Summary
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is an all-electric luxury coupé which its manufacturer says is the spiritual successor to the Phantom coupé that was removed from sale in 2016.
Soon to arrive in the UK as one of the most desirable electric cars in the world, the Spectre has high standards to meet, and the majority of reviewers conclude that the coupé does not disappoint.
Described by Top Gear‘s Ollie Kew as “sensational”, of John McIlroy Auto Express argues that the car’s “beautifully appointed cabin” is currently unmatched in the all-electric sector, “until Bentley and Range Rover launch their own pure-electric models.”
That said, a few outlets comment that the Spectre doesn’t quite escape some traditional large electric car pitfalls, particularly how the car’s heavy weight effects ride quality. “It makes a massive fuss over some quite modest bumps”, says Andrew English of The Telegraph, “and just continuously pumps itself up and down like an irritating nodding-dog mascot.”
As of January 2025, the Rolls-Royce Spectre holds a New Car Expert Rating of B with a score of 69%. This is currently the highest score of any model in the Rolls-Royce range, as while offering the brand’s lavish driving comfort, the electric Spectre delivers zero-emission travel and much more affordable running costs.
Spectre highlights
- As good as all-electric luxury gets
- Very comfortable and quiet cabin
- Strong performance
- Unmatched status symbol
Spectre lowlights
- Very expensive and exclusive
- Heavy weight hinders ride quality
Key specifications
Body style: Coupé
Engines: electric, battery-powered
Price: From £332,055 on-road
Launched: Autumn 2023
Last updated: N/A
Replacement due: TBA
Image gallery
Media reviews
Highlighted reviews and road tests from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.
Auto Express
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“It doesn’t quite escape some traditional EV pitfalls, particularly weight and its effect on the ride, but until Bentley and Range Rover launch their own pure-electric models, the Spectre is pretty much in a class of one. We’re not surprised there’s already an 18-month waiting list.”
Author: John McIlroy
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Auto Trader
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“Silent, pure electric power rather suits Rolls-Royce’s sense of effortless luxury, as the new Spectre proves.” (Erin Baker)
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Car
Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Every Rolls-Royce makes a statement and invites comment. But the Spectre changes the language and tone of the conversation. It surprises and delights people just by existing; if you’re lucky enough to drive one, that’s pretty special too.”
Author: Colin Overland
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Driving Electric
Model reviewed:
“Rolls-Royce’s first attempt at a zero-emissions vehicle proves that great British engineering is ready to survive and thrive in this new electrified era.” (Tom Jervis)
Read review
Electrifying.com
Model reviewed:
Score: 9 / 10
“The Spectre is an amazing achievement and is sure to successfully see Rolls Royce propelled electrically for another century.” (Ginny Buckley)
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Motoring Research
Score: 8 / 10
“The Spectre offers the comfort and craftsmanship of a traditional Rolls-Royce, but with electric power. It could have been bolder in terms of its drivetrain and dynamics, but it raises the bar for refinement. It’s the Rolls-Royce of electric cars.”
Author: Tim Pitt
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The Telegraph
Model reviewed:
Score: 6 / 10
“Rolls-Royces aren’t and shouldn’t be cheap, but they must be exemplars and, in that respect, not attending to on-the-road charging, that frequently floating, uncontrolled ride quality, and the battleship-anchor like B button performance leave this car someway down the pecking order. Sadly, Spectre is not the best car in the world. In fact, it isn’t even the best electric car in the world.” (Andrew English)
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Top Gear
Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“The electric future’s looking very bright for Rolls-Royce. Very probably the finest car in the world.” (Ollie Kew)
Read review
Safety rating
Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP
No safety rating
The Rolls-Royce Spectre has not been crash tested by Euro NCAP. Due to its price and exclusivity, it’s unlikely to ever be crash tested.
Eco rating
Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP
No eco rating
As of January 2025, the Rolls-Royce Spectre has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.
Reliability rating
Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy
No reliability rating
As of January 2025, we don’t have enough reliability data on the Rolls-Royce Spectre to generate a reliability rating.
The Car Expert’s reliability information is provided exclusively to us using extended warranty data from our partner, MotorEasy. As soon as MotorEasy has sufficient data on the Spectre, we’ll publish the score here.
Running cost rating
Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data
Battery range | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
EV models | 323 miles | A | 323 – 323 miles | A – A |
Insurance group | Average | Score | Variation | Score |
All models | 50 | F | 50 – 50 | F – F |
The Rolls-Royce Spectre is a rather mixed bag when it comes to running costs, according to whole-life cost data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our technical partner, Clear Vehicle Data.
We currently only have limited information about the Spectre, but an official electric range of 323 miles is excellent, and means you shouldn’t need to worry about running out of charge in normal day-to-day driving. We don’t have any data yet on how efficient the car’s battery is though.
Similarly, we don’t have servicing costs for the Cullinan at the moment. If you would like some indication of maintenance costs, the car’s insurance premiums are in the highest bracket possible.
Similar cars
If you’re looking at the Rolls-Royce Spectre, you might also be interested in these alternatives.
Bentley Flying Spur | BMW iX | Mercedes-Benz EQS | Porsche Taycan | Range Rover | Rolls-Royce Cullinan | Rolls-Royce Ghost | Tesla Model S
More information
More news, reviews and information about the Rolls-Royce Spectre at The Car Expert
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