Rolls-Royce unveils Phantom Arabesque with world’s first laser-engraved bonnet

A five-year development: engraving within the paint

The bonnet engraving is not a decal or printed overlay like we've reported before on the Maybach. Instead, Rolls-Royce developed a newly patented laser-engraving process that integrates the geometric pattern directly into the paint structure itself.

The process begins with the bonnet painted in a darker base tone. This is sealed beneath multiple layers of clear coat before a lighter top layer is applied. The mashrabiya-inspired pattern is then laser-engraved to a depth of just 145–190 microns, revealing the darker colour beneath.

The result is a subtle yet highly tactile, three-dimensional surface that changes depending on how light moves across it. Each engraved section is then hand-sanded to achieve a consistent sculptural finish. Variations in laser intensity and speed create nuanced tonal shifts, adding depth without introducing additional colors.

Crucially, because the pattern is carved into the paint rather than applied on top, the finish maintains durability and refinement in line with Rolls-Royce standards.

Architecture translated into surface design

The geometric motif references traditional mashrabiya latticework, a defining architectural feature across the Middle East. Historically carved from wood, mashrabiya screens provide privacy while allowing airflow and filtered light.

Here, that architectural language is translated into a paint-based surface treatment, a notable shift in how heritage references are expressed. Rather than embroidery or trim detailing alone, the design becomes physically embedded into the exterior finish.

Exterior specification

Phantom Arabesque is finished in a two-tone bespoke paint scheme, with the main body in Diamond Black and the upper section in Silver. A single hand-painted coachline incorporates a mashrabiya motif, while the Pantheon grille is illuminated and framed in Dark Chrome. The car sits on 22-inch part-polished alloy wheels.

Interior continuation of the theme

The architectural theme continues inside through a bespoke marquetry Gallery installation crafted from Blackwood and Black Bolivar, echoing the geometric language of the bonnet engraving. Mashrabiya motifs also appear as embroidered details on the headrests and as illuminated treadplate elements derived from the bonnet pattern.

The cabin itself remains restrained, finished in Selby Grey and Black leather, allowing the surface craftsmanship to remain the focal point.

A new direction for surface customisation

While Rolls-Royce is no stranger to intricate paintwork and hand-applied detailing, Phantom Arabesque represents something technically new: the use of precision laser engraving as part of the paint process itself.

After five years of development, this patented technique opens the door to future commissions where paint is not simply color, but a medium for structural pattern and depth. As manufacturers increasingly explore expressive finishes, this project shows how traditional surface craft can evolve into advanced material engineering.