Rolls-Royce has begun the move to electric vehicles. The Spectre coupe is the first all-new electric vehicle from the premium British automaker. The Phantom’s “spiritual successor” looks much like its stately gas-powered contemporaries (apart from a low 0.25 drag coefficient), but owing to its powertrain, it claims to be even quieter and smoother. The brand is currently working on specs. It does anticipate the all-wheel drive vehicle to hit 60 mph in 4.4 seconds and have an EPA range of 260 miles. Those aren’t very impressive stats, but the focus here is on a luxury ride rather than pure performance.
The interior reflects that choice. The design incorporates the now-required instrument and infotainment screens, as well as a digital passenger fascia. In line with Rolls-personalised Royce’s design philosophy, you may even have the hue of the on-screen dials customised. In-vehicle activities may be handled by an “Eleanor” assistant, and a Whispers app can both deliver curated location suggestions (such as restaurants) and remotely operate basic car features such as the locks and heaters.
This isn’t merely a modified version of the company’s previous designs. The Spectre has “starlight” doors with 4,796 points of light and a unique aluminium base (the “Architecture of Luxury”) tailored for EVs. It’s a huge coupe, measuring 16 feet long and 6.6 feet wide, and it necessitated the company’s first 23-inch wheels in almost a century. This is intended for leisurely outings and excursions to the golf club, not for all-out sprints along rural roads.
The Spectre is currently available for pre-order, with initial deliveries scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2023. Pricing in the United States begins at $413,500 before customisation – expect to spend much more to get the design exactly perfect, even down to the colours of the iconic in-door umbrella. This is intended for clients who are willing to pay whatever it takes to have their dream automobile, even more so than competitor ultra-luxury EVs like the Cadillac Celestiq and the forthcoming Mercedes-Maybach EQS.
