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At Everything Electric Canada 2024, Sandy Munro and Rolls-Royce’s Steven Wu unveiled what may be the most opulent electric vehicle ever built—the Rolls-Royce Spectre. This isn’t just another premium EV. The Spectre marks Rolls-Royce’s historic entry into the electric era, combining silent power with unparalleled craftsmanship. For engineers, investors, and enthusiasts, this review offers insight into how legacy luxury adapts to the zero-emissions future.
The Apex of Luxury Meets Electric Performance
The Spectre is unmistakably a Rolls-Royce, even as it ventures into electric mobility. In fact, with a price tag starting at CAD $500,000 and reaching up to $700,000 depending on configuration, it asserts its place at the summit of automotive prestige.
Steven Wu introduces the Spectre as “the first electric vehicle from Rolls-Royce.” Nevertheless, every element is meticulously designed to maintain the brand’s DNA. From the iconic pantheon grille to the rear-hinged coach doors, it’s as much about continuity as innovation.
Under the sculpted body, dual motors deliver a combined output of 430 kW (approximately 577 horsepower). The front motor contributes 190 kW and the rear adds 360 kW, enabling a 0–60 mph sprint in just 4.4 seconds despite a curb weight nearing 6,500 pounds. It’s not only powerful but effortlessly refined, echoing the driving dynamics of the V12-powered Wraith coupe it effectively replaces.
Platform, Materials, and Chassis: Built on “The Architecture of Luxury”
Beneath the elegance lies engineering precision. The Spectre rides on Rolls-Royce’s proprietary all-aluminum platform known as the “Architecture of Luxury,” shared with models like the Phantom, Ghost, and Cullinan. This allows not only structural integrity but also modular scalability—ensuring the ride comfort, silence, and cabin isolation that define the brand.
The aluminum spaceframe contributes to a surprisingly manageable weight for such a large coupe. At 6,500 pounds, it’s lighter than a Hummer EV while offering far greater refinement. Cast components like the front shock tower hint at the extensive use of large-scale castings. This is likely produced on multi-ton presses—evidence of the high-level integration between automotive tradition and lean manufacturing principles.
Interior Elegance: Craftsmanship with Technology
Step inside and the Spectre cocoons you in what Sandy Munro called “one of the most comfortable seats I’ve sat in in my life.” The signature rear-hinged coach doors swing wide for easy ingress. Rolls-Royce insists on using bull hides for leather due to their uniform grain, reflecting a level of material selection rare in modern vehicles.
The starlight headliner continues across the doors, evoking a Milky Way ambience. Subtle ambient lighting blends seamlessly with the bespoke trim. Every surface, control, and stitch reinforces a central theme: effortless elegance.
Even the HVAC controls—typically digitalized in many EVs—retain tactile dials with color gradation from blue to red. Unlike the minimalist trend of massive central tablets, the Spectre maintains traditional buttoned interfaces, aligning with Rolls-Royce’s philosophy of timeless usability over passing tech fads.
Infotainment and Eleanor: The Voice of Luxury
The infotainment system combines touchscreen functionality with rotary controls, retaining the interface logic of high-end BMW systems while introducing bespoke software elements. One unique highlight is the voice assistant named Eleanor. It’s a nice homage to Eleanor Thornton—the model for the Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament. From navigating climate settings to managing media, Eleanor responds intuitively, reinforcing the brand’s signature theme of “effortlessness.”
Rear Comfort and Trunk Design: Utility Meets Elegance
Despite being a two-door coupe, the Spectre offers generous rear seating. Steven Wu, standing 5’9”, demonstrated ease of entry and comfort—an area where most two-door EVs fall short. The trunk is deep enough for golf clubs or full-sized luggage, with design features like magnetic closures for accessory compartments showcasing attention to detail.
There’s no front trunk (“frunk”)—the area is occupied by the front motor, air conditioning condenser, and a 12V battery. But for Spectre buyers, practicality is secondary to experience, and every inch of the car is engineered to reflect that.
Engineering Insight: What’s Under the Hood (and Underneath)
Although the front compartment is fully shrouded, Sandy Munro notes the visible castings. He surmises the vehicle’s substructures likely make extensive use of large casting techniques. Although covers hide the underbody for aerodynamic efficiency, it likely reflects Rolls-Royce’s focus on chassis balance and NVH (noise, vibration, and harshness) control.
This blend of old-world craftsmanship with cutting-edge EV architecture demonstrates that Rolls-Royce is not just adapting to the electric transition—it’s defining it in its own terms.
Market and Sales Strategy
According to Wu, five Spectres have already been delivered in Vancouver, with more on the way. Rolls-Royce’s sales model includes a dedicated standalone showroom where clients can physically view trim samples, leathers, and finishes. While international buyers once flew to England to specify their vehicles, Canadian clients now receive full bespoke services domestically—merging global tradition with local access.
Rolls-Royce Spectre Review Takeaways
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a compelling study in design consistency, materials excellence, and premium positioning. It doesn’t rely on radical disruption or gimmicks. Instead, it refines and elevates what already defines luxury—seamlessness, comfort, and tailored elegance—while integrating modern EV performance and sustainability.
For engineers and lean manufacturing experts, the Spectre offers a blueprint in balancing traditional build quality with scalable EV platforms. For investors, it underscores how legacy brands can succeed in electrification without diluting their identity.
Conclusion: Rolls-Royce Sets the Benchmark
As Sandy Munro said, “This is really quite nice… Everything moves so absolutely flawlessly.” The Spectre is more than an electric car—it’s a declaration that the electric future can be both sustainable and sublime. In a market flooded with mass-production EVs, Rolls-Royce proves that craftsmanship, not compromise, will define the high-end electric experience.
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Stay tuned to Munro Live and visit Munro & Associates for in-depth teardown reviews, electric vehicle insights, and consulting services. Let Munro help you achieve lean, cost-effective design for your product, crafted with the precision and elegance worthy of a Rolls-Royce.