Toyota has confirmed its upgraded Corolla Cross SUV will arrive in Australian showrooms in the second half of 2025, featuring a sharper design, increased standard equipment across the range, and the introduction of a new GR Sport performance flagship.

The all-new Corolla Cross GR Sport will join the existing GX, GXL, and Atmos variants, marking a bold step toward sportier performance and styling for the compact SUV.

Available exclusively with all-wheel drive, the GR Sport grade brings a host of dynamic upgrades and cosmetic enhancements that set it apart from the rest of the line-up.

Sporting a unique front bumper, the GR Sport also gains darkened 19-inch alloy wheels exclusive to the grade, a bespoke Sport drive mode, and enhanced handling courtesy of specially tuned and lowered coil springs, shock absorbers, and revised electric power steering.

The entire Corolla Cross range benefits from a refreshed exterior design, including a new integrated mesh grille and, from GXL upwards, a revised LED headlight signature. These updates give the popular SUV a more modern and aggressive visual appeal while complementing its improved driving dynamics.

Toyota will also broaden the Corolla Cross’s visual appeal with an updated colour palette. New hues include Massive Grey, Ink, Ash Slate, Shadow Platinum, and Feverish Red, in addition to the carry-over Glacier White and Frosted White options. Selected colours – including Shadow Platinum, Feverish Red, Frosted White, and Ash Slate – will be offered with an optional two-tone black roof on certain variants, adding further personalisation opportunities for buyers.

While full pricing and detailed specifications for the upgraded Corolla Cross are yet to be announced, Toyota has confirmed that the entire line-up will come with increased standard specification, reinforcing the model’s value proposition in the competitive small SUV segment.

The top-of-the-range Corolla Cross Atmos is currently priced at $50,030 before on-road costs. The current range features a 2.0-litre four-cylinder hybrid powertrain but Toyota have yet to say whether this will continue in the upgraded model.

More details, including pricing, engine, all- or rear-wheel drive, features, and exact release timing, will be revealed closer to its local launch in the second half of 2025.

It’s no easy feat to launch a new version of your best-selling product. You’ve got to refine, improve and add more value to it but also not change it too much so as to alienate its fanbase. Otherwise, those loyal fans could easily head elsewhere.

Originally sold as a smaller X5, the BMW X3 is now in its fourth generation and is the brand’s global best-seller. Has BMW successfully improved the X3 or should buyers look elsewhere? We tested the entry level X3 20 xDrive to find out.

Codenamed ‘G45’ – but using the same ‘CLAR’ platform as before – the new X3 has been given a thorough glow up to launch it into 2025, and is now longer, wider and taller in every direction. The controversial exterior styling is familiar but more modern, and the interior is now more minimalist in keeping with other new BMW products. For what it’s worth, it looks great in the flesh.

BMW Australia is offering three X3 models for the moment: the entry-level 20 tested here ($86,100 plus on-road costs), mid-spec 30e plug-in hybrid ($102,500 +ORC) and performance M50 at the top of the range ($128,900 +ORC). Base pricing climbed by $4000 over the former base 20i but a lot of standard equipment was added, including all-wheel drive, acoustic glass, a mild-hybrid system, heated front seats, ‘Veganza’ synthetic leather trim and sportier-looking M Sport styling.

Equipment otherwise includes 19-inch alloy wheels, tri-zone automatic climate control, a 12.3-inch driver’s display, a 14.9-inch touchscreen with an inbuilt eSIM, live services and over-the-air updates, wireless Apple CarPlay/wired Android Auto, a wireless phone charger, electric front seat adjustment, a powered tailgate and a full suite of safety tech like AEB, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lane guidance and high beam, blind-spot monitoring and a 360-degree camera.

The new X3’s value is strong against its Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC chief rivals, which start at $88,315 and $89,000 respectively, and need options ticked to match the BMW. Meanwhile, a fully loaded Genesis GV70 2.5T Signature asks $89,700. Food for thought.

Our test car was also fitted with the $6000 Enhancement Pack (with metallic paint, an alarm, a panoramic glass roof and 15-speaker 750-watt Harman Kardon audio). A $4000 Comfort Pack (front seat ventilation, a heated steering wheel and rear seat, rear door sunblinds, rear privacy glass and a luggage net), a $3000 M Sport Pro package (additional M Sport exterior elements), $4000 leather trim, $1200 knitted textile dashboard and upper door trims, and $2000 20-inch alloy wheels are also available.

Under the X3 20’s bonnet is a mild-hybridised 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission and the brand’s ‘xDrive’ all-wheel drive system. Total outputs are a reasonable 140kW (from 4400 to 6500rpm) of power and 310Nm (from 1500 to 4000rpm) of torque, while the claimed 0-100km/h time is 8.5 seconds. The claimed combined fuel consumption is 7.5L/100km and with a full 65-litre tank, expect to see a range of more than 850km at that consumption – we achieved 9.2L/100km after a week with our test car, though that was brand new and only had under 500km on the clock.

As you’d expect for a BMW, the X3 20 handles quite well – but it also rides plushly, too. Despite the stiff run-flat tyres, the ride quality on the 19-inch wheels and adaptive dampers of the base X3 is supple and despite the sporty image and keen handling, it’s really comfortable. It’s also great to drive for a mid-size SUV; the steering offers good connection to the wheels, it’s nicely balanced and it’s just fun. There’s more of a driver connection here than in rivals.

The new X3’s refinement is also excellent thanks to newly standard acoustic glass and other improvements in noise suppression: at highway speeds, the cabin is quiet and unless you’re high in the rev range, the engine is barely heard too.

What’s also excellent is BMW’s active safety equipment. It’s fully featured as standard with adaptive cruise control with adaptive lane guidance, traffic sign recognition, blind-spot monitoring and AEB but in contrast to a plethora of vehicles we’ve tested recently, it’s serene. The systems aren’t sensitive or noisy, but they just work when required. They assist the driver rather than overbear or scare them.

Inside the new X3 has seen a lot of change in line with newer BMW products: it now uses a more minimalist asymmetric design with more use of synthetic leather trim throughout. Overall quality is good, though some parts feel a bit cheap: the black plastic door handles, for example, and the air vent surrounds as well. But look beyond those and the new X3’s cabin looks and feels great.

It’s also quite practical with sectioned bins in each door, a deep bin underneath the centre console lid and a large open section at the front of the centre console with a cooled wireless charger, two USB-C ports and deep cup holders.

Centre of the cabin is a new 14.9-inch touchscreen with the brand’s new ‘Operating System 9’ software. It’s a fully-featured system but it’s not overwhelming to use thanks to effective shortcuts on the bottom of the screen that don’t disappear when using another function, like smartphone mirroring. There’s no need to hit the screen multiple times to change the temperature because it’s always displayed, which is pleasing in an age where many touchscreens require a lot of effort for simple functions.

Wireless Apple CarPlay was easy to set up and worked faultlessly in our time with it, while the 15-speaker Harman Kardon sound system offers rich – if not massively punchy – sound quality.

Because of the growth spurt, the new X3 is more than capable of taking four taller adults and their luggage. Rear seat room – particularly headroom – is impressive, plus the door bins, two USB-C ports, map pockets and separate climate zone add even more comfort. The 570-litre boot is the largest in the class and opens up to a huge 1700L space with the rear seats folded. The new X3’s boot also features a large under-floor section for extra capacity – though there’s no spare wheel, just run-flat tyres.

Overall, while some may not like the exterior styling, there’s no denying the talent of the fourth-generation BMW X3: it’s practical, well equipped, comfortable and fun to drive, as you’d expect from a BMW. The base engine could be more powerful and some interior materials have taken a step backwards, but it’s an otherwise great product that we think will keep its crown as BMW’s best-selling model for a long time to come.

Specifications

This article originally appeared in the May 2025 issue of Wheels – subscribe here.

• Price: From $76,990 plus on-road costs (Ultra Single Motor)
• Drivetrain: 185kW/420Nm (single motor) or 300kW/670Nm (dual motor), 82kWh battery
• NEDC range, peak charging speed: 485-520km, 135kW (single motor) – 200kW (dual motor)
• Warranty: 5-year/unlimited km, 8-year/160,000km for the battery, five years of roadside assistance

The Volvo EX40, formerly called XC40 Recharge, recently won the electric category at the Wheels Best Small SUV awards for 2025 in a competitive field.

Priced from $76,990 plus on-road costs, the EX40 is offered in two well equipped variants: entry level Single Motor Extended Range and top-spec Twin Motor ($81,990 +ORC), while there’s also a special Black Edition ($82,990 +ORC) based on the Twin Motor with black detailing in and out.

The cabin of the EX40 is a highlight in the small SUV market thanks to clever touches, easy to use tech, excellent practicality and quality materials used throughout. The 12.3-inch digital driver’s display is not configurable but crisp, and the 9.0-inch touchscreen is very easy to use and feature-rich because it uses Google software for apps such as Google Maps.

As you’d expect for a Volvo, the practicality inside the EX40 is great – from the plentiful storage to the ample dimensions for taller folk, it can handle what your family can throw at it. While its 410-litre boot may seem small on paper, in real life it’s impressively large and features many extra storage areas – plus, the rear seats fold completely flat for 1,295L of space.

On the road, the EX40 impresses with a very solid feeling, including a well damped ride than can be occasionally sharp thanks to the standard 20-inch wheels. Performance is excellent, even on the single motor – but the twin motor’s 300kW power output is huge. Thanks to that power, it’s not the most efficient EV, though fast charging capability helps outweigh that thirst.

Like the smaller EX30, Volvo includes five years of servicing in the EX40’s price. Overall the EX40 is still a stand-out offering in the electric small SUV segment – it’s practical, good to drive and even though it’s on the pricier side, the long list of equipment helps to justify the cost.

Volvo EX40 standard equipment:

• 20-inch alloy wheels with a tyre mobility kit
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Rain-sensing automatic wipers
• Keyless entry and start
• Electric tailgate
• Heated, auto-dimming and auto-folding mirrors
• Microtech and textile upholstery
• Electric front seats with driver’s memory functionality
• Heated front and rear seats
• Dual-zone automatic climate control with rear vents
• 12.3-inch digital driver’s display
• 9.0-inch touchscreen with eSIM for live services such as over-the-air updates
• Inbuilt Google Services such as Google Maps and the Google Play Store
• Apple CarPlay
• Wireless phone charger
• 4x USB-C ports
• Harman Kardon sound system
• AM/FM/DAB+ digital radio
• Seven airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist
• Adaptive lane guidance
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Front and rear cross-traffic alert
• Matrix adaptive high beam
• Front, side and rear parking sensors
• 360-degree camera
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Rear automatic braking

Swiss brand Tudor’s latest release – the limited-edition chronograph Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” – celebrates the brand’s deep ties to motorsport. Inspired by the 2025 livery of the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula One Team, the new timepiece blends cutting-edge material engineering with decades of racing tradition.

First introduced to motorsport in the 1950s, Tudor’s timepieces have long traded on a reputation for precision and durability under pressure. The “Carbon 25” is is designed to honour this legacy with a tech-forward carbon fibre case – complete with carbon fibre end-links and a one-piece carbon tachymetric bezel – for maximum weight savings and performance.

Every detail of the 42mm chronograph has been engineered for the track. The lightweight case houses the COSC-certified Manufacture Calibre MT5813, a column wheel movement with vertical clutch and a robust 70-hour power reserve. The movement, based on Breitling’s B01 calibre but enhanced by Tudor with a silicon balance spring and unique finish, is built for high precision – boasting a daily rate variation of just -2/+4 seconds.

The racing heritage is equally visible on the dial. Set beneath a domed ‘racing white’ face are two hollowed black carbon fibre sub-counters and the iconic ‘Snowflake’ hands – an aesthetic nod to Tudor’s diver legacy. A 45-minute counter and a date aperture at 6 o’clock round out the complications. The pushers, finished in titanium, are inspired by the first generation of Tudor chronographs, adding a vintage touch to this otherwise futuristic design.

Only 2025 units of the Black Bay Chrono “Carbon 25” will be produced, commemorating the 2025 season and reinforcing its exclusivity. Each watch is individually numbered on a PVD-coated titanium case back, giving collectors a rare opportunity to own a slice of racing history – no pit pass required.

Hollywood star and motorsport enthusiast Patrick Dempsey has officially been named the face of TAG Heuer Eyewear – a new chapter in his long-standing relationship with the Swiss luxury brand.

Known for his distinctive style, racing pedigree, and on-screen charisma, the former Grey’s Anatomy star brings new focus on the watchmaker’s less known eyewear collection, which seeks to reflec the brand’s fusion of high performance and innovative design.

Dempsey has been associated with TAG Heuer since 2014, on the racetrack and by attending events around the globe for the brand. Now that role goes beyond the wristwatch. Dempsey lending his image and creative input to TAG Heuer Eyewear, launched in partnership with LVMH’s Thélios Eyewear Excellence.

The campaign opens with a powerful homage to TAG Heuer history, as Dempsey recreates an iconic portrait of Jack Heuer – founder and motorsport pioneer – holding a chronograph. In the modern retelling, Dempsey sports the sleek new Jack Heuer and Mini Vingt-Sept models, visually bridging decades of innovation with the future of design.

Dempsey’s own racing career lends authenticity to the role. A seasoned endurance driver, he’s raced multiple times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including a second-place finish in 2015’s GTE Am category. In 2019, he received the coveted ‘Spirit of Le Mans’ award, recognising his impact on the sport. This deep motorsport connection has mad Dempsey a natural fit for a brand rooted in racing culture.

The eyewear lines themselves reflect Dempsey’s dual passion for performance and refinement. The Jack Heuer collection channels 1960s elegance through lightweight titanium frames and Chromafade lenses. The Mini Vingt-Sept line pushes boundaries with bio-nylon temples, a sleek elliptical hinge, and polarized SPECTA lenses. For a bold statement, the Shield Pro line features interchangeable lenses and a futuristic, durable frame designed for extreme environments.

Dempsey’s recent portrayal of racing legend Piero Taruffi in Ferrari (2024) reinforces his association with motorsport and its history, now enhanced by his new campaign with TAG Heuer Eyewear.

Jaecoo has announced local pricing and specifications for the J8 large SUV, which goes on sale in June and will be the new brand’s second model in Australia after the J7 that’s already on sale.

Priced from $49,990 drive away, the J8 will be offered in two specifications: base model Track and
top-spec Ridge.

In Australia, the J8 will be equipped with five seats – though a seven-seat model exists in China, potentially eventually opening the door for such a layout locally.

Under the bonnet of the J8 is a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine making 183kW of power and 385Nm of torque. That’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to either the front (Track) or all four (Ridge) wheels.

The J8’s claimed combined fuel consumption ranges from 8.3L/100km for the Track to 8.6L/100km
for the Ridge.

Jaecoo J8 pricing (drive away)

Jaecoo J8 Track standard equipment:

• 12.3-inch touchscreen
• 12.3-inch driver’s display
• 14-speaker sound system
• Wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Satellite navigation
• “Hey Jaecoo” voice control
• Leather upholstery
• Heated and ventilated massaging electric front seats
• 360-degree camera
• 20-inch alloy wheels with a full-size alloy spare
• Dusk-sensing automatic LED exterior lighting
• Tyre pressure monitoring
• Power tailgate
• Second row AC controls
• 8 airbags
• Autonomous emergency braking
• Adaptive cruise control
• Blind-spot monitoring
• Lane departure prevention with emergency lane keeping
• Driver monitoring

Jaecoo J8 Ridge model adds:

• Torque vectoring all-wheel drive system
• Additional drive modes (snow/mud/sand/off-road
• Adaptive dampers
• Automatic parking
• Heated and ventilated second row seating
• Selectable ambient cabin lighting
• Second row side airbags
• Rear privacy glass
• Inbuilt fragrance
• Auto-dimming rear mirror
• Black suede headliner

The Jaecoo J8 will go on sale in Australia in June, with test drives available in the next few weeks.

As Australia edges closer to finalising a trade deal with the European Union, word is that the contentious Luxury Car Tax (LCT) will finally be abolished as part of the bargain.

Introduced in 2000, the LCT was originally designed to shield Australia’s local car manufacturing industry from being undercut by high-end European imports. However, with the last car built on Australian soil rolling off the production line in 2017, many critics argue that the tax has long outlived its purpose but the government is reluctant to forgo the $1.2billion in raises in annual revenue.

Currently, the LCT applies to vehicles priced above a certain threshold – $91,387 for fuel-efficient vehicles and $80,567 for others in 2024–25. It adds 33 per cent to the portion of the vehicle’s price above the threshold, making European luxury cars significantly more expensive in Australia than in many other markets.

The European Union has long viewed the LCT as a trade barrier and has pushed for its removal as part of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations. In response, the newly re-elected Albanese government has already signaled an openness to phasing it out, potentially unlocking more favourable terms for exporters in sectors such as agriculture, mining, and services.

The question for Australian consumers is whether the abolition of the LCT would translate into lower car prices and whether most will care given it is mostly applied to prestige European brands sch as Audi, Aston Martin, Maserati, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo.

But the tax now also affects the price of more ‘democratic’ vehicles such as Toyota Landcruisers and higher end Hyundai and Kia people movers, for example.

In theory, removing the LCT should reduce the retail price of affected vehicles. For example, a $120,000 car could see a price cut of more than $10,000 if the tax were fully abolished. This would not only make European luxury cars more affordable but could also pressure manufacturers and dealers of non-European brands to become more competitive in the premium segment.

However, whether those savings would be passed on to consumers is uncertain. Car dealers may absorb some of the benefits as additional profit margin, especially in a market where demand for high-end vehicles remains strong. Additionally, manufacturers may take the opportunity to raise base prices slightly, offsetting part of the benefit.

There are also broader economic and political implications. The LCT generates over $1 billion annually in government revenue. Replacing that income could involve tax reforms or spending cuts elsewhere. Moreover, domestic automotive retailers and service providers worry that cheaper imports could impact margins and consumer expectations.

So while the abolition of the LCT under a new Australia–EU trade deal has the potential to make many luxury cars more affordable, whether prices will fall significantly for consumers depends on how the industry adjusts. The move would certainly align Australia with global market practices, but as with most tax reforms, the real impact will lie in the detail – and how both government and business respond.

Mercedes-Benz Australia has introduced its first new plug-in hybrid since dropping them in 2023, with the new C 350 e PHEV now available to order locally with up to 104km of electric driving range (NEDC) and a starting price of $98,200 plus on-road costs.

Combining a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor for 230kW/550Nm outputs, the C 350 e sends its grunt to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The 0-100km/h sprint is done in just 6.1 seconds.

The 25.4kWh lithium-ion battery pack gives an NEDC-rated range of 104km, meaning that most commutes can be completed on electric power alone.

As standard, the C 350 e can be AC charged at up to 11kW for a 0-100 percent charge in approximately two hours. DC fast charging is also available as a $1500 option to increase the charging speed to 55kW for a 0-80 percent charge in as little as 20 minutes.

In addition to the standard equipment on the high-level C 300, the C 350 e also includes augmented reality satellite navigation, adaptive high beam, a Burmester 3D sound system, the Driving Assistant Package Plus and Comfort Suspension with self-levelling rear suspension.

Two charging cables are also included with the C 350 e: one for a public charger and one for a three-pin wall socket.

That’s in addition to the standard features on the C 300: LED exterior lighting, 18-inch alloy wheels, the AMG Line exterior and interior, 12.3-inch MBUX touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital driver’s display, panoramic sunroof, heat-up display, heated and memory front seats, Ambient Lighting Plus, Parking Package with 360-degree camera and the Keyless-Go Convenience Package.

The Mercedes-Benz C 350 e is now available to order through Mercedes-Benz dealerships and first deliveries will commence soon.

You may not have heard but Smart, the brand famous for making tiny city cars from the early 2000s, is back.

Now co-owned by Chinese giant Geely and creator Mercedes-Benz, Smart recently re-launched locally with two models: the #3 and #1, both competing in the small electric SUV segment. We recently tested the #3 and were quite impressed but does the slightly smaller #1 also measure up?

Priced from $54,900 plus on-road costs and offered in three models – Pro+, Premium and performance Brabus – we tested the mid-spec Pro, which is priced at $58,900 +ORC. While its Zeekr X cousin is $5,000 less, its other cousin the Volvo EX30 is $5,090 more and we think it’s well priced for the equipment on offer.

The #1 Premium is well equipped with a large panoramic glass sunroof (which actually opens, unlike the #3), ‘Duo Leather’ trim, heated electric front seats, 13-speaker Beats audio, a 12.8-inch touchscreen, wireless phone charging, configurable ambient lighting, a head-up display and a full suite of active safety kit including AEB, a 360-degree camera, adaptive cruise control, adaptive lane guidance and Matrix adaptive high beam.

Like its cousins, the #1 uses a Geely platform and a 66kWh NMC battery, which can be fast charged at up to 150kW for a 10 to 80 per cent charge in as little as 30 minutes. The claimed WLTP range for the single-motor #1 is a solid 440km, with claimed consumption of 16.7kWh/100km – we found that easy to beat and ended up on 15.8kWh/100km. Not bad.

Unlike the 315kW dual-motor Brabus version, the #1 Premium uses a 200kW/343Nm electric motor that’s mounted on the rear wheels, making it rear-wheel drive. With a claimed 6.7-second 0-100km/h time, the #1 Premium is surprisingly quick. A more efficient lower-powered version would be a good addition to the line-up for those who don’t need that much performance.

Like the EX30, the #1’s tight rear-drive chassis is quite fun to drive. The steering is a touch light, though weighs up nicely in sport mode and the ride is a bit firm but still quite comfortable. Brake feel is strong, though there aren’t any paddle shifters to adjust the regeneration – frustratingly it must be done through the touchscreen. Refinement is impressive, with low road noise levels, though there is a bit of wind noise thanks to the upright windscreen.

Aside from the smaller length and taller roof, the #1’s cabin design is nigh on identical to the #3 with a very Mercedes-like bridge centre console design, large touchscreen and – unlike its EX30 cousin – both driver’s and head-up displays. Quality is pleasing to the eye with lots of synthetic leather trim covering most services, while seat comfort is great and the driving position is quite adjustable.

Centre of the cabin is a 12.8-inch touchscreen that’s loaded with features: live services, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation with live traffic, digital radio and a store to download apps like Spotify. Screen quality is good and it’s quick to use, but its menu structure can be quite confusing, even after multiple uses. We also experienced CarPlay dropping out a few times, something that did not happen in our #3 test car, so hopefully it was just that particular #1.

The #1’s cabin is surprisingly spacious for such a small car – two six footers-plus will be quite comfortable in the rear seat because the tall roof gives excellent headroom, while legroom is adequate as well – plus, the rear seat slides and reclines for extra practicality. The boot’s 313-litre size is not huge, though it expands thanks to its big underfloor storage section. Folding the rear seats unlocks 986L and there’s also another 15L of space under the bonnet.

Like its #3 sibling, Smart offers yet another way to stand out from the small SUV crowd – but it does it with a much better product this time around. The #1 is characterful, fun to drive, quick, fast charging, efficient and quite well equipped. Only its expensive service pricing and cumbersome touchscreen count against it, but it’s still worth strong consideration as the brand embarks on its comeback.

Specifications

Few cars reach the status of ‘cultural icon’ but the Rolls-Royce Phantom, first introduced in 1925 and celebrating its 100th birthday, certainly qualifies having been the vehicle of choice for royalty, world leaders, artists and entertainers alike.

“Phantom is much more than a motor car,” said Chris Brownridge, Chief Executive of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, reflected on the model’s enduring impact. “For 100 years, it has stood at the pinnacle of all Rolls-Royce motor cars – a cultural phenomenon that both reflects and influences the world around it.”

The Phantom’s centenary is marked by a series of eight specially commissioned artworks, echoing a tradition that dates back to 1910 when Charles Sykes, creator of the Spirit of Ecstasy, was commissioned to paint Phantoms in settings reflective of their owners’ lifestyles. These new pieces celebrate the vehicle’s presence in history’s defining moments—from wartime leadership to royal processions and the birth of nations.

Field Marshal Bernard Law Montgomery used his Phantom III during WWII, notably to transport figures like Winston Churchill and King George VI. The British Royal Family, too, embraced Phantom, with the Duke of Edinburgh commissioning the first Phantom IV in 1948. That vehicle still serves the Royal Household today.

The Royal family later commissioned another Phantom IV, two Phantom Vs, and two Phantom VIs to convey the sovereign. One of these is the renowned Silver Jubilee Phantom VI, which was presented to Queen Elizabeth II in 1977 by the British motor industry to celebrate her 25 years on the throne; it would later be used at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011 for the arrival of the bride at Westminster Abbey.

Beyond statesmanship, Phantom has left its mark on pop culture. John Lennon’s famously psychedelic Phantom V became an emblem of 1960s counterculture, while Hollywood stars from Fred Astaire to Mary Pickford and Elvis Presley claimed the Phantom as their own. In cinema, it has graced screens from Goldfinger to The Yellow Rolls-Royce.

Phantom’s renaissance in the 21st century, beginning with the launch of the Phantom VII, attracted a new generation of entrepreneurs and cultural figures attracted to its Bespoke natures and using the Phantom as a medium for artistic and personal expression.

Now in its eighth generation, Phantom remains a canvas for collaboration, with projects involving design houses like Hermès and fashion icons such as Iris van Herpen. Its legacy as the epitome of automotive prestige reimagined for a new century.