On the road with Rolls-Royce’s first EV, the Spectre

Image: Supplied

For over a century, the Rolls-Royce name has been synonymous with opulence and power. But last year, the storied marque embarked on a new chapter, one that featured the hum of electric motors on the road to the future of mobility, as it introduced the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Deets on the design

From the outset, the Spectre is undeniably a ‘Rolls-Royce’. Its iconic silhouette remains, impossibly long, exuding an air of quiet authority.

The design is sleek and flowing but, at the same time, sculpted out of rock. The car’s stance is very unique. It sits higher than most sedans but slightly lower than CUVs. Making it stand out with its imposing dimensions.

The signature Pantheon grille is present, albeit reimagined with illuminated vertical bars that flow down the front end, creating a beautiful waterfall effect at night. The meticulous craftsmanship is  visible in every detail.

The fabled Spirit of Ecstasy has also been redesigned to be more aerodynamic; the wings are more swept back. The new split headlight design suits the Spectre, and even though it follows the current trend of split headlights, Rolls-Royce somehow managed to elevate the trend. The entire look is minimalistic and elegant at the same time.

Inside information

The Spectre’s interior is a masterclass in bespoke luxury. The cashmere-soft upholstery, lambswool carpet, polished wood accents and the analogue centre console buttons ensure the most tasteful interiors.

Starlight Headliner, a fiber-optic ceiling mimicking the night sky, sets the tone for an atmosphere that’s both opulent and serene. Bespoke touches abound, from laser-cut air vents that blend seamlessly into the dash to a Starlight Carpet that projects constellations onto the floor.

To access the plush and luxurious four seats, you have first to open the beautiful rear-hinged suicide doors, which are the longest-ever doors fitted on a modern Rolls-Royce. The rear seats are as spacious and comfortable as the front seats. Rolls-Royce has maintained the analogue style interiors on the Spectre to ensure customers feel no difference between older models and the new EV.

It is eerily quiet inside the Spectre. Due to the lack of an engine and transmission, the requirements for noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) completely change. For the first time, Rolls-Royce had to introduce sound into the cabin as test drivers would get disoriented by the lack of sound.

The majority of the sound that comes into the cabin comes from the ‘thuds’ of the tires hitting a bad spot on the road or the wind noise from the side view mirrors. The insides of the Spectre are so quiet that it would put the strictest of libraries to shame. While conversing, your tone and volume become hushed as well.

The Spectre features a bespoke audio system with 18 speakers that delivers a concert-like listening experience, while a digital instrument cluster and head-up display keep the driver informed of every detail. Advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning add a layer of safety and comfort.

Rolly Royce Spectre: Performance and power

Rolls-Royce claims the car delivers 520km on a single charge. When asked why it offered only this much, the automaker responded by saying that if its customers needed to travel more than this, they would prefer flying. Such is the demographic of a Rolls-Royce customer.

Even though the Spectre is a heavy car, it is no slouch. The electric powertrain provides 577hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, propelling it from 0-60km/h in 4.5 seconds. So it is swift. The instant torque delivery ensures effortless acceleration, while the near-silent operation adds to the sense of serenity.

At no given point do you feel that you need more speed or power than the Spectre provides. In true Rolls-Royce speak, it is ‘adequate’. The Spectre also retains the fabled Rolls-Royce ‘waft ability’.

That means it glides over everything the roads throw at it. The suspension is so good that Rolls-Royce had to make sure there is a sense of sensation coming through the steering wheel and tires as a safety requirement.

The handling is also impressive for a heavy, luxurious EV. The turn-in radius is on point and quite sharp. The car has great balance and handles impressively for what it is.

The Verdict

Deliveries of the ultra-luxury electric super coupe started in October last year, but there’s a long waitlist for the colossus. However, if you’re looking for the ultimate in automotive luxury and are willing to embrace the future of electric mobility, the Spectre is a compelling choice, and worth the wait.

The starting price for the Spectre is Dhs2m, and the customisation options are endless.