By Kevin Vaughn and Kimatni Rawlins
Rolls-Royce’s undeniable craftsmanship shines yet again with another bespoke version of its historic flagship Phantom, dubbed Phantom Arabesque. Styled in-house by the Exterior Surface Center, this Phantom’s main attraction is a laser-engraved bonnet featuring a unique, dynamic motif that pays homage to Middle Eastern heritage and culture.
The 2026 Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque’s mesmerizing design is heavily inspired by mashrabiya, a detailed latticework motif used in Islamic architecture since the 12th century. It’s commonly seen on mosque windows, palaces, and even residential buildings, and simultaneously serves as a form of privacy and ventilation while showcasing incredible talent and creativity from the artisans.
“We were inspired by not only its beauty, but also the privacy, light, and airflow it creates,” said Michelle Lusby, Rolls-Royce’s bespoke lead designer. “Our aim was to interpret these qualities in ways that feel both culturally rooted and unmistakably Rolls-Royce.”
While the artistic theme doesn’t provide any airflow to the behemoth 6.75-liter twin-turbo V12 nestled under the bonnet, it does showcase the painstaking work Rolls-Royce exerted to create this one-of-a-kind masterpiece.
Developed over a span of 5 years, the engineers were influenced by an Italian carving technique called sgraffito, which adds three-dimensional depth to the Phantom Arabesque’s centerpiece by revealing contrasting hues through the careful removal of upper layers. The process begins with painting the hood in a dark tone, then sealing it with multiple glazes of clear coat. After a lighter color is applied, the laser finely etches the mashrabiya pattern 145 to 190 microns deep into the surface, which is thinner than a sheet of paper. To ensure no stone is left unturned, the area is then sanded — by hand this time — to achieve a balanced finish.
This marks the first time Rolls-Royce has used a specialized mixture of technology and art on its vehicles, and likely won’t be the last.
“Laser engraving allows us to create a surface that is both technically precise and visually alive,” stated General Manager of the Exterior Design Center, Tobia Sicheneder. “The Phantom Arabesque is the first expression of a technique that opens entirely new creative possibilities for future clients.”
The rest of the exterior features typical Rolls-Royce Phantom attributes, including a two-tone paint job, a massive Pantheon Grille, coach doors, 22-inch forged wheels with floating center caps, and, of course, the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy. The aforementioned twin-turbocharged V12 produces 563-horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque.
It should come as no surprise that the opulent interior of the Phantom Arabesque is just as glamorous as the exterior. The cabin is highlighted by Shelby Grey and Black leather, Starlight doors, Black Bolivar wood finishes, and Black mashribya embroidered headrests (front and rear).
The Rolls-Royce Phantom Arabesque is not only a testament to the British marque’s willingness to go the extra mile for bespoke luxury, but also a love letter to the heritage of one of its largest markets. While a regular Phantom can cost $500,000 to $800,000, the Arabesque is a priceless work of art.
