All-electric Rolls-Royce Spectre debuts

ROLLS-ROYCE has unveiled its all-electric Spectre ultra luxury coupe model at the Shanghai Auto Show this week, underlining where the iconic car-maker thinks a large slice of Spectre sales will come from.

It provided more details into what is possibly one of the most interesting cars of 2023, and its first fully electric model.

Adding impact to the Spectre debut was a raft of specially constructed Rolls-Royce models built by the company’s Bespoke arm and the appearance of a new colour scheme.

The imposing two-door was designed and engineered to be a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second and marks the beginning of a new electric era for Rolls-Royce Motor Cars.

Adding gravitas to its Shanghai stand was the specially prepared two-tone Spectre in Morganite with gunmetal exterior finish, which RR says: “creates an exceptionally elegant aesthetic”.

Morganite is a colour between mauve and dark rosé and was inspired by the rare Morganite gemstone and is a new addition to the Rolls-Royce Bespoke portfolio.

Rolls-Royce says the Spectre “combines elegance and innovation and delights in an imposing yet effortlessly refined appearance”. The car has RR’s widest-ever grille with a contemporary polished stainless-steel finish.

It displays imposing proportions, a long bonnet, and a ‘graceful’ silhouette with a sweeping fastback roofline underpinned by 23-inch wheels. Complementing the theme is an interior described as a “sanctuary that offers unrivalled luxury”.

The premiere of the Spectre was also used to highlight the model’s Canadel doors: the interior panel of which are crafted from a single sheet of wood, precisely placed at an exact 55-degree angle to evoke a sense of motion within the car.

Adding a further level of luxury is the car’s Grace White leather upholstery highlighted by bold Ardent Red secondary details that create a visually stunning hand-crafted “masterpiece”.

What to some might be viewed as garish is the “joyous” interior that is further enhanced by delicate Peony Pink accents on the RR monograms, contrast piping and stitching on the instrument panel. Open pore Tudor Oak veneer panels feature on fascia surfaces with other contrast veneers dotted through the cabin.

The Spectre has what RR says is a “magic carpet ride” that was validated through thousands of kilometres of testing globally. It resulted in the evolution of what RR calls a Planar suspension system which is an orchestration of systems with precisely defined responses to driver inputs and road conditions and is made possible by the latest software and hardware developments.

Rolls-Royce’s hallmark silence within is supported by mounting the battery enabling a smooth underfloor profile. It facilitates a low seating position and enveloping cabin but realises a secondary function for the battery – almost 700kg of sound deadening.

At its Shanghai stand, Rolls-Royce celebrated the luxury of handcraftsmanship with three stunning Bespoke vehicles underlining the near-infinite personalisation possibilities offered by the brand. At the same time, the company announced Private Office Shanghai as the next step in its strategy to bring the home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood closer to its global clientele and cater for increasing demand for Bespoke enhancement.

The Shanghai Rolls-Royce stand was constructed to give an “exclusive and immersive visitor experiences” offering a glimpse of the brands Bespoke capabilities as well as its support and interest in contemporary art.

“(The) Rolls-Royce Spectre is perhaps the most important car in our long and storied history and I am delighted to be in Shanghai for the China premiere of this fabulous car, an important step on our ambitious journey to become an all-electric brand by the end of 2030,” said Rolls-Royce Motor Cars director of sales and brand, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer.

“As one of the world’s leading NEV countries, China is a key market for Spectre, and I am delighted to see that our clients here share our great excitement for this car. Rolls-Royce and electric drive are a perfect fit: battery electric power offers silent propulsion, instant torque, and tremendous power – just like our beloved V12. Waftability and our famous magic carpet ride are assured.”

The Spectre’s power consumption is listed at 21.5kWh/100km with a range of 520km (WLTP).