Why Doesn't Rolls-Royce Have Four-Wheel Drive Models?
2 Answers
Rolls-Royce does not use four-wheel drive models mainly due to considerations for the car's handling, as all models adopt a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. Below is an introduction to the two-wheel drive system: Front-engine, Rear-wheel-drive: The advantage of front-engine, rear-wheel-drive is excellent handling. In such cars, the rear wheels are responsible for driving while the front wheels focus more on steering, making the car more responsive during driving. The weight distribution between the front and rear is balanced, ensuring good stability and smoothness, and it also helps extend the service life of the car tires. The downside is that rear-wheel-drive cars have higher production costs, less convenient space utilization, and may sometimes experience oversteering during driving. Front-engine, Front-wheel-drive: The advantage of front-engine, front-wheel-drive is that the engine is close to the drive wheels, resulting in high power transmission efficiency and good fuel economy. The disadvantage is that during startup, acceleration, or climbing, the load on the front wheels decreases, leading to reduced traction.
I understand that Rolls-Royce's design philosophy has always leaned towards rear-wheel drive, as it delivers a smoother driving experience. With a rear-wheel-drive system, the vehicle's weight distribution is more balanced, and the engine is positioned towards the rear, reducing engine noise interference in the cabin—a crucial factor for luxury cars that prioritize tranquility and comfort. While all-wheel drive can offer better traction, it adds significant weight and mechanical components, such as additional driveshafts and clutches, which can make the vehicle heavier, increase fuel consumption, and potentially introduce unwanted vibrations or noise during driving. Rolls-Royce owners primarily drive on highways or city streets, where road conditions are generally good, making rear-wheel drive sufficiently safe while maintaining the brand's classic elegance. The core value of the brand is to create a 'magic carpet-like' driving sensation, which is why all-wheel drive is seen as unnecessary redundancy. For example, the iconic Phantom series adheres to this tradition.
