Buyers looking for the ultimate luxury model have no choice but to turn to brands like Rolls-Royce and Bentley. Otherwise, Mercedes-Benz’s Maybach variants get close to offering the same reputation. However, a new Rolls-Royce Ghost starts at about $370k. As much as we wish this were another deal-hunting “cheap luxury car” article, used Rolls-Royce Ghost examples are still relatively expensive. Being the same price as a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class means the model has depreciated significantly, though.
That said, serious luxury buyers can still get away with a modern ultra-luxury sedan for far less than it cost new, and they can do so for under six figures.
A Modern “Entry-Level” Rolls-Royce
2011 Rolls-Royce Ghostfront 3/4 angle in black and silverBring A Trailer
Simply put, the Rolls-Royce Ghost is the brand’s entry-level sedan. We say “entry-level” loosely, since new models still cost about $370k, and it once cost $245k when it was new in 2010. Nevertheless, the modern Ghost was introduced as a way to entice younger, more energetic buyers. At the time, the automaker offered the Phantom as a yacht-like, regal sedan experience. Rolls-Royce wanted to add to its lineup with a smaller model that felt lighter and more attuned to cruising to the golf course than sitting parked on grass at the Concours d’Elegance.
Thus, the Ghost was born. Named after the early 1900s Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost, the new, modern sedan went on sale for the 2010 model year. The subject of today’s article falls on the first half of the Series 1, which was sold for the 2010 through 2014 model years before being updated in 2015. The model’s second true generation was released for the 2021 model year, and continues to act as the brand’s least-expensive model today.
How To Buy A Rolls-Royce For Mercedes S-Class Money
2021 – 2026 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan front 3/4 angle in black while parkedMercedes
To set a baseline for reference, let’s go over the 2027 S-Class Sedan pricing. The S-Class is new and refreshed for the 2027 model year, with a new grille, light-up hood ornament, exterior lighting, a flat-plane V8, and so much more. Therefore, prices have gone up since the 2026 model year — buyers can expect to pay at least $112,550 for a 2027 S 500 4Matic, or $134,600 for the S 580 4Matic.
The best way to buy a modern Rolls-Royce for the same amount as a new Mercedes-Benz is with the earliest years of the Ghost. When looking for listings, auctions, and sales results for the 2010–2014 Ghost, we find those with low mileage tend to hover in the $80k–$100k range depending on location and other variables. Our own price trend data suggests the first model year is worth just $76k these days.
The most expensive listing in the country that we could find across all sources was for a 2014 Ghost base model with 24,955 miles in New Jersey, for which the selling dealership is asking $109,895. At the lowest end, there’s a seller in Tennessee asking $57,000 for their 2011 base model with 95k miles. That said, a recent auction listing shows one 2010 model with 49k miles that sold for $49,000 in June this year.
Can You Really Afford Either Model?
2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost side angle in black with doors openBring A Trailer
The price of any car is simply the first of many expenses to come with ownership. Some luxury cars, like Lexus models, for example, have relatively low maintenance, depreciation, and insurance costs — all three of those added expenses could be enough to turn you away from a used Rolls-Royce or new Mercedes-Benz.
Let’s start with maintenance costs; according to some dealerships, maintaining a Ghost in good condition costs an average of about $3,900 per year. Obviously, not everybody will drive their Ghost the same distance, so your maintenance timing intervals may vary, but Rolls-Royce dealers suggest changing your oil and oil filter, air filter, and inspecting fluid levels, suspension, drive belts, and more every 5,000 miles. New models come with only a four-year regional warranty that covers mechanical components in the event of failure, so no Series 1 will be covered anymore.
A new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Sedan comes with a four-year/50k-mile comprehensive warranty, but you’ll still be on the hook for regular maintenance costs. According to RepairPal, maintaining an S 500 Sedan costs an average of $1,076 per year.
The other guaranteed cost is for insurance. Insurance costs vary from person to person depending on your location (even neighboring zip codes can yield different rates), your age, and driving record. That said, there are plenty of sources that gather averages. In the Ghost Series 1’s case, an average driver with no accidents on record can expect to pay anywhere from $2k to $3k per year. The Series 1’s age contributes to its relatively low annual rate. A new S-Class, on the other hand, averages out to $6,574/year, according to The Zebra.
Once you calculate your ability to handle each model’s maintenance and insurance costs, it’s time to think about depreciation. The Ghost Series 1 is currently 12–16 years old at the time of writing, so it’s well past its peak depreciation years, and shouldn’t drop too dramatically if kept in good condition with relatively low mileage. Buying a new S-Class means taking on the brunt of its depreciation; iSeeCars‘ data shows the S-Class loses about 55.4% of its value after five years on the road.
Buying A Used Rolls-Royce Ghost Is Worthwhile
2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost rear 3/4 angle in black while parkedBring A Trailer
Think about how many options you have with a budget around $100k — you could be buying a new Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing or a slightly used Porsche Panamera, both of which come with plenty of features, tons of power, or both. Then, of course, you could stretch the budget for a new Mercedes-Benz S-Class sedan.
So what makes a used Rolls-Royce Ghost worthwhile? It carries a sense of elegance that other cars at this price point either can’t reach or don’t even try. Not everybody needs a sports car or a luxury SUV, for example. The Ghost might have a V12 engine, but it’s so much more than that.
Ghost Series 1 Engine Specs Vs New S-Class
2011 Rolls-Royce Ghost detail shot of the engineBring A Trailer
The 2027 S-Class is beyond impressive in terms of powertrains and features. At its most basic, the S 500 4Matic is equipped with a 3.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 442 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque. Moving up to the S 580 4Matic grants buyers a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that makes 530 hp and 553 lb-ft of torque.
While the hybrid variant isn’t available to order yet, the S 580e 4MATIC PHEV pairs an inline-six engine with an electric motor to make a total of 576 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. All three versions come with standard all-wheel drive and a 9-speed automatic transmission.
We mentioned that the Ghost isn’t meant to be particularly sporty, but Rolls-Royce made sure the giant, heavy sedan wouldn’t lag behind its competition. Under the hood of the pre-facelift Series 1 is a 6.6-liter twin-turbocharged V12 that makes 563 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, sent to the rear wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What’s On The Inside Matters Most
2010 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series 1 interior view of the front cabinBring A Trailer
It’s hard to turn away from a new S-Class, since they’re absolutely packed with features. We know its massive screens aren’t for everybody, which might help some buyers pivot toward a used Ghost, but the amount of tech in an S 500 is enticing. There are too many features to list, so we’ll just give you the base model’s standard highlights:
- Heated, ventilated, massaging front seats
- Leather upholstery
- Panoramic glass roof
- Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Heat and noise-insulating, IR-reflecting laminated glass
- 64-color ambient lighting
Its screen-covered dash can be off-putting, though, so we appreciate the elegant real wood paneling, aluminum finishes, and simple gauge cluster of the Ghost Series 1. Like the S-Class, there are too many features to list. Some highlights include plush, thick carpet mats, organ stop plunger controls for some functions, four-zone climate control, a 16-speaker audio system, leather seats, and much more.
Additionally, you can find used models equipped with then-optional features like lambswool floor mats, a built-in refrigerator/cool box with champagne flutes, folding tables for the rear seats, and more.
A Sub-Six-Figure Ultra Luxury Sedan To Show Off With
2013 Rolls-Royce Ghost exterior detail shot of a wheelBring A Trailer
Buying a $100k car is never an easy decision. Even if you have more money than you know what to do with, it’s still a major decision that could affect your lifestyle and projected image. We can see how choosing between a new S-Class and a used Rolls-Royce Ghost might keep you up at night; they’re both sure to turn heads at the office, and look stunning parked at the golf course as you pull your clubs out of their cavernous trunks.
The Ghost presents itself with elegance, while the S-Class gives off a younger vibe, which is ironic, considering Rolls-Royce’s initial reasoning for introducing the Ghost to begin with.
Sources: Rolls-Royce, Mercedes-Benz, SmartFinancial, TheZebra, iSeeCars, Bring A Trailer
