Electric cars. They’re big, they’re heavy, they’re smooth, and they’re fast. That also happens to be the same way most people describe the Rolls-Royce experience. It makes perfect sense then that this storied British manufacturer set the new gold standard for all Electric Vehicles.
In the realm of ultra-luxury automobiles, concerns such as cost, charging infrastructure, and charging speeds, which may deter daily use of EVs, pale in comparison. With a generous range of 266 miles, the Spectre addresses the needs of its discerning clientele, many of whom boast extensive automotive collections that include conventional gasoline-powered vehicles for lengthier journeys. Contrary to popular belief, Rolls-Royce owners in the United States frequently opt to pilot their own vehicles, shunning the need for chauffeurs. For them, driving is not merely a necessity but a pleasure, and when terrestrial travel fails to suffice, alternatives like helicopters and private jets seamlessly fill the void.
Engineers behind the Spectre set their sights on a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 4.4 seconds—a meticulously calculated endeavor aimed at delivering immediate passing power while maintaining a seamless journey for passengers, ensuring they remain ensconced in comfort without undue turbulence. It's worth noting that this feat is achieved with a weight akin to that of a fully-equipped Ford King Ranch F-250, a testament to the meticulous engineering prowess housed within the hallowed halls of Goodwood.
New for the 2024 model year, the Spectre rides on the same “Architecture of Luxury" platform as the Cullinan and Ghost. I had the opportunity to spend some time with one last week and that encounter was memorable. At dinner the night before, one of the executives posed a question to me about the upcoming drive. He said to take a mental note of when I forget that this is an electric car and simply a Rolls-Royce. To answer that question it was less than three miles and before I made it to the Interstate. You simply forget until you have an “oh yeah” moment.
Grab the power assisted driver’s side carriage style door and take your rightful place on the driver’s throne. To close the largest door they’ve ever created, you don’t reach out like some peasant. No no, you’re not about that lifestyle anymore. Simply press your foot on the brake pedal and the door closes for you. To start the vehicle the start/stop button, like all of their models, is on the driver’s left hand side.
Just remember though you don’t drive a Spectre, you simply float along inside. I know that sounds weird but that truly is the most accurate way to describe it. You don’t hear the outside world. You don’t feel the bumps and undulations of the road beneath you. A personal wheel-born sanctuary with no fewer than 5000 LED starlights around you.
Every tactile encounter within the Spectre's cabin is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail. From the satisfying click of the metal knobs finding their precise detents to the sumptuous feel of the steering wheel in hand, every element exudes a sense of refined luxury.
With its sleek, sloping roofline, the Spectre prioritizes the driver's experience over passenger comfort, a departure from the spaciousness typically associated with its stablemates. Yet, even in solitude, the Spectre envelops occupants in a symphony of sound, courtesy of its 18-speaker, 1400-watt Bespoke Audio system.
Driven by a surge of curiosity, I pressed the accelerator to the floor from a standstill on a quiet farm-to-market road just north of town. What followed was a departure from the expected theatrics: no frantic wheel-spinning, no artificial symphony blaring through the speakers, no sudden jolt as the car lunged forward. Instead, the Spectre embarked on its journey with a quiet resolve, embodying the quintessentially English spirit of understated efficiency.
So in conclusion let me pose this question. If Rolls-Royce builds the best cars ever made and this is the best Rolls ever, is this then the best car ever? Come try it and I’ll let you decide.
Discover the finest automobiles from the world’s leading luxury brands at The Post Oak Collection, with locations in The Woodlands and Houston, Texas. We proudly offer an incredible selection of the latest models from Bentley, Rolls-Royce, Lotus in addition to a variety of ultra-luxury and supercar vehicles.
The Post Oak Collection, your sanctuary of elegance and sophistication in the thriving heart of The Woodlands, Texas. Here, every detail reflects the pinnacle of luxury, offering an unmatched experience in one of the most sought-after destinations. Step into a world of luxury as you explore our collection of luxury vehicle models like the Bentley Bentayga, Bentley Continental GT, Bentley Continental GTC, the Bentley Flying Spur, the Rolls-Royce Cullinan the Rolls-Royce Ghost, and the Rolls-Royce Spectre among the others, embarking on a transformative journey that elevates your lifestyle.
Many thanks to Eric and Aisha Dubose for letting us use their beautiful home in Aria Isle for our photoshoot.)
Just remember though you don’t drive a Spectre, you simply float along inside.