Ultra-Luxury Electric Coupe
What is luxury? In the automobile industry some brands say covering the seats in leather makes an economy car luxury. Some have created an upscale division they call luxury. Then there are brands that consider themselves luxury. These are all good cars, some even very nice cars, but at best they would be considered premium; only a few truly reach luxury. After driving the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre EV, it is clear what luxury is, and what ultra luxury is. The Spectre is ultra-luxury. Serene, regal, extremely refined, stunning, super-luxurious ultra-luxury.
The Rolls-Royce 10, with 10 indicating the horsepower, was the first car produced in 1904 by Charles Rolls and Henry Royce who started their company with that model. There were also 15hp and 20hp versions, shipped as a chassis to coachwork builders for custom bodies to be designed and fitted. Each one is unique, truly bespoke.
What hasn’t changed in the past 120 years is owning a Rolls-Royce is special, and a well-earned reward. For the past 12 years I have driven many cars considered to be luxury, but until I drove the Rolls-Royce Spectre, I truly didn’t realize what a luxury car was all about. I believe Rolls-Royce when they say it takes “90 pairs of hands and 600 hours” to build each car, and that there is a one year waiting period due to the individual customization available to owners.
The Spectre Experience – Interior Solitude
The mere act of entering the Spectre begins the experience of something far more than special.
The coach doors (rear hinged) are closed via a button. In the case with the driver door, it closes upon depressing the brake pedal, softly pulling tight and latching. The body color-matched umbrellas, which slide into each front fender when the doors are open, are another Rolls-Royce tradition. The illuminated ‘Spectre’ door tread plates add a nice touch as do the analog clock and lamb’s wool foot mats.
Once all closed-up tight, the absolute solitude of the cabin can best be described as being in a recording studio. There is total silence. The extra thick door glass (six millimeters) and 400 pounds of sound deadening material make for a unique setting to, for a few moments at least, close your eyes and revel in supreme isolation. Our friends over at Edmunds concur by saying: “In fact, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is officially the quietest vehicle Edmunds has ever tested.”
All materials were an 11-on-a-scale of 10 quality. The comfort was beyond compare with Clean Fleet Report’s interior looking elegant in Grace White and Ardent Red, with tasteful accents and stitching, including ‘RR’ on all four headrests, in Peony Pink. The full list of Spectre interior colors is at the end of the story.
Special Leather
Hand dyed and stitched, Rolls-Royce only uses leather from male cows (their skin hasn’t been stretched like a female’s) that come from Northern Europe where there are no mosquitoes or barbed wire to mar the skins.
Veneer inserts on the steering wheel were shared with leather in Ardent Red, and open pore Canadel Wood doors. Rolls-Royce explains “Named after a cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design team spent their winters, Canadel is tactile, with a light satin finish that retains the material’s natural texture. This crafted wood contributes to the Spectre’s warm, contemporary ambience. The veneer is grain-matched throughout and gently curves to hug the contours of the coach doors, adding a sweep of open grain throughout the rear cabin and the fascia.”
The best part of the cabin may be the full leather, Shooting Star headliner, offering a gaze at a starry-night sky and the occasional shooting star.
The Spectre is a massive coupe, the largest you can buy, measuring 18 feet long, seats four with cushy bucket seats front and rear. The sumptuous leather, front heated and ventilated power seats had memory, massage and power adjustments. The heated and ventilated rear seats are separated by a soft-padded console with air vents, temperature and fan controls, and cup holders. Sitting in the rear seat was pure enjoyment and relaxation.
The dash was among the simplest we have encountered to understand and use. This makes perfect sense as Rolls-Royce does not want the Spectre owner to be overwhelmed with gimmickry. The head-up display and the color, 12.3-inch digital gauges are configurable.
Sounds and Technology
The multi-media 10.25-inch touch screen display’s content is managed by the intuitive Spirit of Ecstasy rotary controller for HD/FM, SiriusXM, Spotify built-in and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The screen also houses the navigation, voice recognition and Bluetooth for hands-free calling. The 1,300-watt, 18-speaker (7-tweeters, 7-midrange, 2-sub-woofers, and two ‘Exciters’ overhead that make the complete headliner resonate like a tweeter) six-channel surround sound system has Studio and Theater settings and a nine-band equalizer, to match your personal listening preference. The multi-function steering wheel also has controls for channel, volume and cruise control.
The bespoke sound system is phenomenally rich, reproducing sounds you may have never heard before on your favorite songs. The system was designed around the Spectre to maximize the cabin acoustics. As noted earlier, the interior quietness is like being in a recording studio, which makes the sound system possibly the best we have ever experienced.
The four-zone automatic climate control has physical wheels to set the temperature and fan speed. The round, chrome air vents are operated with pull/push controls. Both are a welcome return to sanity for operating cooling and heating.
Other interior features are a power tilt and telescopic steering wheel, power heated side mirrors, ambient lighting, wireless phone charging, rain-sensing windshield wipers, keyless entry, power opening trunk and a surround view camera.
Power and Range
Clean Feet Report drove the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre, the brand’s first all-electric car. The dual “Separately Excited Synchronous” motors, one each front and rear, produce 584 horsepower and 660 pound-feet of torque. Our Spectre, shod with 23-inch Wing Spoke polished wheels with self-leveling center ‘RR’ logo caps, (the largest wheel available for a car) was rated by the EPA with an all-electric driving range of 266 miles, which is pretty much what we got in our week with an efficiency of 2.9 miles per kW. However, if you opt for the Spectre with the 22-inch wheels the all-electric driving range increases to 291 miles.
Charging and Regeneration
The Spectre is no different to charge than any other electric vehicle and Rolls-Royce has made it easy with this charging overview.
Prior to delivery, new owners will have a Rolls-Royce Wallbox installed that charges up to 11 kW. This 240-watt Level 2 charger will provide charging for the 102 kWh lithium-ion battery, going from 10-100% in about 11 hours.
It is unlikely that Spectre owners will charge away from their home, but the adventurous ones can visit a DC fast charger station, where at a peak of 190 kW can take the battery from 10-80% in about 34 minutes. There is no shame in charging alongside lesser EVs out in the wilds of a shopping mall!
There is also battery regeneration, when coasting or braking, kinetic energy is converted into electric energy and returns it to the battery to add driving range. The regen level is pre-set, but there is a ‘B’ button to make it more aggressive. This mode enables one-pedal driving, which allows the car to slow and come to a full stop by lifting the accelerator pedal.
Cruising and Gliding
The secret behind the most luscious and sumptuous ride I have experienced (in more than 12 years driving and reviewing 1000+ vehicles) begins with the planar suspension in combination with the independent air suspension, all-wheel drive, all-wheel steering, dynamic stability control, traction control and cornering brake control.
Rolls-Royce engineers say the planar suspension is “an orchestra of systems” that automatically decouples the anti-roll bars. This allows each wheel to act independently, reducing high-frequency disturbances caused by smaller, repeated surface defects.
This suspension works so well cabin occupants are completely unaffected by road imperfections as the Spectre glides effortlessly down the freeway with an ease that continues to impress mile after mile. Combine this with the recording studio isolation, and the driving experience is second to none.
The rear wheel steering (“active axle” in Rolls-Royce speak) had a major impact on the overall handling and ride, making the 19-foot Spectre turn like a car half its size and eliminating most three-point turns. The rear wheel steering made all driving easier as the Spectre effortlessly maneuvered city streets and parking lots, freeway cloverleafs and country lane sweeping corners.
Stepping on the accelerator results in an instant and strong launch, which is the beauty of EV torque. The performance was impressive, with the 6,559-pound Spectre returning 0-60 mph runs at 4.4 seconds. But don’t even begin to think the Spectre buyer is all that concerned with off-the-line speed, because if they are looking for raw speed and handling prowess, they undoubtedly already have performance cars in their garage.
Owners will be interested in the well-distributed weight that gives the Spectre a balanced and confident ride. The Pirelli PZero Elect 255/40/23 tires, specifically developed for high performance electric and plug-in vehicles, gripped well, but were also low noise.
The Spectre was an absolute joy to drive, making it hard to return home for the day and not want to head-out on a long road trip.
Slippery Design
A 0.25 coefficient of drag (Cd) is a very low number for a vehicle of this size, and the lowest of any Rolls-Royce—ever. Once driving the Spectre, it is easy to believe. It has form and function, making it efficient and quiet to drive.
Obviously, the Spectre is like no other coupe on the road, beginning with the automatically retracting Spirit Of Ecstasy hood ornament, which magically reappears when pushing the start button. It was redesigned and wind tunnel-tested to be more aerodynamic. The iconic radiator-type grille, framed by narrow LED headlights, is now more for show as there is no engine to cool. But it too has been designed with efficiency in mind as the vertical fins force the wind to the outer edges of the car. The front and rear lights dance and put on a show, offering a warm welcome.
The long hood elegantly meets the sloping windshield that leads to possibly the longest coupe roof, ending with a bustle tail. Chrome is at a tasteful minimum, found on the grille, accenting the coach doors, and a sliver dissecting the rear bumper. That’s it, no cladding, scoops or other tricks on the Spectre to interrupt its smooth, sleek design.
The Spectre is available in 60 exterior colors. Clean Fleet Report’s primary color was Morganite with the contrasting Gunmetal. The full list of exterior colors is at the end of the story.
Safety
The Spectre comes with a standard list of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), including forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning and parking distance control, front and rear.
The adaptive cruise control has lane guide, lane change assistance and low-speed hands-free driving. The integrated camera system has a panoramic view and a recorder that can retain GPS, speed and additional information in the event of an accident.
Pricing
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre comes in one model that is highly customizable, which is what most owners will opt for. The base price, including the mandatory destination and handling charge of $2,750, is $422,750. Clean Fleet Report’s Spectre had $156,025 in options and packages, bringing the total to $578,775.
Warranty
New Vehicle – Four years/Unlimited miles
Battery – Eight years/100,000 miles
Factory Maintenance – Four years/Unlimited miles
Roadside Assistance – Four years/Unlimited miles
Observations: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
If you have read this far, three cheers for hanging in there for 2,000+ words! There is more to say about this amazing vehicle, as Rolls-Royce has packed so much into the Spectre, but it would take multiple reviews to cover everything.
The Spectre will be out-of-reach for 99.99% of consumers, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid appreciating excellence. The buyer of a Spectre will have multiple vehicles in their garage. The 266-mile all-electric driving range is not a pacing item for their purchase, as that distance would cover a couple of month’s worth of driving as they rotate through their car quiver.
When climbing behind the wheel of the Spectre, you’ll quickly develop an appreciation for an ultra-fine, ultra luxury automobile. The styling is all Rolls-Royce, staying true to its heritage. The impressive interior, where occupants are encased in high-quality materials and workmanship, ranks at the top in all the cars we have tested at Clean Fleet Report, and not just EVs. The features list is long and deep, including a full safety suite. The price may seem high, but there is a whole lot going on that in the rarefied world of this full-size luxury electric vehicle that is hand-built in Chichester, England.
As far as charging, owners will have staff to top off the battery, most likely be done in the secure privacy of their home and not at a public charger. However, they would be in good company mixing it up with the masses. When I charged at an Electrify America charger at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, California, I was joined by a few upper-end EVs, such as the Porsche Taycan RS, Rivian RS1, and the Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+, EQE 500 4Matic, and EQE 500 X4.
Whether it is an entry-level or an ultra luxury model, there is something very satisfying about driving an electric car. The lack of sound as it moves down the road is wonderful, and the instant torque from a stop or already at highway speeds is something to enjoy. In the 2024 Spectre these are all amplified to something only Rolls-Royce is currently doing, and it is very special.
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Story by John Faulkner. Photos by John Faulkner and Rolls-Royce.
Spectre Exterior Colors
Standard
- Darkest Tungsten
- Black Diamond
- English White
- Jubilee Silver
- Midnight Sapphire
- Salamanca Blue
- Iguazu Blue
- Dark Emerald
- Scala Red
- Bohemian Red
- Anthracite
- Arctic White
- Tempest Grey
Commissioned Collection
- Twilight Purple
- Sapphire Black
- Black Kirsch
- Magma Red
- Belladonna Purple
- Imperial Jade
- Wittering Blue
- Monteverde
- Olivin
- Chartreuse
- Gunmetal
- Infinity Black
- Valdivian Lime
- Black
- Morganite
Special Order Color
- Brooklands Green
- Obsidian
- Autumn Mystery Black
- Silversand
- Sapphire Gunmetal
- Adriatic Blue
- Berwick Bronze
- Tungsten
- Titanium
- Arizona Sun
- Wildberry
- Velvet Orchid
- Sterling Grey
- Melanite
- Madiera Red
- Purple Silk
- Blue Velvet
- Stone Grey
- Black Green
- Bronze
- Black Ember
- Burnout Grey
- Galileo Blue
- Duck Egg Blue
- Midnight Blue
Crystal Finish
- Crystal over Arctic White
- Crystal over Selby Grey
- Crystal over Black
- Crystal over Magma Red
- Crystal over Twilight Purple
- Crystal over Fame Green
- Crystal over Salamanca Blue
- Crystal over Orange Metallic
- Crystal over Midnight Sapphire
Spectre Interior Colors
Standard
- Grace White
- Black
- Seashell
- Moccasin
- Scivaro Grey
- Tan
- Navy Blue
- Ardent Red
- Havana
Commissioned Collection
- Charles Blue
- Tailored Purple
- Turchese
- Arctic White
- Iceland Moss
- Peony Pink
- Mandarin
- Cashmere Grey
- Forge Yellow
- Chartreuse
- Phoenix Red
Special Order
- Blushing Pink
- Cacao
- Casden Tan
- Forest Fall
- Galileo Blue
- Lime Green
- Lemon Yellow
- Muscari Blue
- Mugello Red
- Pine Green
- Roseleaf
- Selby Grey
Disclosure:
Clean Fleet Report is loaned free test vehicles from automakers to evaluate, typically for a week at a time. Our road tests are based on this one-week drive of a new vehicle. Because of this we don’t address issues such as long-term reliability or total cost of ownership. In addition, we are often invited to manufacturer events highlighting new vehicles or technology. As part of these events we may be offered free transportation, lodging or meals. We do our best to present our unvarnished evaluations of vehicles and news irrespective of these inducements.
Our focus is on vehicles that offer the best fuel economy in their class, which leads us to emphasize electric cars, plug-in hybrids, hybrids and diesels. We also feature those efficient gas-powered vehicles that are among the top mpg vehicles in their class. In addition, we aim to offer reviews and news on advanced technology and the alternative fuel vehicle market. We welcome any feedback from vehicle owners and are dedicated to providing a forum for alternative viewpoints. Please let us know your views at publisher@cleanfleetreport.com.
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Author John Faulkner
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