The first electric Rolls-Royce in the modern era is as vast as it is luxurious, with a quiet ride and boundless options for customisation, but falls short of perfection
The Spectre is a car that needs very little explanation: it’s a Rolls-Royce that also happens to be electric. Although lacking the usual V12 engine, it provides the same quiet, smooth and effortless drive the brand is famous for. The sumptuous interior is very much like its petrol-powered siblings, from the starlight roof lining to thick carpets and umbrellas concealed in the doors, it’s a masterclass in contemporary luxury.
It’s also a very large car that can be intimidating at first, but quickly makes driving feel effortless, so long as narrow roads are avoided. The stereo is world-class, the BMW-sourced infotainment works very well and the sense of insulation from the outside world is absolute. Quicker charging and slightly more range would be welcome, given the vast battery, and cabin space isn’t as generous as the vast exterior suggests.
How we tested
I spent a day driving the Rolls-Royce Spectre, starting at the company’s showroom in Sunningdale and heading through Berkshire. The route included town driving and traffic, as well as country lanes, flowing A-roads and motorways.
Read more: Independent
