Rolls-Royce did not earn a reputation for building some of the world’s most exclusive and luxurious vehicles by doing things halfway. So it only stands to reason that when the British carmaker decided to build its first electric car, the result would be every bit as posh as its buyers demand, while also delivering the performance, range and technology expected from the brand’s first EV.
Related: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Review: Eco-Conscious Excess Never Felt So Good
Big, imposing and with plenty of room for four well-heeled adults to ride in comfort, the Spectre is a modern interpretation of a grand touring coupe. From its available star-lit headliner to its massive trademark grille, the Spectre is also every inch a Rolls-Royce, even if that grille isn’t functional in this case. Designers wisely decided to go with a traditional snout instead of something new and unusual. That was probably a wise move given Rolls-Royce buyers are probably more concerned with traditional style rather than an EV that looks different just for the sake of it.
Cars.com Detroit Bureau Chief Aaron Bragman recently had an opportunity to get thoroughly acquainted with the latest model from Rolls-Royce, and he came away largely impressed — but even the Spectre is not without fault. Tap the link above to read Bragman’s expert review; for a quick look, read on for four things we like about the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre and three things we do not.
Things We Like
1. Interior Quality
Pop open either of the Spectre’s huge rear-hinged doors, and you’re greeted by a stylish and opulent cabin with top-notch materials, impeccable build quality and an almost endless list of customization options. You’ll find no trace of cheap plastics, even on surfaces where most buyers will never look. Instead, everything that looks like wood or metal is a high-quality example of the real thing. Even the round air vents are made of billet aluminum, as evidenced by a ringing sound when tapped with a fingernail.
2. Luxurious Yet Functional
The front seats are big, comfortable and swathed in soft leather, like much of the rest of the cabin. The Spectre is available with the Rolls-Royce headliner meant to mimic a star-lit night sky, and the same look is available on the doors. Visibility is good thanks to the Spectre’s big, upright windows and large side mirrors. Most controls use physical knobs and buttons that have a solid, quality feel; the few controls that are touchscreen-only are easy enough to use, and the Rolls-Royce multimedia system is straightforward to operate.
3. Lots of Juice
Power comes from a pair of electric motors that drive all four wheels, one up front and another in back, for a total of 577 horsepower. That’s enough to propel the Spectre from 0-60 mph in just 4.4 seconds, which is pretty amazing for a big coupe that weighs about as much as a Chevrolet Suburban SUV. The 102-kilowatt-hour battery pack is shared with the BMW i7 and should deliver at least 260 miles of range.
4. Silence Is Golden
For all its seamless power and instantaneous response, the Spectre is also remarkably quiet, even by the lofty standards set by Rolls-Royce. There’s almost a total absence of wind or road noise, and the electric powertrain is whisper-quiet unless you activate a special electronic noise generator meant to give it some sound. Without that, the loudest sound you’re likely to hear is the climate control system.
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Things We Don’t Like
1. Not Athletic
The Spectre is powerful and quick, but its overall demeanor remains more like a grand touring car than a sporty coupe. Part of that is simply a function of its size and hefty weight, but its willingness to be tossed is further compromised by a lack of steering feel and a suspension tuned more for comfort than athletic cornering. Still, the Spectre feels well controlled over bumps, and it won’t embarrass itself or the driver when pushed in the twisties.
2. Not Configurable
In an age of configurable displays and a choice of driving modes, Rolls-Royce chooses to make those calls on behalf of its owners. That said, the instrument cluster is bright and easy to read, and the factory settings for things like the suspension and steering response seem appropriate for the vehicle. Rolls-Royce evidently feels the same way and is guessing its buyers agree.
3. A Pricey EV
Chances are most Spectre buyers won’t be deterred by its lofty price tag, but it’s worthy of mention that the cost of admission is notable, even by Rolls-Royce standards. Our test car rang in at $422,000, a significant sum that will still buy a sizable house in some regions. But Spectre buyers probably already have a home, and a nice one at that. What they don’t have is an appropriate EV, as Rolls-Royce says 40% of the Spectre’s buyers are new to the brand.
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