Rolls-Royce Spectre

The Car and Driver review treats the Spectre as a landmark: Rolls-Royce’s first production EV, and one that delivers the brand’s “magic carpet ride” while adding silent, instantaneous torque. The launch feels instantaneous yet eerily hushed, and the air suspension with its predictive camera system smooths broken pavement as well as any flagship sedan. C/D measured a 0–60 mph time of about 4.3 seconds — not quick by EV standards, but the point is effortlessness. The range is estimated at 260–266 miles, which C/D notes is adequate rather than class-leading. Interior craftsmanship is described as “impeccable,” with the Starlight Headliner, optional digital dashboard art, and hand-stitched leather setting a new benchmark. The driving position is commanding and the steering is lighter than in a Ghost, but the Spectre still feels a bit hefty in corners. The review concludes that the Spectre is more about cosseting than carving canyons — a serene, opulent grand tourer that redefines luxury EV expectations. Its only significant criticisms are the price (starting near $420,000 as tested) and the range anxiety that still lingers for cross-country trips. Overall, C/D gives it high marks for delivering a truly Rolls-Royce experience in electric form.

MotorTrend’s first drive of the Spectre emphasizes the engineering challenge of maintaining Rolls-Royce’s legendary 4.88:1 power-to-weight “waftability” while going electric. The dual-motor setup produces 577 hp and 664 lb-ft of torque, but MT notes that these numbers are irrelevant in context — what matters is the seamless delivery. The “Planar” suspension system, which decouples anti-roll bars at low speeds, makes the Spectre feel like it’s gliding over a cushion of air. MT highlights the 120-mm battery pack integrated into the floor, which lowers the center of gravity and actually improves body control compared to the Phantom. Inside, the digital architecture starts a new era, with cabin tech that finally catches up to the rest of the luxury segment — though MT praises the retention of physical controls for the most essential functions. The 23-inch wheels produce a low, soft hum rather than roar, and at 70 mph the cabin is as quiet as a library. Criticisms focus on the range (MW’s test yielded only 200 miles in mixed driving), the sheer size when parking, and the steering’s lack of feedback. Still, MotorTrend concludes that the Spectre is the most technically ambitious Rolls-Royce ever, and a genuine tour de force — even if a $400,000+ EV remains an exclusive indulgence. It earns a 4/5 for being brilliant but not flawless.

Autocar’s deep-dive review focuses on the Spectre’s ride and refinement, declaring it the ultimate waft machine. The UK magazine spent a day on varied British roads and found the air suspension and active roll stabilisation extraordinary: the car floats over broken tarmac, cat’s eyes, and potholes with no audible disruption. The dual-motor 577bhp powertrain is “more than enough,” though Autocar notes that the 0–62mph time of 4.5 seconds is wonderfully undramatic. The review highlights the specially developed 23-inch tyres with their acoustic foam, contributing to near-silent cruising at motorway speeds — 60mph is as quiet as a whisper. Inside, the chequerboard of aluminium, wood, and leather is “beyond reproach,” and the Starlight headliner and digital dashboard are dazzling without being gimmicky. Back-seat space is vast, and the luggage area swallows four sets of golf clubs. The only negatives Autocar could find were the intrusive B-pillar wind noise at very high speed (above 100mph), the lack of a one-pedal driving mode (Rolls-Royce deliberately avoids regen braking harshness), and the staggering price, which approaches £330,000 in the UK. In conclusion, Autocar states that the Spectre is not just a great electric car, but a great Rolls-Royce — possibly the finest all-round luxury car currently sold. It earns 4.5 stars.