 The battery-powered 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is outrageous in every aspect but with traditional Rolls-Royce style and features
Spectre is the Rolls-Royce that changes everything, the British car maker says, calling it the world’s first ultra-luxury electric super coupé. Spectre ushers in the marque’s new all-electric future. (Photography courtesy of Rolls-Royce)
Jump To Features
The Grace of Spectre
The Spectacle of Spectre
Getting To Know Spectre
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Pricing
Spectre Power
The ‘Magic Carpet Ride’
Hallmarks of Spectre
Why Buy the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
Specifications
The showmanship of Rolls-Royce is next level for its first fully electric car, the 2024 Spectre. This 18-foot-long, all-wheel drive ultra-luxury coupe heralds a new era for Rolls-Royce, to be all-electric by 2030.
As the brand’s siren call for change, the Spectre is outrageous in every aspect but with traditional Rolls-Royce style and features. The product planners did not abandon the brand’s loyal customers, who typically own five to seven vehicles.
The four-seat cabin includes the familiar chrome pulls for the round air vents on either end of the instrument panel and two more on the center stack face. There are the full-size umbrellas loaded into spring-released cannons in the door jambs. The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine was redesigned for Spectre for aerodynamics. The resculpting took more than 830 hours of design modeling and wind tunnel testing.
And then there is the leather, full leather that feels inches deep. The tender touch of cowhide wraps the seats, door panels, lower windshield pillars, and across the instrument panel. Optional seat piping is offered in whatever color you’d like, at a cost. Rear-hinged doors have power closing. And the optional fluffy lambswool floor mats are unlike any in any other car. Drive naked and barefoot!
The interior is fully clad in full leather.
The Grace of Spectre
Spectre replaces the old Phantom Coupe and is the fourth Rolls-Royce built on the Architecture of Luxury platform. It is unique and proprietary to Rolls-Royce and also underpins the Cullinan SUV and Ghost sedan. The platform was conceived to accommodate an electric powertrain.
The company says Spectre is the motor car Rolls-Royce has been driving toward since its founding in 1906. It represents an elevated expression of effortlessness, power, and historical endurance.
“A Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second, Spectre has been boldly conceived, meticulously engineered, exhaustively tested, and spectacularly realized.
Spectre’s mission is to signal “to the world what Rolls-Royce stands for now and in the decades to come.”
At almost 59 inches in length, Spectre’s pillarless aluminum doors are the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce.
The Spectacle That Is Spectre
Spectre is a monster of a car, weighing around 6,500 pounds. It stands just over 5 feet tall, and the peak of its long hood is 44 inches from the ground. The body is 7 feet wide at the side mirrors, and its 18-foot length is prohibitive to most garages, except those of Rolls-Royce owners. Despite its long 126.3-inch wheelbase and tall 23-inch tires, rear-wheel steering allows a manageable turning circle of 41.7 feet.
With the Spectre’s battery pack integrated into the spaceframe chassis, the designer spared no aluminum to create an elegantly styled body. With a raised step-in height, the clean lines of the expansive body sides sweep to the rocker panels, avoiding any awkwardness of trying to conceal a “skateboard” battery pack.
Tail lamps are set into the largest single body panel ever produced for a Rolls-Royce.
“Vertical bow lines” frame the face and draw the eye to the flanks and rearward to Spectre’s fastback. The roofline flows smoothly rearward, with somewhat cropped side glass. A lower “waft line” follows racing yacht design, “creating a sense of motion by reflecting the road passing beneath it.”
The tail lights are set into the largest single aluminum body panel ever produced for a Rolls-Royce, which extends from the windshield A-pillars to the trunk. Because a Rolls buyer can create any exterior paint color, the rear lamps are colorless for neutrality.
While 22-inch tires are standard, the $10,676 23-inch tire-wheel package better fits Spectre’s generous stance. It is the first production Rolls-Royce two-door coupé to be available with 23-inch tires.
Full-size umbrellas in spring-released cannons in the door jambs
Getting to Know Spectre
It is unlikely that there is a quieter rolling car on sale today. It is not just the Spectre’s 400 pounds of soundproofing or the silent electric powertrain. It is the magic carpet ride of corporal force. Get aggressive with the accelerator, and 665 foot-pounds of torque instantly unload, effortlessly launching 3-plus tons of Spectre to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. It is inspiring.
When Spectre is brought up to cruising speed on the interstate, there is a gentle waft as the electronically controlled suspension adapts to the highway’s rise and fall. It is a wide car to keep in the lane, but adaptive cruise control and active lane centering are helpful.
With Spectre’s tall body sides, driver sightlines are challenged by the large side mirrors. But a small triangle of corner glass gives a workaround snippet of visibility.
Back seat entry is slim and not for the big and tall.
Entry to the back seat is slim and not for the big and tall. Once in the seats, however, the comfort factor is glorious, but with restricted forward views by the broad front seats.
A road trip would be on the fantasy bucket list, but the charging times dampen the mood. On a high-powered 195kW DC public charger, the Spectre could be topped off to 80 percent in around 34 minutes. Connecting to a more plentiful but slower 50kW charger will take 95 minutes.
Spectre’s illuminated fascia on the passenger-side dashboard is a cluster of more than 5,500 stars.
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Pricing
With a U.S. starting price of $422,750, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is not the most expensive Roller. That price tag goes to the Phantom sedan, starting at around $460,000 or $540,000 for the long-wheelbase Phantom. And that pricing is without options or freight charge.
Why so bloody expensive? Rolls-Royce customers are the global elite who have expectations. It takes a couple dozen skilled craftspeople around 450 hours to build a Rolls-Royce, which can double with bespoke personalization — or about 6 months.
It is the personalization options and bespoke orders that can drive final pricing toward $1 million. The 2024 Spectre tester, for example, has $113,250 in options, including the $2,750 freight charge from Goodwood (Chichester), England.
Making a personal statement adds up quickly — for example, the tester’s Chartreuse paint costs $13,100. Opt for the Aero two-tone with black diamond and add another $28,550.
The Spectre’s wonder-stunning Starlight headliner (with hundreds of tiny white LEDs) is standard on Spectre. But add the Starlight front door panels for $13,300. The tester was also fitted with the biggest tire-and-wheel package on a Roller — 23 inches on seven-spoke polished wheels — for $10,675.
Even the umbrellas, loaded into the door jambs like spring-released umbrella cannons, can be color-coordinated for $1,775; the tester’s umbrellas were black.
And the Spectre Launch Package, $22,400, adds lambswool floor mats, illuminated “Spectre” treadplates, RR monogram headrests in Peony Pink, an illuminated grille, and a heated passenger surround.
In total, the tester came to $558,700.
All of the tester’s options are in the specs list below.
Configure your Rolls-Royce here.
The Starlight headliner.
Aluminum Architecture of Luxury
Extruded aluminum sections and the integration of the battery into the structure make Spectre’s spaceframe 30 percent stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. The architecture also allowed engineers to place the floor halfway between the sill structures rather than above or underneath them.
A channel for wiring and climate control pipework runs between the battery and the floor, with the battery underneath. Rolls-Royce says this placement creates an aerodynamically smooth underbody and allows a low seating position for a cocooning passenger cabin.
Despite its bull-nose front end, Spectre’s dramatically raked windscreen contributes to a drag coefficient of 0.25, making it the most aerodynamic shape Rolls-Royce has ever created. That’s a hundredth more than the BMW 7 Series’ 0.24 but three clicks less than the new Toyota Prius’ 0.27.
The battery, which weighs 1,543 pounds, provides additional acoustic insulation to around 400 pounds of other soundproofing.
Starlight doors are a $13,300 option. Buyers can also choose handcrafted Canadel paneling, below.
Spectre Power
Two separately Excited Synchronous Motors, one at the front axle and the other at the rear, power the all-wheel-drive Spectre. Separately excited DC motors offer advantages such as better speed control, higher power capabilities, and the ability to handle sudden changes in load.
Spectre’s front electric motor produces 190kW (about 255 hp), and the rear motor contributes 360kW, about 483 hp. Spectre has 584 horsepower and 660 foot pounds of near-instantaneous torque.
A full dress-up kit on the ‘motor’ bay. (Mark Maynard photo)
Lithium-ion Battery
Spectre’s 102kWh lithium-ion battery uses cobalt and lithium from strictly controlled sources in Australia, Morocco, and Argentina. The battery cells are made using 100 percent “green” electricity. The battery pack has been tested in temperature extremes of minus-40 degrees to 122 degrees. A thermal management system maintains an optimum operating temperature at all times.
The “B” button on the column shifter engages braking recuperation. Activating “Brake Mode” allows single-pedal deceleration to a complete stop.
Using a 195 kW DC fast charger, a depleted battery can be charged from 10 percent to 80 percent in 34 minutes. Rolls-Royce says a quick stop can gain 60 miles of range in around 9 minutes.
Rolls-Royce claims a confirmed driving range of 329 miles. However, FuelEconomy.gov cites ranges of 266 miles with 23-inch tires or 291 miles with the standard 22-inch tire package.
The electric range is likely of limited concern for many Rolls-Royce owners. According to company reports, a Rolls owner drives an average of 3,200 miles yearly in their current Rolls-Royce. And, no doubt, those Rolls-Spectre owners will have a Level 2 home charger installed.
12.3-inch color LED backlit instrument dials.
The ‘Magic Carpet Ride’
The so-called Rolls-Royce “magic carpet ride” flows from the electronic planar suspension, which engineers describe as “an orchestra of systems.”
The setup combines spring damper struts in vertical and longitudinal positions that can be decoupled for a pillowy ride.
When the system detects a corner, it recouples and stiffens the dampers, preparing to engage four-wheel steering. During cornering, individual sensors monitor almost 20 steering, braking, power, and suspension parameters to maintain stability. Spectre also has standard active lane centering and adaptive cruise control.
Self-righting wheel centers keep the R-R upright.
Hallmarks of Spectre
The Spectre is a collective of engineering and design features. Here are several more that stand out:
Power-Closing Doors. At almost 59 inches in length, Spectre’s laser-welded pillarless doors are the largest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce. The aluminum doors operate on opening and closing. A single pull of the interior handle opens the door to the “comfort position” to check for obstructions. A second pull-and-hold activates full power assistance. Releasing the handle engages the door brake. From outside, the door can be closed manually with power assist or by pressing the door handle button.
The driver gets special treatment. The driver’s door closes automatically when the driver presses the brake pedal, a feature unique to Spectre.
Longitudinal, transverse, and G-force door sensors give the same speed of operation regardless of hill or driveway angles.
The polished stainless-steel vanes of the Spectre grille are backlit by 22 LEDs.
Pantheon grille is the widest ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce. The polished stainless-steel vanes are smooth and flush-fitting. Backlit by 22 LEDs, the lighting has a subtle three-dimensional nighttime signature.
23-inch wheels are a production first for a Rolls-Royce two-door coupé in almost 100 years.
Starlight Doors, illuminated by 4,796 ‘stars’. Buyers can also choose handcrafted Canadel paneling.
Illuminated Dashboard Fascia, $5,425. A cluster of more than 5,500 stars with the Spectre name adds nighttime intrigue to the passenger-side panel.
The Spirit of Ecstasy figurine was resculpted for a more aerodynamic profile.
Why Buy the Rolls-Royce Spectre?
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is the EV that will convert many traditional Rolls owners. European buyers will be interested in navigating urban centers that restrict gas-powered vehicles.
For all buyers, Spectre is a natural progression toward Rolls-Royce’s electric future. It is also much less expensive than adding a new Gulfstream G650 to the family fleet.
The Spectre is a formidable ultra-luxury coupe that can accelerate to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Specifications
Body style: large, 2-door, 4-seat electric all-wheel-drive coupeTransmission: 1-speed direct-drive automatic
Motors: Two separately excited synchronous motors: 190kW front electric motor, 360kW rear motor
Power, AWD: 584-hp and 664 lb.-ft. torque
Battery: Lithium-ion cobalt 102 kWh
EPA-estimated driving range: around 291 to 264 miles, with 22- or 23-inch wheels
Charging, up to 80 percent:
- 195 kW (DC) max: 34 minutes
- 50kW: 95 minutes;
- 22 kW AC: 5 hours 30 minutes, to 100 percent
BY THE NUMBERS
Length/wheelbase: 215.5/126.3 inches
Width/height: 79.4*/62 *84.4 inches with mirrors
Curb weight: 6,371 pounds
Turning circle: 41.7 feet
FEATURES
Standard equipment includes: Keyless Go entry and push-button ignition, full-leather interior and upholstery, Shooting Star headliner, integrated umbrellas in front door jambs, massaging-heated-ventilated front seats, full-leather covered and multifunction steering wheel, soft-close doors and trunk, electronically retracting Spirit of Ecstasy, self-righting wheel center badges, laminated glass, surround-view camera system, wood veneer on front instrument panel and center console, 10.25-inch touch screen central information display, 12.3-inch color LED backlit instrument dials, dynamic cruise control, on-board owner’s manual, Rolls-Royce LED headlights, LED side parking and rear lights, heated rear window, rain-sensing variable-speed windshield wipers;
Driving assistance features include: Dynamic cruise control with speed regulation through energy control or braking, Driving Assistant Systems with Lane Departure with Active Steer, Collision Warning with Active Braking, Drive Recorder, backup assistant, panorama camera, head-up display, park assist;
Safety features include: 8 air bags, dynamic stability and traction controls, cornering brake control, park distance control (front and rear), lane departure with active steer assist, collision warning with active braking, drive recorder, back-up assistant, head-up display.
CHASSIS COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel power-assisted ventilated disc brakes with four-channel ABS, brake energy regeneration, and dynamic brake control
Steering: 41.7-foot turning circle; active rear-axle steering
Tires-wheels: light alloy wheels and low rolling resistance tires (LRRT) with tire pressure alert
Suspension: Rolls-Royce independent air suspension with all-wheel steering
PRICING
Base price: $422,750, including $2,750 freight charge; price as tested $558,700.
Options on test vehicle: Chartreuse paint, $13,100; Aero two-tone $28,550 with black diamond; 23inch 7-spoke polished wheels $10,675; umbrella canopy in black $1,775;
Interior options, include: Indulge bespoke clock $4,725; illuminated fascia $5,425; Starlight doors $13,300; leather finishing pack in Grace White $5,975; contrast stitching in Peony Pink $950; seat piping in Peony Pink $4,800; stitching in Peony Pink $2,500; extended piping in Peony Pink $2,350; two-tone steering wheel in Grace White $3,725; veneered steering wheel spokes $1,325;
Spectre Launch Package $22,400, includes lambswool footmats, illuminated “Spectre” treadplates, RR monogram headrests in Peony Pink, illuminated grille,
heated passenger surround;
Interior options: polished stainless-steel package $2,950; Rolls-Royce bespoke audio $11,425;
Where assembled: Chichester, Great Britain
Warranties: 4-years/unlimited-mileage bumper to bumper with maintenance program, and roadside assistance.
