The Rolls-Royce Wraith is a luxury grand tourer that stands out for its combination of elegance, performance, and exclusivity. While Rolls-Royce is primarily known for its focus on comfort, the Wraith was designed to be a sportier, more dynamic model in the Rolls-Royce lineup. This places it in competition with other luxury coupes and grand tourers that combine high performance with an opulent driving experience.

To evaluate how the Rolls-Royce Wraith's performance compares to its competitors, let's look at key elements such as powertrain, acceleration, handling, and driving dynamics in relation to a few notable competitors in the segment: the Bentley Continental GT, the Aston Martin DB11, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe.

1. Powertrain and Engine:

• Rolls-Royce Wraith:
  • The Wraith is powered by a 6.6-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine that produces 624 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. This engine allows the Wraith to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is exceptional for a car of its size and luxury. The engine is paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission and offers a smooth, effortless surge of power. Rolls-Royce focuses on making power delivery incredibly linear and refined, ensuring that acceleration is strong but never harsh.
  • The Wraith provides a grand touring experience with remarkable comfort, but it is also designed for an exciting drive, especially when the throttle is pressed.
• Bentley Continental GT (W12 version):
  • The Bentley Continental GT comes with a 6.0-liter W12 twin-turbocharged engine, which produces 626 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The W12 engine allows the Continental GT to reach 0 to 60 mph in 3.6 seconds, which is faster than the Wraith due to its higher torque output and slightly more aggressive performance orientation.
  • The Continental GT is known for its exceptional handling, offering a more sporty driving experience than the Wraith, with more responsive handling and a higher level of dynamic performance.
  • Overall, the Bentley Continental GT is a performance-oriented grand tourer that still retains a high level of luxury, but it leans more towards driving excitement than the Wraith.
• Aston Martin DB11:
  • The Aston Martin DB11 offers both a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbocharged engine (503 horsepower) and a 5.2-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine (630 horsepower), providing a slightly higher level of performance potential than the Wraith.
  • The V12 version of the DB11 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds, slightly faster than the Wraith. The DB11 is known for its agility and precise handling, making it one of the most dynamic cars in the luxury grand tourer segment.
  • The DB11, with its balanced handling, rear-wheel drive, and agile chassis, is more performance-focused compared to the Wraith, which aims to prioritize comfort and smoothness over outright sportiness.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (S 65 AMG):
  • The Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, specifically the S 65 AMG version, comes with a 6.0-liter V12 biturbo engine producing 621 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. It can reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds, making it faster than the Wraith.
  • The S-Class Coupe offers a more performance-driven version of the classic luxury coupe, with an emphasis on refined but powerful acceleration. While the S-Class Coupe is also a large vehicle, it is more performance-oriented than the Wraith, especially when paired with AMG tuning.

2. Handling and Driving Dynamics:

• Rolls-Royce Wraith:
  • The Wraith offers an incredibly smooth and comfortable driving experience, aided by its air suspension system that isolates passengers from road imperfections. Its performance is designed to be effortless, with superb refinement and minimal road noise.
  • While the Wraith is more dynamic than some other Rolls-Royce models, it is still more about effortless cruising and luxury than sharp, corner-hugging handling. The focus is on providing a smooth, controlled ride, even at high speeds.
  • The Wraith’s handling is stable, with adequate agility for a large coupe, but it is more luxury-oriented than outright sporty.
• Bentley Continental GT:
  • The Continental GT provides a more sporty handling experience, thanks to its more responsive suspension system and advanced dynamic features like all-wheel drive and active roll control.
  • Bentley’s adaptive suspension system ensures that the Continental GT offers a firm yet comfortable ride, with the ability to adjust its dampers to provide better performance during more spirited driving. It feels more engaged in corners than the Wraith and provides a more exciting driving experience overall.
  • The Continental GT strikes a balance between luxury and performance, offering both a comfortable grand touring experience and a car that feels more at home on winding roads.
• Aston Martin DB11:
  • The Aston Martin DB11 is perhaps the most driver-focused of these competitors, with precise, responsive steering and a chassis designed for performance.
  • The DB11’s handling is sharp, and its balanced dynamics make it a joy to drive, especially for those who prefer a more agile driving experience. It is known for its ability to tackle corners with ease while still offering a smooth ride when cruising on highways.
  • Compared to the Wraith, the DB11 feels more like a sports car, with a higher level of driving excitement and engagement.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe:
  • The S-Class Coupe is built with luxury and performance in mind, and it delivers a confident, stable ride with impressive handling. While it’s not as agile or driver-focused as the Bentley Continental GT or the Aston Martin DB11, it offers sophisticated suspension systems that adapt to road conditions.
  • The S-Class Coupe’s handling is comfortable but not as focused on agility as some of its competitors. It strikes a balance between performance and comfort, with the S 65 AMG version offering a bit more of a dynamic edge compared to the standard S-Class.

3. Performance Summary:

• Rolls-Royce Wraith:
  • Power: 624 horsepower
  • Torque: 605 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 4.4 seconds
  • Focus: Luxury and refinement, with effortless performance that prioritizes comfort and smooth cruising over outright sportiness. Ideal for those who seek a refined grand touring experience.
• Bentley Continental GT:
  • Power: 626 horsepower (W12 version)
  • Torque: 664 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 3.6 seconds
  • Focus: A more dynamic and sportier grand tourer that provides exceptional handling with a blend of luxury and performance.
• Aston Martin DB11 (V12):
  • Power: 630 horsepower
  • Torque: 516 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 3.7 seconds
  • Focus: Driver engagement and sharp handling, making it one of the most performance-oriented luxury coupes in the segment.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe (S 65 AMG):
  • Power: 621 horsepower
  • Torque: 738 lb-ft
  • 0-60 mph: 4.0 seconds
  • Focus: A luxurious coupe with a performance edge, offering dynamic driving while still focusing on refinement and comfort.

Conclusion:

The Rolls-Royce Wraith stands out for its refined performance, focusing on a smooth, effortless driving experience, with luxury as the priority. While it may not match the outright speed and handling agility of competitors like the Bentley Continental GT, Aston Martin DB11, or Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, it provides a unique balance of performance and comfort that is second to none in terms of luxury.

If you’re looking for a more exciting driving experience, with faster acceleration and sharper handling, the Bentley Continental GT and Aston Martin DB11 will offer a more engaging performance. However, if you prioritize ultimate refinement, elegance, and the experience of a luxury grand tourer, the Wraith remains an exceptional choice with an emphasis on smooth cruising and sophistication.