The British luxury firm Rolls-Royce presents its first electric model: the Spectre. If the whole is still as prestigious, the powertrain leaves us a little more pensive.
In the very elitist universe of prestige manufacturers, few are those who have taken the step of the 100% electric car. In reality, Rolls-Royce is the first. Bentley has presented only a concept car which should lead to a production car by 2025, while other manufacturers, whose orientation is as luxurious as it is sporty, such as Aston Martin for example, are struggling to launch their first hybrid model.
The most ostentatious electric car?
Rolls-Royce is therefore presenting its first 100% electric production model, and as you can see from the photos available, the style matches the brand.
Some will no doubt notice a small family resemblance with the new BMW i7, and this is normal, since Rolls-Royce has been under the control of the BMW group since 1998, and the two models share some elements in common even if Rolls-Royce refuses to mention it.
The Specter does not break with the spirit of the brand, although its grille is wider than ever and now lit by 22 LEDs. At the end of the hood is an aerodynamically optimized Spirit of Ecstasy, although we’re not sure that changes much.
That said, the Specter is the most aerodynamic model in the brand’s history with a Cx of 0.25. The car is 5.45 meters long, 2.08 meters wide and 1.56 meters high. Its wheelbase is 3.21 meters.
Disappointing autonomy
If there is one thing that will not change compared to a thermal model at Rolls-Royce, it is the noise. Models powered by powerful V12s used to be quiet, and that feeling will be similar in the Specter with the absence of a combustion engine.
Instead, we find an electric motor which develops the trifle of 430 kWh, or approximately 585 ch. 0 to 100 km/h is announced in 4.5 seconds. The truck couple of 900 Nm will surely not be too much to move the pachydermic mass of the machine.
Indeed, a thermal Rolls-Royce is not necessarily light, but this electric version beats all records with almost three tons on the scale (2,975 kg empty to be exact), in particular thanks to the battery pack which alone weighs 700 kilos.
The brand hasn’t announced the battery capacity, but it should probably be high. Nevertheless, a quick calculation allows us to imagine a capacity of around 100 kWh.
Indeed, Rolls-Royce communicates on an autonomy of 520 km under the EPA cycle, with a combined consumption announced (pending approval) at 21.5 kWh/100 km. On the other hand, according to the EPA cycle, more severe than WLTP because it is closer to reality, the range drops to 418 km. In any case, these data are quite disappointing for a car with such a battery. A Mercedes EQS claims, for example, more than 700 km, depending on the version, with a 107.8 kWh battery.
But with three tons on the scale for the Rolls, you shouldn’t expect miracles. The maximum charging power is announced at 195 kW. The Specter is based on the “Architecture of Luxury” aluminum platform, a platform that is not new since it was inaugurated in 2003. The battery is partly integrated into the structure itself, which allows a stiffening of 30 %.
A stratospheric price
This ultra-luxury electric coupé, which replaces the aging Phantom Coupé, impresses with its interior. Like the exterior appearance, the interior is changing slightly compared to thermal Rolls. The Specter is obviously more technological, with in particular the arrival of a digital instrumentation system. However, some physical controls have been retained to avoid switching to all-touch.
The Rolls-Royce Specter is due to hit the market in the fourth quarter of 2023 and its price should start at around 340,000 euros since the brand announces a price that is “between a Cullinan and a Phantom”. With a few options, the price should easily exceed 500,000 euros.
After Nio, Xpeng and BYD, it’s Chinese manufacturer Hongqi’s turn to expand in Europe. Its first electric model, the E-HS9, is coming to Europe!
Read more
To follow us, we invite you to download our Android and iOS application. You can read our articles, files, and watch our latest YouTube videos.
