Rolls-Royce Wraith Coupe (2013-2023) interior, tech and comfort
- Beautifully-assembled interior
- Technology is subtly integrated
- Commanding driving position
As beautiful as the Rolls-Royce Wraith’s graceful bodywork is to observe, the charm and craftsmanship displayed within is an omnipresent reminder of why it’s so expensive in the first place.
Essentially there’s no standard look to the cabin, as almost every Wraith created has a level of personalisation from the options list or, for greater exclusivity, a bespoke package to the buyer’s exacting specifications.
Themes are consistent though: all of the major dashboard and door panel surfaces are trimmed in a rich combination of exquisitely soft leather, chromed switchgear and a flawless veneer.
Slivers of timber remain a traditional choice, although with a modern, nautical twist given the bookmatching and open-pore finishes that prove particularly popular. Wraith Black Badge buyers are greeted with what Rolls titles Technical Weave, combining carbon fibre with threads of aluminium.
Technology integrated with discretion
All of the switchgear is Rolls-Royce-specific, including the revolving climate control discs, steering column stalks and multimedia controller, although the screen itself is a re-rendered version of BMW’s 10.3-inch item, albeit with a subdued colour palette.
Mind you, if the notion of a display screen in a Royce is an anathema to you, at the push of a button an electrically-controlled veneer facade glides over to hide such gaucheness.
A trio of white dials form the primary instrumentation, but even with this car’s sportier theme there’s still no rev counter to display engine speed, its place taken by a twee Power Reserve meter. If anything, the gauges are a little small, and the clock on the passenger side of the dash is an attractive folly.
Not only are the seats supremely comfortable – more on that later – it’s easy to adjust them for a fine driving position. All of the controls are electric, naturally, meaning it’s easy to feel in command of the Wraith, a sensation amplified by its enormous steering wheel.
Visibility is fine, despite those thick rear pillars, and thanks to its perpendicular nose it’s easy to position on the road.
- Sumptuous space and surroundings for four
- Highest quality materials used throughout
- Internal door closure jars somewhat
There’s an overwhelming sense of regal detachment when you’re inside the Rolls-Royce Wraith – and despite its apparent sportiness, this is an extremely comfortable motor car.
Drive it back to back with a Ghost saloon and there’s the slightest of increases in its ride firmness, but make no mistake, the Wraith remains cossetingly comfortable as it wafts along.
The Wraith’s seats are as sumptuous as they look, upholstered in the softest of hides. Arriving at your destination may cause distress as your hosts’ sofa is unlikely to be as comfortable as the supple pews in the Rolls.
Four adults will easily find a long journey an effortless proposition, with access to the rear pair of chairs arguably easier than wriggling into the back seat of a city car with back doors.
Classic pillarless coupe silhouette
Should you so desire it, all four side windows glide down electrically, without a central door pillar, giving the Wraith a pseudo convertible feel.
It is, of course, more serene with the windows in place and the four-zone climate control at play. With very little engine noise – or any other sounds from outside the car for that matter – riding in the Wraith is a refined, hushed experience.
We only had one gripe of any significance and it relates to those enormous, rear-hinged coach doors.
Closing them from the outside requires just a gentle sweep towards the door catch before an electric motor pulls it shut, quietly.
If you’re inside, they can be conveniently closed electrically via buttons at the extreme edges of the dashboard – convenient, yes, but they close with such force and an accompanying thud, that the Rolls’ composure is momentarily sullied.
