Skip advert
Advertisement

Rolls-Royce Spectre revealed: 569bhp electric coupe

The Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s very first all-electric model, and spells the beginning of the end for its combustion-powered lineup

With its lengthy development programme now in its final stages, the Rolls-Royce Spectre has been unveiled. The all-new, all-electric four-seater coupe is the firm’s very first EV and it marks the beginning of Rolls-Royce’s transition to a pure electric lineup by 2030. The brand’s combustion-powered models are set to be built alongside Spectre until that date.

The Spectre’s final phase of testing is set to conclude in Q2 of 2023, before first customer cars hit the road in Q4. Pricing is set to fall between Cullinan and Phantom models, so don’t expect much change from £300,000.

Advertisement - Article continues below

> Rolls-Royce Ghost Black Badge packs 696bhp with modifications by Spofec

Though its design bears similarities to the Wraith, Rolls-Royce has taken inspiration from the Spectre’s spiritual successor, the Phantom Coupe. Its new split headlight design has been carried across, with its unique tapered rear a clear nod to the one-off Boat Tail revealed in 2021. That trademark Pantheon grille remains, but is the widest of any model in this new form – an array of 22 LEDs are also incorporated to illuminate each of the vanes. 

23-inch wheels and clear taillights are new to the Spectre, with the Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille both tuned for aerodynamics for improved efficiency. Rolls-Royce claims a drag coefficient of 0.25cd, the best of any of its models, but some way from the 0.2 figure of luxury EV leaders, the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Lucid Air.

Under its slippery new skin is a bespoke aluminium space frame chassis, with the powertrain derived from that found at the core of the new BMW i7. Thanks to integration of the battery into the structure and the use of technical extruded aluminium sections, the Spectre is 30 per cent stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce. With wiring and climate control piping neatly routed through a channel between the battery and floor, the Spectre has a perfectly smooth underbody, with added benefits being a lower seating position and improved sound deadening.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Advertisement - Article continues below

With the test programme yet to conclude, Rolls-Royce hasn’t disclosed final performance figures, but the Spectre is expected to cover 320 miles (WLTP) on a single charge, a chunk below the quoted 388-mile figure of the BMW i7 but an improvement on the 301-mile maximum of the Porsche Taycan. Output is rated at 569bhp and 664lb ft of torque, somewhat modest considering its eye-watering 2975kg kerb weight (700kg of which being the battery) – 0-62mph happens in 4.5sec.

Carried across from the new-generation Ghost is Rolls-Royce’s Planar suspension system, combining software and hardware for improved ride quality. The system has the ability to entirely decouple anti-roll bars on straight sections to allow each wheel to move independently over undulations for a more refined ride. When a corner is identified, anti-roll bars are recoupled and dampers stiffened, with a total of 18 sensors monitoring and adjusting the four-wheel steering system, braking, power delivery and suspension to ensure the best ride quality possible.

In addition to the trademark Starlight headliner and Illuminated fascia first featured on the Phantom VIII, the Rolls-Royce Spectre features new Starlight Doors. As with the rest of the car, its new seats have been designed with customisation in mind, with interior elements such as the door cards available with optional wood Canadel Panelling. The Spectre’s infotainment system has also seen a complete overhaul, with the new SPIRIT system allowing for new remote functions.

Development of the Rolls-Royce Spectre will conclude in Q2 next year before first customer deliveries commence in Q4 2023. Expect prices to start from around £300,000.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Cupra Tavascan 2025 review – the Ford Capri’s more interesting Spanish cousin
Cupra Tavascan – front
In-depth reviews

Cupra Tavascan 2025 review – the Ford Capri’s more interesting Spanish cousin

The Tavascan is Cupra’s coupe SUV based on the Volkswagen Group’s MEB electric vehicle architecture, whose closest relations are the Volkswagen ID.5, …
16 May 2025
Hyundai Ioniq 5 2025 review – Korea’s Volkswagen ID.4 rival means business
Hyundai Ioniq 5
Reviews

Hyundai Ioniq 5 2025 review – Korea’s Volkswagen ID.4 rival means business

The Ioniq 5 might now have some strong competition in 2025, but it’s still among the best in its class as a practical, well-rounded electric crossover
15 May 2025
Genesis GV60 Magma spied – 600bhp Porsche Macan Turbo rival sheds its disguise
Genesis GV60 Magma – front
News

Genesis GV60 Magma spied – 600bhp Porsche Macan Turbo rival sheds its disguise

The Genesis GV60 Magma has been spied testing with less disguise, revealing its more aggressive production bodywork
14 May 2025
Updated 2025 Skoda Enyaq vRS has a fresh face to match its 335bhp punch
2025 Skoda Enyaq vRS front
News

Updated 2025 Skoda Enyaq vRS has a fresh face to match its 335bhp punch

Very modest mechanical changes sit behind a totally new look for Skoda’s hot electric SUV
9 May 2025
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

The most extreme Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen spied – a GT2 RS or something more?
Porsche mule Nürburgring
News

The most extreme Porsche 911 we’ve ever seen spied – a GT2 RS or something more?

Wild 911 prototype is much wider with a reprofiled rear end, pointing to a GT2 RS-flavoured model in the works
14 May 2025
Caterham Seven evo25 Fast Fleet test – living with a track car for the road
Caterham Seven evo25
Long term tests

Caterham Seven evo25 Fast Fleet test – living with a track car for the road

25 years of evo, 50 years of Caterham – the perfect excuse to create a unique Seven to celebrate both brands’ milestones. So how did we spec it, and d…
13 May 2025
Why I can't stand Cars & Coffee, even as a caffeine addict
Cars and coffee
Opinion

Why I can't stand Cars & Coffee, even as a caffeine addict

They’re all the rage, but Cars & Coffee meets aren’t Meaden’s cup of tea
1 May 2025