2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith unveiled

It’s unlikely that the new Rolls-Royce Wraith is going to be mistaken for anything else on the road.

Just launched at the Geneva Motor Show, its dramatic fastback bodywork, low roof height and deeply-recessed grille characterise the brand’s most daring design since BMW took control.

2014 Rolls-Royce Wraith. Scroll down for more images.

In profile the styling works well and the back end looks fine, but the rear three-quarter view is arguably less successful. And that’s with a two-tone paint finish, which undoubtedly helps to break up the visual mass of those thick rear pillars. Interestingly, reports suggest that Rolls-Royce is encouraging prospective Wraith owners to not specify their cars with just a single colour.

No less striking is the cabin. Created to transport four people in extreme comfort, it features leather upholstery and swathes of wooden ‘Canadel Panelling’ throughout.

The Wraith is the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. With 624 bhp (465 kW / 632 PS) and 800 Nm (590 lb/ft) of torque available from its V12 engine, the 0-62 mph (100 km/h) benchmark sprint is completed in an astonishingly quick 4.6 seconds.

That doesn’t make it a sports car though. Indeed, despite having more steering feel and less body roll than the Ghost saloon, Rolls-Royce is still keen to describe the Wraith as a luxurious and refined grand tourer.

Wraith customer deliveries are due to commence in the fourth quarter of 2013. In Europe it’s expected to be priced at around €245,000, which equates to £211,000 or US$320,000 at today’s exchange rates.