The Rolls-Royce Ghost is an ultra-luxury sedan designed with an unwavering focus on both performance and safety. While the Ghost is not typically subjected to standardized crash tests like those from NHTSA or Euro NCAP, Rolls-Royce’s commitment to safety is reflected in a range of advanced technologies and engineering practices aimed at protecting both the occupants and pedestrians.
Key Safety Features of the Rolls-Royce Ghost:
1. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is equipped with an array of high-tech safety features that enhance both driving convenience and accident prevention:
-
Active Cruise Control:
The Ghost features adaptive cruise control, which maintains a safe distance from the vehicle ahead by automatically adjusting speed based on traffic conditions. This system uses radar and cameras to detect the car in front and keeps the vehicle at an optimal distance. -
Night Vision with Pedestrian Detection:
The night vision system in the Ghost helps drivers detect pedestrians, animals, or other potential hazards at night. The system uses infrared technology to provide enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, ensuring the driver has a clear view of the road ahead, even in darkness. -
Forward Collision Warning (FCW):
The forward collision warning system uses radar and cameras to detect the potential for a collision with another vehicle or object ahead. It provides an audible and visual alert to the driver, giving them time to take action. -
Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB):
If the Ghost’s forward collision warning system detects an imminent crash and the driver does not react in time, the automatic emergency braking system activates. This can reduce the severity of the collision or potentially avoid it altogether by automatically applying the brakes. -
Lane Departure Warning (LDW):
The lane departure warning system alerts the driver if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane without signaling. This feature is particularly useful on highways and long drives, helping to prevent accidents due to driver fatigue or distraction. -
Lane Keeping Assist (LKA):
In addition to lane departure warnings, the Ghost also includes lane-keeping assist, which gently steers the car back into its lane if it starts drifting without the use of turn signals. -
Surround View Camera System:
The 360-degree camera system offers a bird’s-eye view of the car’s surroundings, helping drivers navigate tight spaces and parking situations with ease. This system reduces blind spots and makes maneuvering much safer. -
Parking Sensors and Park Assist:
The Ghost features parking sensors and an automated parking assist system that helps detect obstacles when parking, offering both visual and audible alerts to prevent accidents. -
Traffic Sign Recognition:
The system detects and displays road signs such as speed limits and no-entry signs, keeping the driver informed and promoting safer driving practices.
2. Passive Safety Features
In addition to active technologies, the Rolls-Royce Ghost incorporates several passive safety features designed to protect passengers during a collision:
-
Multiple Airbags:
The Ghost comes with a comprehensive airbag system, including front, side, curtain, and knee airbags for both the driver and passengers. This offers protection in the event of a frontal or side-impact collision. -
Seatbelt Technology:
The Ghost’s active seatbelts are equipped with pre-tensioners that automatically tighten the belts in the event of a crash. This reduces movement and minimizes the risk of injury during a collision. Additionally, the seatbelt’s tension can be adjusted based on the occupant’s body shape and size, providing a better fit. -
Crash-Optimized Structure:
The aluminum spaceframe of the Ghost is engineered to absorb and dissipate crash energy, reducing the impact forces on occupants. The car's design also features crumple zones that deform during a collision, further protecting the cabin. -
Roll-Over Protection:
Though the Ghost is a sedan, it is designed with roll-over protection features, including reinforced pillars and roof structures that maintain the integrity of the cabin in the event of a roll-over accident. -
Pedestrian Protection:
The design of the Ghost includes pedestrian-friendly safety features such as energy-absorbing materials in the front bumper and hood. These are designed to reduce the severity of injury to pedestrians in the event of an accident.
3. Chassis and Suspension Safety
-
Adaptive Suspension System:
The adaptive air suspension system of the Ghost not only contributes to its legendary ride quality but also enhances safety by maintaining stability in various driving conditions. The system automatically adjusts the vehicle's ride height and damping characteristics, which helps to keep the car balanced during high-speed cornering or emergency maneuvers. -
All-Wheel Drive (AWD):
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is equipped with an all-wheel-drive system, providing better grip and stability, especially in challenging road conditions such as rain, snow, or ice. This system works in tandem with the dynamic stability control and traction control systems to help the vehicle remain composed during emergency braking or slippery road conditions. -
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC):
The dynamic stability control system works in real-time to detect any signs of skidding or loss of control. It uses sensors to adjust the power and braking of individual wheels to help the driver regain control of the vehicle. -
All-Terrain Capabilities (with Black Badge variants):
While the Rolls-Royce Ghost is primarily a luxury sedan, the Black Badge variant and its customizations include features that enhance its capability on different road surfaces, offering a higher level of grip and control.
4. Rolls-Royce’s Build Quality and Attention to Detail
-
Lightweight Aluminum Spaceframe:
The Ghost is built using high-strength aluminum, which is both lightweight and durable. This material enhances the car’s ability to absorb crash energy while maintaining structural rigidity to protect passengers in the event of an accident. -
Extensive Testing:
Like all Rolls-Royce models, the Ghost undergoes rigorous crash testing and extensive durability testing in various environments to ensure it meets the highest safety standards. Rolls-Royce also conducts real-world crash simulations and analyses, ensuring that all safety features are optimized for the vehicle's structure.
Conclusion: How Safe is the Rolls-Royce Ghost?
The Rolls-Royce Ghost is equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety features, combining active and passive systems to ensure the protection of both occupants and pedestrians. Its advanced driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, night vision, lane-keeping assist, and forward collision warning, help prevent accidents, while its robust construction, multiple airbags, and seatbelt systems ensure maximum protection in the event of a collision.
The Ghost's dynamic stability control, adaptive suspension system, and all-wheel drive contribute to maintaining control in various driving conditions, while the aluminum spaceframe provides the necessary strength to withstand impacts.
Though it doesn't have official crash test ratings, the Ghost's extensive safety technologies, combined with Rolls-Royce’s reputation for excellence, ensure that it meets the highest standards of luxury and safety. It is a safe and secure option for those seeking the ultimate in luxury sedans with the best possible protection for both the driver and passengers.