The Rolls-Royce Spectre prototype, designed for Rolls-Royce customers who typically own multiple cars, is expected to have limited usage as an electric vehicle. Although Rolls-Royce owners only drive around 3000 miles per year in their vehicles, the Spectre is equipped with a peak charge rate of 195kW during rare visits to fast chargers.
Featuring a 700kg battery positioned beneath the cabin floor, the Spectre’s design incorporates a flat underside to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.25. The aerodynamic sculpting includes the widest and sleekest Rolls-Royce grille to date, tail-light housings that minimize air resistance, and a gently sloping tail that meets impact regulations. Even the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy ornament has undergone extensive wind tunnel testing.
Traditionally, Rolls-Royce coupés have prominent grilles and long bonnets, however, as Rolls-Royce aims to transition to fully electric vehicles by 2030, the necessity of these design elements may change.
The Spectre’s side profile showcases the longest doors ever fitted on a modern Rolls-Royce, measuring 1.5m each. Inside, the lavish interior accommodates four passengers, featuring familiar chair styles and luxurious surface materials, ensuring existing Rolls-Royce customers feel at home. CEO Torsten Müller-Ötvös emphasizes the desire for customers to always recognize the Rolls-Royce experience, even blindfolded (not recommended during test drives).
The interior boasts broad leather seats, thick woolen carpets, and authentic metal or composite major switches. Preserving the traditional Rolls-Royce feel, the Spectre aims to recreate the experience of driving a mid-century Rolls, despite incorporating a new drivetrain.
The Spectre uses a version of BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, offering both a touchscreen and a rotary controller. Rolls-Royce has customized the appearance and software for intuitive navigation, and the climate dials provide a satisfyingly analogue experience. Compared to BMW’s i7 or the Mercedes S-Class, the Rolls-Royce approach offers a refreshing option for luxury, allowing users to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy a quieter, more serene driving experience.