{"id":244940,"date":"2023-07-03T18:59:00","date_gmt":"2023-07-03T22:59:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.thedetroitbureau.com\/?post_type=reviews&p=244940"},"modified":"2023-07-02T16:42:13","modified_gmt":"2023-07-02T20:42:13","slug":"first-drive-2024-rolls-royce-spectre","status":"publish","type":"reviews","link":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/reviews\/first-drive-2024-rolls-royce-spectre\/","title":{"rendered":"First Drive: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Charles Stewart Rolls driving a Columbia Electric Carriage in 1898.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s 1900, and Charles S. Rolls, cofounder of automaker Rolls-Royce, makes a prediction about the future of automotive industry. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged,\u201d he wrote.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It will take more than a century for his vision to become reality, but is one that’s finally beginning for Rolls-Royce with the introduction of the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe. It is the beginning of a transformation into a pure electric vehicle brand, a conversion the company expects to complete by 2031.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Overview<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre coupe is the first fully electric Rolls-Royce ever made. Using the same all-aluminum architrecture as the Phantom sedan and Cullinan SUV, the Spectre\u2019s two-door fastback lines recall that of the Wraith, but its bountiful size and lavish style compellingly assert Rolls-Royce\u2019s entry into the battery-electric vehicle (BEV) space. But true to form, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre proves to be a Rolls-Royce first and an electric vehicle second \u2014 thank goodness.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Rolls-Royce\u2019s first coupe sold in the U.S. market since the 2021 Rolls-Royce Wraith.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exterior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre’s fastback shape.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

With styling that recalls the Wraith without mimicking it, the Spectre coupe is about the same size as the Phantom Coupe, measuring a whopping 215+ inches in length. But look closer, and you\u2019ll find many of the car\u2019s details have been massaged to improve aerodynamic efficiency. It can be seen in the clean, simply carved shapes that define the Spectre, ones clearly designed to air airflow. And check out the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. It\u2019s shorter than before, and its wings have been reangled for improved airflow. And the Spectre wears the widest grille ever fitted to a Rolls-Royce.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But its form is classic Rolls-Royce, wearing lines that easily lends itself to two-toning, which it wears particularly well. Its overall form is enhanced by an absence of cut lines, and shapely sheetmetal that beautifully captures and plays with light. Uniquely, it lacks a B-Pillar, lending  amore open feel to the cabin despite its high beltline. As with all modern Rolls-Royce, the wheel center caps employ ball-bearings to keep the Rolls-Royce logo upright.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Being that the Spectre is a Rolls-Royce, this is every bit a grand touring coupe, with room for four. Notably, the backseat seatbacks are made from a large single piece of leather that wraps seamlessly from the seatback into the side panel. Interior furnishings are incredibly posh; no one does this better than Rolls-Royce. Handcrafted, the company\u2019s ability to craft bespoke interiors ensure that no two Rolls-Royces are alike. For example, for the first time, buyers can select the color of the instrument dials as part of the company\u2019s Bespoke program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Then again, there\u2019s nothing quite like a Rolls-Royce interior. While customers usually opt for the Starlight headliner, which emulate a sky full of stars, the feature is now available on the Spectre\u2019s interior door panels, as well as on the passenger side of the instrument panel. If you prefer, you can opt for Canadel paneling made from exquisite hardwoods. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But perhaps the interior\u2019s most unusual feature is one that closes an open driver\u2019s door when the driver steps on the brake pedal. And the lambs wool floormats? Heavenly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Powertrain<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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The Spirit of Ecstasy was redeisgned to improved aerodynamics.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Dual electric motors are mated to a single-speed transmission, providing 190 kW of power to the front axle and 360 kW to the rear. Together, they provide 584 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque. All-wheel drive is standard. Running 0-60 mph takes a mere 4.4 seconds. Range is estimated to be 264 miles, which should prove sufficient given that Rolls-Royce owners drive their cars an average of 3,200 miles a year. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Clearly, the Rolls-Royce is far from the only vehicle most of the customers own.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Spectre draws its juice from a 102-kWh lithium-ion battery, made from cobalt and lithium from strictly controlled sources in Australia, Morocco, and Argentina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Refilling the battery pack from 10% to 80% is 34 minutes using a 195 kW (DC) fast charger, according to Rolls-Royce. It can also produce a 100-km charge, that\u2019s 62 miles, in around nine minutes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The posh cabin now features Starlight doors as well as roof. <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Safety and Technology<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has crash-tested the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019d expect the Spectre to have the requisite advanced driver assistance systems, and it does. But it lacks any sort of automated driving system, as the company won\u2019t install one until the technology is perfected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The company has redesigned its infotainment system, which has named Spirit. It can be controlled via touchscreen or through a console-mounted controller and category buttons. As with other automakers, there\u2019s a Rolls-Royce Whispers app that allows drivers to access the car remotely.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Driving Impressions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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It’s a Rolls-Royce that happens to be electric.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Rolls-Royce kept stating that the Spectre is a Rolls-Royce first and a BEV second. And that\u2019s truth, not marketing babble. Still, it comes as no surprise, as a BEV\u2019s instant torque, silent driveline, and lack of gear shifting produce the requisite smooth, silent personality. Power delivery is strong but linear, reaching 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. So you won\u2019t get the neck-snapping torque of some BEVs, but it\u2019s perfectly in keeping with the Spectre\u2019s demeanor.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The car uses an updated version of the Ghost\u2019s Planar Suspension System, which decouples the Spectre\u2019s anti-roll bars, which allows each wheel to act independently, preventing side-to-side rocking while delivering the plush ride you\u2019d expect from Rolls-Royce. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But cornering causes the anti-roll bars to recouple, while the dampers stiffen and the four-wheel steering to activate. It makes this large couple remarkably agile as well as comfortable, endowing it with a balance that\u2019s rarified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And the hallmarks of driving a Rolls-Royce remain intact, such as the delicately thin steering wheel, and the power reserve gauge, which shows how much power you have left. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Specifications<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dimension<\/strong><\/td>L: 215.6 inches\/W: 79.4 inches\/H: 61.9 inches\/Wheelbase: 126.4 inches<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>6,371 pounds<\/td><\/tr>
Powertrain<\/strong><\/td>Dual synchronous motor, 1-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive<\/td><\/tr>
Range<\/strong><\/td>264 miles (estimated)<\/td><\/tr>
Performance Specs<\/strong><\/td>584 horsepower and 664 pound-feet of torque<\/td><\/tr>
Price<\/strong><\/td>$420,000; As tested: Not available<\/td><\/tr>
On-Sale Date<\/strong><\/td>Available for ordering now<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Wrap Up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The best thing you can say about the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is that it is every bit the Rolls-Royce, a vehicle that exists unchallenged, as there\u2019s nothing that rivals it. Despite being a BEV, it delivers the exact same experience that you\u2019d get from an internal combustion engine Rolls-Royce. It just happens to be electric. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

That, and the ability to customize many of the its details, make it a sublime choice for those who desire a BEV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre \u00ad\u2014 Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n
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How much is a 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\n

It’s $420,000 before options which easily push the price above $500,000.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Is Rolls-Royce Spectre fully electric?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Yes.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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What is the most expensive Rolls-Royce?<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n
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The Rolls-Royce Boat Tail, custom built by the company’s Coachbuild division and estimated to cost $28 million.<\/p>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

What\u2019s it like to drive Rolls-Royce\u2019s first EV? TheDetroitBureau.com has the answer.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":13752,"featured_media":244936,"menu_order":0,"template":"","tags":[11451,1472,2865,1536,1426,1425],"category_reviews":[26,2900,19],"make":[102],"post-state":[],"category_old":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews\/244940"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/reviews"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/reviews"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/13752"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/244936"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=244940"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=244940"},{"taxonomy":"category_reviews","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_reviews?post=244940"},{"taxonomy":"make","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/make?post=244940"},{"taxonomy":"post-state","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/post-state?post=244940"},{"taxonomy":"category_old","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thedetroitbureau.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/category_old?post=244940"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}