first drive: rolls-royce spectre electrifies famed magic carpet ride

first drive of rolls-royce spectre

Napa is famed for braking traditions. Since the Judgement of Paris in 1976 when Californian wines trumped those of France in a blind tasting, the valley has become renowned for producing wines of world leading quality as well as innovation. In a similar fashion, Rolls-Royce – the British marque known for opulent, out-performing coach-built cars – turns to Napa to once again push the boundaries of possibilities. Revealed in October 2022, the first-ever electric Rolls-Royce breaks with traditions – more specifically the V12 engine. designboom takes the Spectre for a drive in Napa to feel the famed magic carpet ride electrified.

designboom takes the spectre for a drive in napa to feel the famed magic carpet ride electrified

all images courtesy of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars

rolls-royce first, electric second

The Spectre was designed to be a Rolls-Royce first, then electric. It delivers the signature experience – instant torque, silent running and magic carpet ride – but untraditionally with an all-electric powertrain. The front and rear electric motors spark 550kW and 1,075Nm of torque that propels it from 0-60mph in 4.4 seconds (0-100km/h in 4.5 seconds) in faster fashion than a 2021 Ghost, for example. A range of 329 miles (530km) is available on full charge. Regenerative braking actually adds a few miles back to charge when single-pedal driving is activated. Timed at 34 minutes, charging is relatively quick when using a 195kW fast charger to energize the battery from 10-80%.

the widest pantheon grille ever used is monumentally spot-lit with 22 LEDs

The setting for the battery is the Architecture of Luxury platform – an all-aluminum spaceframe – that is 30% stiffer than normal. It is the foundation for the car’s balanced weight distribution, low center of gravity and torsional rigidity, but it is the electric motors’ power that delivers the Rolls-Royce waft-ability. Every action is effortless as the Spectre wafts as if on a magic carpet ride. Fast, accurate sender-receiver signals monitor road and weather conditions make it the marque’s most connected car to date. On straight roads, for instance, the anti-roll bars decouple to avoid swaying whilst recoupling and activating four-wheel steering to cushion cornering.

the three-pen exterior includes the yacht-inspired waft line that darts from the front wheels to lower rear

spectre’s three-pen exterior design

It is fitting, then, that the favorite of the Spectre’s three-pen exterior is the so-called waft line for Anders Warming, Rolls-Royce Design Director. This line adds a sense of motion as it darts from the front wheel arch diagonally towards the ground. It references both the magic carpet ride and nautical design, reflecting the road passing beneath as if a yacht. Up front, the widest pantheon grille ever used is monumentally spot-lit with 22 LEDs. A specially aerodynamically-redesigned Spirit of Ecstasy and split headlights complete the illustrious front. The sharp bow line draws the eye rearwards to the fastback that slopes dramatically.

the dramatically sloped roof of the coupé concludes with extruded lake-like tail lights

starlit interior of endless personalization

Stepping through the coach doors into the spacious four-seater cabin, starlights from the roof wraps around to the doors for the first time. 4,796 stars softly illuminate the interior at night. The theme continues on the fascia where the Spectre nameplate is surrounded by even more stars – 5,500 to be precise. The awe of the constellations combine with exquisite materials throughout: wood panelling on the dashboard as pleasing on the eyes as the hands, intricate buttons and accessories made from polished metalwork, and contrasting or matching seat upholstery inspired by British tailoring. The interior continues the Rolls-Royce level of almost limitless personalization.

starlights from the roof wraps around to the coach doors to form constellations of 4,796 stars

The first ultra-luxury electric super coupé breaks traditions but does not compromise in interior space and comfort, exterior presence and styling, and high performance and ride quality. It is immediately apparent that the Spectre was designed as a Rolls-Royce first, then electric. Although the British marque’s first without a V12, the electric car performed surprisingly as anticipated at the pinnacle, pushing the boundaries of possibilities, and innovating above and beyond tradition. The Spectre is a premiere in more ways than one; it is the first of many Rolls-Royces as the entire portfolio turns fully electric by the end of 2030.

5,500 stars surround the spectre nameplate on the fascia on the passenger’s side