Rolls-Royce Spectre priced for Australia

ROLLS-ROYCE is scheduled to launch its first all-electric model, the Spectre, in Australia from next year. The luxurious four-seat coupe will be priced from $770,000 plus on-road costs, making it one of the most expensive vehicles available in the country.

Revealed publicly at the Shanghai Auto Show earlier this year, the imposing two-door coupe marks a new beginning for the celebrated British marque which will go all-electric by the end of the decade.

The almost 3000kg and 2100mm wide Spectre is characterised by a long bonnet and “graceful” silhouette and rides on 23-inch seven-spoke wheels, while also boasting the broadest grille of any Rolls-Royce to date.

The Spectre’s power consumption is listed at 21.5kWh/100km with a claimed range of 520km (WLTP). Power is drawn from a 102kWh lithium-ion battery pack, which is said to weigh just more than 700kg. Charge times using a 195kW DC fast charger are quoted at 34 minutes (from 10 to 80 per cent).

System power is rated at 430kW and 900Nm, or sufficient to propel the Spectre from standstill to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

One pedal operation and regenerative braking modes are available as per most electric vehicles, while a Magic Carpet Ride suspension system – an evolution of Rolls-Royce’s Planar system – combines traditional hardware with Decentralised Intelligence software to produce an exceptionally calm ride.

The revolutionary ‘Decentralised Intelligence’ system allows for the free and direct exchange of information between more than 1000 vehicle functions.

With the ability to decouple the car’s anti-roll bars, each wheel can act independently, preventing the rocking motion that occurs when one side of a vehicle hits an undulation in the road. This also reduces high-frequency ride imperfections caused by shortcomings in road surface quality.

While standard features are extensive, it is likely no two Rolls-Royce Spectres will be the same owing to the marque’s incredible breadth of personalisation treatments.

That said, it is understood the Spectre will feature some “standardisation”, including a full leather headliner with Shooting Star lighting, illuminated treadplates, heated and ventilated massaging seats, a premium audio system, rear privacy glass, and stainless-steel exterior garnishing.

With a drag figure of 0.25Cd, the Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s most aerodynamic car yet and even the Spirit of Ecstasy figurine was the product of 830 combined hours of design modelling and wind tunnel testing – aiding the impressive battery range figure.

Extruded aluminium sections and integration of the battery into the structure of the car are said to enable the Spectre to be 30 per cent stiffer than any previous Rolls-Royce.

Speaking on the arrival of the Spectre in Shanghai earlier this year, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars director of sales and brand, Henrik Wilhelmsmeyer, said the vehicle marks an important moment in the brand’s 123-year history.

“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,” he said.

“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,” he added.

GoAuto understands initial Australian customer deliveries will commence before the end of this year.