MotorTrend's 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectrereview comes down to the electric masterpiece being described as an EV that "comes with all the drama, serenity, and sheer comfort you’d expect from Rolls." The review centers on the question of whether an electric Rolls-Royce is a better Rolls-Royce. This is a challenging determination, given that the luxury marque has spent a century perfecting the art of eliminating any distracting mechanical sensations from the driving experience. Ultimately, MotorTrend determines that " it isn't necessarily a better EV because it's a Rolls-Royce." Let's find out how MotorTrend came up with this conclusion.
Relates: 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
"Everything else the driver and passengers touch and interact with is pure Rolls-Royce, which is to say, it's incredible. You're ensconced among the finest materials, sit in supremely comfortable seats, and enjoy an old-world mechanical aspect to most controls. You can manipulate pretty much any common, everyday function using a physical button, switch, or knob—a satisfying rarity among today's cars generally and EVs specifically." The cabin is thoughtfully designed to provide the utmost comfort and convenience, with plush seating, state-of-the-art technology, and an intuitive layout. From the meticulously crafted wood veneers to the exquisite leather upholstery, every element exudes a sense of grandeur and sophistication.
What truly surprised MotorTrend reviewers was that the Spectre's cabin does not immediately reveal that it's an electric vehicle, describing the Spectre as "Electric, but not electric appeal." The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre review goes on to mention how the Spectre is "So approachable and familiar (at least to anyone who's been inside other Rolls-Royces) is the Spectre's cabin, if you never told your passengers the car was electric, they might not ask or even notice. We find this normalcy at once refreshing—the Spectre isn't showy about its newfangled powertrain—and entirely on-brand for Rolls."
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The review lauds the Spectre as a marvel of luxury, technology, and style, but it doesn't shy away from highlighting a significant drawback: range anxiety. With an EPA estimate of 264 to 291 miles per charge—modest for a vehicle of this stature—the Spectre demands more frequent stops at public charging stations than one might expect for a car in its class. This, MotorTrend suggests, can lead to somewhat undignified scenarios for the elite owner, such as dealing with malfunctioning chargers in less-than-prestigious locations or fielding inquiries from curious onlookers while waiting for the battery to recharge. Despite its exceptional features and the inherent prestige of the Rolls-Royce brand, the Spectre's limited range compared to more affordable EVs like the Lucid Air—which offers nearly double the mileage for less than half the price—highlights a crucial aspect where this luxury EV doesn't quite measure up to its electric competitors. Thus, while the Spectre advances the Rolls-Royce lineage into the electric era, it also exposes the practical limitations of such a transition.
Despite MotorTrend's conclusion, one thing is certain, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre stands out as a status symbol that not only showcases environmental consciousness but also maintains the prestige and exclusivity associated with the Rolls-Royce brand. Choosing the Rolls-Royce Spectre means opting for the epitome of luxury in the electric vehicle (EV) market. For those who value elegance, sophistication, and a unique driving experience, the Spectre is an unparalleled choice.