Rolls-Royce Wraith (2013–2023): The Grand Tourer That Turns Every Drive Into A Story
I remember the first time I eased a Rolls-Royce Wraith onto a rain-slicked B-road. The bonnet stretched out like a runway, the Spirit of Ecstasy quietly slicing mist. One toe on the throttle and the twin-turbo V12 answered with that polite, heavy-handed shove the brand does so well. It’s a coupe, yes, but it moves like a private jet taxiing—effortless, unflustered, and frankly a little addictive. If you’re here for the spec-sheet, you’ll find it; but the Rolls-Royce Wraith is really about theater. And the way it makes even a grocery run feel like a tux-only event.
A Short History Of The Rolls-Royce Wraith
Launched in 2013 as the two-door fastback sibling to the Ghost, the Rolls-Royce Wraith quickly became the brand’s “driver’s Rolls.” It was born grand—long hood, rear-hinged doors—and matured gracefully through its run, culminating with special series and Black Badge variants. If you know, you know: this was the one for owners who preferred the wheel to the rear seat.
Design & Craft: Why The Rolls-Royce Wraith Still Stops Conversations
On the outside, it’s a tailored suit with shoulders—those muscular rear haunches and the dramatic roofline give it a stance that says “serious intent.” Inside, the Wraith is where the spell is cast. Open the coach doors (watch them in tight car parks—ask me how I know) and you step into a cocoon: thick carpets, deep, supple leather, and wood veneers that look like someone obsessively sanded them while listening to Chopin.
- Optional Starlight Headliner turns late-night drives into a planetarium visit.
- Seats shaped like club chairs: supportive, heated, cooled, and endlessly adjustable.
- BMW-derived infotainment (period-correct iDrive) that’s reliable but feels a generation behind the latest touch-heavy systems—though, honestly, the physical controller is a relief on the move.
- Boot space that swallows two big weekend bags plus an inflated ego.
Performance: The Rolls-Royce Wraith Is Fast, But Never Flustered
Under that mile-long bonnet sits a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 (624 hp, 590 lb-ft in most years; Black Badge dials torque up even further). It’s paired to an 8-speed ZF automatic that reads the road via GPS to pre-select gears—clever, and you can feel it smoothing things out when the road gets wiggly.
- 0–60 mph: around 4.4 seconds (quick for anything, astonishing for a 2.4-ton lounge).
- EPA economy: roughly 12/18 mpg city/highway—nobody buys a Wraith for its thrift.
- Ride: pillowy with just enough discipline. Think “driving in slippers,” but ones with a steel toe.
- Steering: light and creamy. Not a corner-carver in the super-GT sense, but swift cross-country is its natural habitat.
When I tried it on rough roads, the Wraith simply ignored the chatter. You hear more of your passenger’s gossip than the tarmac. Quiet enough to catch the kids squabbling in the back (and threaten to turn off the starlight if they don’t behave).
Rolls-Royce Wraith vs. The World: Where It Sits Among Luxury GTs
Grand Tourer | Power (hp) | 0–60 mph (sec) | Character |
---|---|---|---|
Rolls-Royce Wraith | 624 | ~4.4 | Effortless, opulent, drama via silence |
Bentley Continental GT W12 | 626 | ~3.6 | Muscular, athletic, more “sport” in its silk |
Mercedes-AMG S65 Coupe | 621 | ~4.0 | Velvet hammer, tech-laden, brash |
Aston Martin DB11 V12 | 630 | ~3.7 | Romantic GT, lighter on its feet, louder heart |
Numbers tell part of the story. The Rolls-Royce Wraith wins on theater and calm; the Bentley and Aston play the driver’s car more faithfully. Depends whether your weekend is Monte Carlo tux or Alpine switchbacks.
Living With A Rolls-Royce Wraith: The Small Things Matter
- Ingress/egress: long, heavy doors with power close—lovely, but mind narrow garages.
- Visibility: surprisingly good for such a low roofline; sensors and cameras remove tension downtown.
- Tires: massive 21-inch options look right, cost accordingly. Budget for premium rubber.
- Service: Rolls dealers treat you like royalty. They also charge like it. Plan accordingly.
- Best spec: two-tone paint, Starlight headliner, and lambswool rugs. Go big, or someone else will.
The Best Interior Accessories For Your Rolls-Royce Wraith
I’ve seen more than a few owners quietly upgrade the cabin with premium mats—because once you’ve lived with factory lambswool, anything less feels like a downgrade. If you’re refreshing or protecting that investment, AutoWin curates accessories that match the car’s vibe without looking aftermarket.
- Custom-fit floor protection to keep carpets immaculate—essential if you actually use your Wraith for road trips or winter suppers in the country.
- Premium materials that don’t shed, curl, or cheapen the interior.
- Easy-to-clean finishes—because gravel driveways are more common at nice restaurants than you’d think.
AutoWin: Where Wraith Owners Find The Right Finishing Touches
A few owners mentioned to me they wanted something tougher than the plush OE mats for winter and detail days. AutoWin has been my go-to recommendation—fit is spot-on, and the materials feel on-brand. You’ll find floor mats, covers, and other tasteful add-ons tailored specifically for the Wraith.
Stay Tuned For Updates
Curious about future Rolls news and deeper dives into luxury GT ownership? Keep an eye on the AutoWin blog—there’s a whole world behind the badge, and we love telling the stories.
FAQ: Rolls-Royce Wraith (2013–2023)
Real questions I hear from prospective and current owners—straight answers.
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Was there a 2023 Rolls-Royce Wraith?
Yes, the Wraith’s run extended to 2023 in select markets. Availability varied by region and production timing. -
How quick is the Rolls-Royce Wraith?
Around 4.4 seconds to 60 mph, thanks to a 6.6-liter twin-turbo V12 (about 624 hp). The Black Badge variant offers even more torque for stronger in-gear surge. -
What’s the fuel economy like?
Expect roughly 12 mpg city and 18 mpg highway. Plan fuel stops on long tours; the Wraith is a GT, not a hypermiler. -
What should I upgrade first inside?
Floor protection is smart. Premium Wraith floor mats from AutoWin keep the cabin looking factory-fresh and feel more durable for real-world use. -
Will the Rolls-Royce Wraith return?
Rolls-Royce hasn’t announced a successor. Given the brand’s electric future, expect any spiritual follow-up to embrace electrification—with the same hush and theater.
Final Word: Why The Rolls-Royce Wraith Still Feels Special
After a decade, the Rolls-Royce Wraith remains a singular luxury GT: powerful without peacocking, sumptuous without shouting. It’s a car that makes you slow down a touch—not because it can’t go fast, but because it turns every mile into something you’d rather savor. If you own one (lucky you), finish the experience with the right accessories—AutoWin’s curated selection for the Rolls-Royce Wraith keeps the cabin as immaculate as the drive feels.