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Rolls-Royce Ghost vs BMW M3

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Rolls-Royce Ghost
Rolls-Royce Ghost

2021 price

BMW M3
BMW M3

$189,880 - $279,990

2023 price

Summary

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost
2023 BMW M3
Safety Rating

Engine Type
V12, 6.6L

Turbo 6, 3.0L
Fuel Type
Premium Unleaded Petrol

-
Fuel Efficiency
14.3L/100km (combined)

10.4L/100km (combined)
Seating
5

5
Dislikes
  • Numb steering
  • Thirsty
  • Vast turning circle

  • Carbon pack a little (a lot) silly
  • Thirsty as all get out
  • Design a little polarising (though I like it)
2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost Summary

Rolls-Royce says its out-going Ghost is the most successful model in the company’s 116-year history. 

Not bad, when you consider the first ‘Goodwood’ Ghost has ‘only’ been around since 2009. And although the factory isn’t quoting specific numbers, that all-time best-seller claim means it’s surpassed the more than 30,000 Silver Shadows produced from 1965 all the way through to 1980.

Unlike the brand’s Phantom flagship, the Ghost is designed for owners who want to drive, as well as be driven. The aim is a less conspicuous, more engaging experience, and according to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars CEO, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, development of this new generation Ghost involved a lot of listening. 

He says a team of “Luxury Intelligence Specialists” connected with Ghost owners around the globe to gain a clearer understanding of their likes and dislikes. And the result is this car.

While its predecessor’s engineering DNA included more than a few strands of BMW 7 Series (BMW owns Rolls-Royce), this all-new car stands alone on an all-RR alloy platform also underpinning the Cullinan SUV and Phantom flagship.

The factory claims the only parts carried over from the prior model are the ’Spirit of Ecstasy’ ornament on the nose, and the umbrellas slipped into the doors (the holders for them are heated, by the way).

We were offered the opportunity to slip behind the wheel for a day, and the experience was a revelation.

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2023 BMW M3 Summary

There’s no point waxing too lyrical here, because the facts surrounding the M3 Touring are more than exciting enough.

It’s a (kind of) family friendly wagon with oodles of space and practicality. It’s also an unhinged performance weapon with a thumping 3.0-litre twin-turbo-petrol inline six-cylinder engine.

And it has been years — decades, even — in the making. So, has it been worth the wait? Let’s strap in and find out.

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Deep dive comparison

2021 Rolls-Royce Ghost 2023 BMW M3

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