic northern shores of Lake Lucerne in Switzerland over a two-week period for the launch Rolls-Royce’s first new Phantom series in 15 years, reports Gina Johnson.

Months in the planning, executives from both Rolls-Royce’s Goodwood home base and parent company BMW Group in Munich hosted a two-day event to showcase the new monarch of the automotive world, the Phantom VIII, which has been in almost continuous production for more than 90 years.

In accordance with the centurion status of the brand, guests were invited to participate in a series of curated luxury experiences such as a private tour of the Rosengart Museum – home to largest private collection of Picassos in the world – and a boatbuilding tour with luxury boat makers Boesch on Lake Zurich.

The event included self-driving experiences that took in some of Switzerland’s most iconic scenery on a half-day route that circumnavigated Lake Lucerne.

Rolls-Royce staged a take-over of the stunning lakeside Park Hotel Vitznau – defined as a ‘health and wealth residence’ – where several new-generation Phantoms, including the imposing purple-hued Belladonna model, were positioned inside the lobby and on the lawns of the property. A highlight of the event was a private dinner designed by two Michelinstar chef Nenad Mlinarevic and guests of honour included some of the seven artists commissioned to create original designs set within the gallery of the new models.

The first Phantom VIIIs will be delivered next month with a price point starting from around AED2million.