ROLLS ROYCE SPECTRE THE ELECTRIC DREAM CAR

Living in Auckland, $900,000 might get you the key to a decent, if unremarkable, house. But today, we’re talking about a different kind of key, one that opens the doors to something far more extraordinary: the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the first all-electric vehicle from the storied British marque, now under BMW’s wing.

Starting at $750,000, this particular Spectre, with a few select options, comes in at around $900,000. But the real question is: Is it worth it? Let’s start by looking at what that hefty price tag gets you.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS

The key itself is a thing of beauty—metallic, weighty, and with an elegance that hints at what’s to come. Unlock the car, and the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy emerges from its hidden perch on the bonnet, as if to greet you personally. This emblem, redesigned to echo its original form, has been slightly reduced in size from 100 mm to 80 mm, but it loses none of its grandeur.

Beneath the bonnet, there’s no frunk, just a collection of plastic covers—a missed opportunity, perhaps, for some extra storage. But let’s not dwell on that; there’s plenty more to admire. The front grille is a massive, gleaming piece of stainless steel, not the cheap plastic found on lesser cars. Flanking the grille are large, vertical headlights that may remind some of the BMW i7, though Rolls-Royce assures us these vehicles are worlds apart.

THE GRAND DESIGN

The Spectre is a beast in size, stretching nearly five and a half metres long—5,453 mm, to be precise—longer than some of the largest SUVs on the market. With a wheelbase over 3.2 metres

(3,210 mm), this two-door coupé offers ample interior space, despite its sporty proportions. The massive 23-inch wheels, shod in Pirelli tyres, are among the largest you’ll find on any passenger vehicle, more commonly seen on American trucks than on luxury cars.

Around the back, the Spectre’s design continues to impress. The roofline sweeps gracefully down to the tail, culminating in a rear end that’s both muscular and elegant. The boot, accessed via an electric tailgate, is surprisingly spacious—up to 507 litres of cargo space, perfect for several suitcases and a weekend getaway with friends or family. Beneath the boot floor, there’s additional storage for charging cables, neatly tucked away in a Rolls-Royce-branded bag.

STEPPING INSIDE

Getting into the Spectre is an event in itself. The iconic “suicide doors” open with a smooth, well-weighted action, and if it’s raining, there’s a Rolls- Royce umbrella stashed away for your convenience. But most of the time, you’ll simply put your foot on the brake, and the door will close automatically, a touch of modern luxury.

The interior is where Rolls-Royce truly shines, and the Spectre is no exception. Each Rolls-Royce is tailored to its owner, with endless customisation options. The example we drove featured a striking purple colour scheme, turning heads everywhere we went.

Two large 12.3-inch screens dominate the dashboard, displaying all the essential information without overwhelming the driver. The interface is based on BMW’s system, but with a Rolls-Royce twist—simplified, refined, and accompanied by a posh English voice for navigation. Even the chimes are classier, more delicate than the harsh beeps found in lesser cars.

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

The materials inside the Spectre are exactly what you’d expect from Rolls-Royce—wood, metal, and leather of the highest quality. There’s no plastic here. The air vents, for instance, are genuine stainless steel, and they operate with a satisfying mechanical precision, controlled by elegant push-pull levers. Even the climate controls are tactile, with sliders for temperature adjustment that harken back to a simpler, more tactile time. Of course, modern conveniences aren’t neglected. Heated and ventilated seats, massage functions, and a cutting-edge sound system are all part of the package. The Bespoke Audio system, as it’s called, delivers concert-hall quality sound, even at high volumes, making every journey a sensory delight.

DRIVING THE SPECTRE

On the road, the Spectre is as much a Rolls-Royce as any of its petrol-powered predecessors. Powered by two electric motors producing a combined 430 kW and 900 Nm of torque, it’s quick—0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds—but it’s not about outright speed. The Spectre is more about effortless, serene progress. There’s always ample power on tap, but it’s delivered with a calm, unhurried grace.

The ride quality is nothing short of sublime. Rolls-Royce engineers, with some help from BMW, have perfected the suspension, and the car’s smart air suspension system even uses GPS data to anticipate road conditions ahead, adjusting on the fly to ensure a smooth ride. It’s eerily quiet inside, with acoustic glass and layers of insulation cocooning you from the outside world.

Despite its size, the Spectre doesn’t feel unwieldy. Four-wheel steering helps it navigate tight corners with surprising agility, and the advanced driver assistance systems are there to help, not to take over. While Rolls-Royce vehicles were once primarily chauffeur-driven, the Spectre is clearly designed with the driver in mind.

We actually took it away on a family weekend to the Bay of Islands. It was comfortable, spacious enough for four with luggage, and yes, you can fit a car seat!

FINAL THOUGHTS

So, is the Rolls-Royce Spectre the best car in the world? Perhaps not, but that’s not the point. It’s meant to be special, and it absolutely is. In a world where electric vehicles often feel like appliances, the Spectre stands out as a work of art, something to be admired and cherished. It’s a reminder that even as we move towards a more sustainable future, there’s still room for beauty and craftsmanship.

And isn’t that what makes a car truly great?