Rolls-Royce Tops Luxury Car Imports in Israel's First Half of 2026
Despite ongoing conflicts in the north and economic challenges, the first half of 2026 has been dubbed the "Year of Rolls-Royce" in Israel's luxury car market, according to data from the Ministry of Transport. During this period, eight Rolls-Royce vehicles were imported, marking a record for half-year imports in the Israeli automotive sector. The most expensive model imported was the Rolls-Royce Phantom, declared at 4.9 million shekels, while the least expensive was the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Special, priced at 2.5 million shekels. Other notable models included the Rolls-Royce Ghost (4.05 million shekels) and Cullinan (3 million shekels). Notably, Rolls-Royce has no official importer in Israel, so all these vehicles were brought in through private imports.
Luxury car imports overall were significant, with 60 vehicles priced at two million shekels or more imported in the first half of 2026. The most expensive car imported was a Lamborghini Revuelto, declared at 4.99 million shekels. The Audi A8 Security model ranked second with a declared price of 4.91 million shekels, followed by the Lamborghini Urus and the Rolls-Royce Phantom, both priced at 4.9 million shekels. Like Rolls-Royce, Lamborghini also lacks an official Israeli importer, resulting in personal imports. Ferrari appeared only in eighth place with the Ferrari Purosangue, declared at 3.85 million shekels, and was the sole luxury car imported through an official dealer rather than private import.
Industry insiders told Calcalist that a combination of factors contributed to Rolls-Royce's dominance in 2026. Although the weakening dollar affected all imports, there was a shift in buyer behavior. Traditionally, some affluent Israelis preferred to avoid overt displays of wealth, often choosing Mercedes. However, this year, a new attitude emerged among buyers who are less concerned about showing exceptional wealth, possibly influenced by the ongoing war and a sense of having "nothing left to lose." This change has driven demand for ultra-luxury vehicles like Rolls-Royce, reflecting a new social dynamic in Israel's luxury car market.
