Electric cars. They’re big, they’re heavy, they’re smooth, and they’re fast. That also happens to be the same way most people describe the Rolls-Royce experience. It makes perfect sense then that this storied British manufacturer set the new gold standard for all electric vehicles.
EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN
For generations, Rolls-Royce has stood out as the epitome of elegance and refinement in the automotive world. Having experienced a myriad of Rolls-Royce classics, from the iconic Corniche to more contemporary models like the Wraith and Cullinan, each exemplified its own unique charm and allure. However, it’s the 2024 Spectre, Rolls-Royce’s pioneering foray into the all-electric market, that truly commands attention. I say pioneering as it was in fact company founder Charles Stewart Rolls who is quoted as saying “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.” He said that 124 years ago in 1900!
The Spectre distinguishes itself not through groundbreaking technological leaps, but rather through its adept utilization of technology to uphold the brand’s hallmark trait: effortless refinement. Uniquely tailored to the demands of refined motoring, the Spectre seamlessly integrates an electric drivetrain, deftly sidestepping the common drawbacks that often plague electric vehicles in other segments. Rolls-Royce did not make an electric car. They made a Rolls-Royce that just happens to be electric.
In the realm of ultra-luxury automobiles, concerns such as cost, charging infrastructure, and charging speeds, which may deter daily use of electric vehicles (EV’s), pale in comparison. With a generous range of 266 miles, the Spectre addresses the needs of its discerning clientele, many of whom boast extensive automotive collections that include conventional gasoline-powered vehicles for lengthier journeys. Contrary to popular belief, Rolls-Royce owners in the United States frequently opt to pilot their own vehicles, shunning the need for chauffeurs. For them, driving is not merely a necessity but a pleasure, and when terrestrial travel fails to suffice, alternatives like helicopters and private jets seamlessly fill the void.
ENGINE
In Rolls-Royce’s world, a sense of yacht-like grandeur has always been inherent, with a commanding presence that exudes opulence. This ethos of luxurious massiveness extends to the Spectre, where solitude reigns supreme within its hallowed confines, regardless of whether it’s powered by the robust rumble of a V-8 or the refined purr of a V-12.
Engineers behind the Spectre set their sights on a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds—a meticulously calculated endeavor aimed at delivering immediate passing power while maintaining a seamless journey for passengers, ensuring they remain ensconced in comfort without undue turbulence. It’s worth noting that this feat is achieved with a weight akin to that of a fully-equipped Ford King Ranch F-250, a testament to the exacting engineering prowess housed within the hallowed halls of Goodwood.
For the comfort connoisseurs of Rolls-Royce, the notion of Tesla’s Ludicrous Mode may elicit a bemused chuckle. In the refined world of Goodwood, where every detail is meticulously curated to cater to the most discerning of clientele, the ostentatious display of raw power seems almost outlandish. Yet, it’s this very commitment to refinement and sophistication that sets Rolls-Royce apart, elevating the Spectre to a realm where performance seamlessly intertwines with perfection, sans the need for ostentatious theatrics.
PERFORMANCE
New for the 2024 model year, the Spectre rides on the same “Architecture of Luxury” platform as the Cullinan (and now Cullinan Series II) and Ghost. I had the opportunity to spend some time with one last week and that encounter was memorable. At dinner the night before, one of the executives posed a question to me about the upcoming drive. He said to take a mental note of when I forget that this is an electric car and simply a Rolls-Royce. To answer that question it was less than three miles and before I made it to the Interstate. You simply forget until you have an “oh yeah” moment. Added bonus: the battery’s low position serves as insulation from road and wind noise.
Grab the power assisted driver’s side carriage style door (underhanded Rolls style so as to not smudge the polish on the door handle) and take your rightful place on the driver’s throne. To close the largest door they’ve ever created, you don’t reach out like some peasant. No no, you’re not about that lifestyle anymore. Simply press your foot on the brake pedal and the door closes for you. To start the vehicle the start/stop button, like all of their models, is on the driver’s left hand side.
Just remember though you don’t drive a Spectre, you simply float along inside. I know that sounds weird but that truly is the most accurate way to describe it. You don’t hear the outside world. You don’t feel the bumps and undulations of the road beneath you.
There isn’t engine noise for you to suffer with. A personal wheel-born sanctuary with no fewer than 5000 LED starlights around you. With a chauffeur mode of driving that could allow for one finger steering you somehow just use telepathy to give directions. Spectre responds. And no one in the back spills as much as a single drop of champagne. Or Mezcal.
In crafting the Spectre, Rolls-Royce has not only embraced its iconic design language but has also pushed the boundaries of aerodynamic efficiency. While boasting the largest grilles ever seen on a Rolls-Royce, the Spectre maintains the brand’s timeless vertical lines and imposing stature, a hallmark of its distinguished lineage. Yet, beneath its majestic exterior lies a testament to engineering ingenuity, as the Spectre emerges as the most aerodynamically streamlined offering from Rolls-Royce to date, boasting a drag coefficient of a mere 0.25.
In a subtle nod to Rolls-Royce’s ambitious vision for full electrification by 2030, even the emblematic Spirit adorning the bonnet (hood for my American readers) has undergone a subtle transformation. This timeless icon now embodies a sense of forward momentum, with one leg delicately positioned ahead of the other, symbolizing the brand’s unwavering commitment to progress. Such painstaking attention to detail not only pays homage to Rolls-Royce’s illustrious heritage but also heralds a new era of innovation and sustainability in luxury motoring.
CABIN APPOINTMENTS
Every tactile encounter within the Spectre’s cabin is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the satisfying click of the metal knobs finding their precise detents to the sumptuous feel of the steering wheel in hand, every element exudes a sense of refined grandeur.
The exposed wood surfaces, expertly crafted to highlight the natural grain, offer a tactile experience that is both visually stunning and sensually gratifying. Each curve and contour is flawlessly smooth, inviting admiration with every glance.
Despite the opulent ambiance, the interior layout maintains a sense of understated elegance, eschewing the flashy displays and excessive gadgetry found in other top tier marques. This deliberate simplicity encourages a thoughtful appreciation, prompting moments of quiet reflection rather than immediate astonishment.
The indulgent lambswool carpeting beneath your feet surpasses the softness of any fabric, akin to wrapping a gel mat in a Greek flokati rug. Innovation meets tradition with the all-digital instrument cluster, seamlessly blending modern functionality with timeless aesthetics. Mimicking the appearance of traditional gauges, the display offers a refreshingly authentic experience, free from superfluous gimmicks or distractions.
INFOTAINMENT SYSTEM
With its sleek, sloping roofline, the Spectre prioritizes the driver’s experience over passenger comfort, a departure from the spaciousness typically associated with its stablemates like the Cullinan or Ghost. Yet, even in solitude, the Spectre envelops occupants in a symphony of sound, courtesy of its 18-speaker, 1400-watt Bespoke Audio system. The immersive audio experience transcends the confines of the cabin, creating an atmosphere for listeners where every note resonates with unparalleled clarity and depth.
Personal testimony attests to the transformative power of this auditory tapestry, particularly when accompanied by the timeless melodies of old George Strait classics like “Unwound.” In the Spectre’s sanctuary, music transcends mere sound, becoming a transcendent experience that elevates the driving journey to new heights of enjoyment and immersion.
Part of what makes all this possible is a new software architecture known as Decentralized Intelligence; the setup features dedicated data processors positioned close to their sensor source, rather than through a single central processing unit, to “respond more quickly to driver inputs and changing road conditions.”
Driven by a surge of curiosity (insert boyish grin here), I pressed the accelerator to the floor from a standstill on a quiet farm-to-market road just north of town. What followed was a departure from the expected theatrics: no frantic wheel-spinning, no artificial symphony blaring through the speakers, no sudden jolt as the car lunged forward. Instead, the Spectre embarked on its journey with a quiet resolve, embodying the quintessentially English spirit of understated efficiency.
CONCLUSION
As I mentioned to another corporate Rolls-Royce representative after my drive, the absence of ostentation is perhaps the Spectre’s most remarkable trait. Unlike some counterparts, it doesn’t cloak the driving experience in a veil of artificiality. Instead, it delivers power with a graceful ease, allowing the body to respond to the demands of the road in a manner that is both controlled and composed.
Even in the midst of spirited driving, the Spectre maintains that composure, gracefully maneuvering through challenging corners with poise. Yet, the sheer mass of the vehicle becomes palpable under hard braking, conveyed through the pressure exerted on the brake pedal—a reminder of the substantial presence that defines the Spectre.
Of particular note is the option for one-pedal driving in max-regen “B mode,” a feature that further enhances the driving experience by seamlessly integrating regenerative braking into everyday maneuvers. In every aspect, the Spectre distinguishes itself as a vehicle that not only defies expectations but also invites a deeper connection between driver and machine.
So in conclusion let me pose this question. If Rolls-Royce builds the best cars ever made and this is the best Rolls ever, is this then the best car ever? Come try it and I’ll let you decide.
The Unofficial Ambassador for the State of Texas
