Rolls-Royce has been testing its first electric grand tourer in plain sight, but this is our first look at the interior that’s been previously kept hidden.
The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre features a similar centre stack design to the brand’s combustion-powered line-up.
Where it differs, however, is in its screen layout. The digital instrument cluster and infotainment touchscreen appear to be located in the same assembly.
This is similar to the BMW Curved Display in recent BMW products like the i4 and iX, and the Rolls-Royce is expected to use a version of the latest iDrive 8 operating system with a bespoke user interface.
The Spectre, which will be the brand’s first electric vehicle, is set to launch globally in the fourth quarter of 2023.
The company has already been taking deposits in Australia and has said it’s doing its “level best” to get the Spectre here at the same time as other markets.
While Rolls-Royce has been open in showing off the Spectre’s exterior, it’s remaining tight-lipped as to its power and torque outputs.
The Spectre is rumoured to feature a dual-motor electric powertrain, potentially producing between 447kW and 485kW of power.
Even wrapped in camouflage – albeit material conspicuously covered in Rolls-Royce writing – there’s no mistaking the Spectre for anything from another brand.
It’ll feature a split-headlight design reminiscent of the Phantom Coupé, and will maintain the upright grille that long ago become a hallmark of the brand.
It also has pillarless coach doors that measure almost 1.5 metres long, which are the longest in Rolls-Royce history.
Despite the imposing styling, Rolls-Royce says the electric coupe has a drag co-efficient of 0.25.
Rolls Royce says the Spectre is 30 per cent more rigid than its existing range of vehicles due to integrating the battery into the aluminium spaceframe architecture.
The Spectre two-door coupe is built on Rolls-Royce’s new aluminium ‘Architecture of Luxury’, which also underpins the current Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan.
Rolls-Royce is currently testing and refining a new suspension technology for the Spectre which apparently ensures the all-electric grand tourer delivers the hallmark “magic carpet ride”.
The company also says the Spectre has a sophisticated electronic roll stabilisation system that can decouple the anti-roll bars on straight roads, which prevents the rocking motion when a car hits an undulation.
When cornering, on the other hand, the suspension dampers stiffen and the four-wheel steering system prepares to be activated.
But don’t go expecting Ludicrous Mode-esque antics in this stately coupe – the company has said it will specialise in ‘waftability’, and acceleration will feel like a Gulfstream private jet taking off.
With the Dawn and Wraith dead, the Spectre will become Rolls-Royce’s only two-door model.
