The 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge, from RM 1.8 million; for when a Maybach just won’t cut it

For a luxury carmaker with such an ingrained sense of traditionalism, Rolls-Royce finally bit that silver bullet and introduced its Black Badge models in 2016; aimed at “young, self-empowered, self-confident rule-breakers.” Simply put, it was counting on the Black Badge to appeal to the new generation of ultra-wealth and now the 2022 Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge is here.

Black Badge denotes reengineering existing models with edgier characteristics in terms of design and performance. Did it work? Well, 27 percent of commissions globally opted to splash out for the Black Badge. So, yeah it worked.

Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Kuala Lumpur has introduced the second-generation bearing that badge with a starting price of RM 1.8 million before taxes obviously because the rich somehow get away without paying that.

Options are well… optional as well. The model pictured here stacks up the options and costs a whopping RM 2.4 million. Again, taxes not included.

If you’re keen to identify a Black Badge, there are a few cues you can look out for. For starters, the Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy bonnet ornament are of a different colour. Of course, this is Rolls-Royce. They didn’t paint it.

The mirror-black chrome finish is achieved by coating a specific chrome electrolyte onto the surface before the traditional chrome plating process is applied. Finally, the piece is hand polished.

With a name like Black Badge, most clients opt for black as the body colour. Nonetheless, you don’t drop money like this to look like everyone else. There are 44,000 “ready-to-wear” colour options and you can also produce your own sample for a completely unique bespoke hue.

Regardless of the colour of the body, certain elements of the car will be black-hued. These are the single-piece side window frames, front fender badges, rear taillight frames and front apron garnish.

If you opt for the coach stripes that run the length of the vehicle, here’s a little nugget of information. Those stripes can only be applied by Mark Court; the certified stripe-applier. You may follow him on Instagram.

The wheels are 21-inch rollers and constructed from carbon fibre. Tradition dictates that those double R monogram on the caps always remain upright and the floating hubcaps ensures that continues.

Black Bolivar veneer and carbon fibre are applied generously on the interior. Don’t ask us about the process, we failed science in school. Nonetheless, the air-conditioning vents were darkened utilising a process labelled physical vapour deposition. We don’t know how it works but the vents never lose their finish over time. If you’re getting a Black Badge, please get the optional Starlight Headliner.

Now that the design aspect is covered, let we forget the performance side isn’t neglected as well. The 6.75 litre twin-turbo V12 has been bumped up to 600 PS, 29 PS (28 hp) more than the peasant-spec Ghost. Torque climbs to 900 Nm.

That familiar ZF 8-speed auto remains and sends power to all four wheels. Rear-wheel steering keeps it planted. Larger air springs lend an air of performance to the handling.

If you’re looking for a sportier element but wouldn’t want it called sport mode like peasants do in their regular Toyotas, Rolls-Royce has introduced “Low” mode. It unleashes the full 900 Nm from just 1,750 rpm and gearshifts are 50 percent quicker. Prod that throttle past the 90 percent limit and a new exhaust system sings at a raspier note.

Now, do you still want that Maybach?