Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre (2023 - )

The Black Badge Spectre is an all-electric two door coupe. What's more, it's the most powerful Rolls-Royce ever built. I had the privilege of taking this stunning vehicle for a test drive, commencing from the picturesque grounds of Grantley Hall in Ripon - a fitting place to begin an experience steeped in elegance and refinement, writes Tim Barnes-Clay.

But first, let’s look at the brand in more detail, because Rolls-Royce has experienced a remarkable resurgence over the last two decades or so. Historically catering to an older clientele, it risked becoming outdated, even within that demographic.

The turning point came when BMW acquired Rolls-Royce. It revitalised the marque, and after a little while, the Phantom was unveiled, marking the beginning of a new era. The continued success of the Phantom, even after nearly a quarter of a century, speaks volumes about its impact.

Since then, BMW has introduced several other models, including the Wraith, Ghost, and Spectre, the discontinued Dawn convertible, and the Cullinan SUV. Each of these vehicles has maintained the classic elegance expected of Rolls-Royce while incorporating modern features to attract a younger clientele.

The automaker then made a bolder move a few years back by introducing its 'Black Badge' editions, which added a real flair to the range.

The latest addition, the Spectre coupe, shares the same foundational platform as the Phantom, Ghost and Cullinan. It represents a big shift as the first fully electric Rolls-Royce. But can it captivate audiences without a V12 engine? Read on to find out.
 

The Black Badge Spectre certainly captivates the eye. Naturally, the iconic large grille and the Spirit of Ecstasy are front and centre, framed by slender horizontal LED strips that sit elegantly above the rounded rectangular headlights.

As you move along the sides, it's hard not to draw comparisons with the Bentley Continental GT, thanks to the slope of the roofline leading to the rear. The design features a crease along the lower doors and side skirts, boosting its dynamic profile.

At the rear, the sweeping contours command attention, highlighted by an ample, prominent boot that distinctly protrudes from the back end, with taillights neatly housed within a solid block on either side.

To be fair, the rear design may take a moment to appreciate, but the front is undeniably a Rolls-Royce – fierce, elegant, sophisticated, and undeniably bold.

Inside, the infotainment display is seamlessly integrated into the dashboard, featuring sleek and modern graphics along with an ultra-responsive touchscreen and an intuitive menu layout 

It may well be the finest system available, adapted from BMW’s Operating System 8 and cleverly rebranded as ‘SPIRIT’ for Rolls-Royce - why tamper with a successful technical recipe? After all, it’s outstanding.

Unlike in the Phantom, the screen remains visible. Still, its aesthetics are pleasing enough to keep on display, and it can be easily controlled using a delightful, well-damped rotary dial located on the centre console.

While the infotainment system may not be as comprehensive as BMW’s, the climate control is managed through physical buttons beneath the screen, enhancing overall convenience. 

Voice control can be triggered with a simple press of a button, allowing for effortless navigation through menus and function execution.

The digital displays behind the wheel are equally impressive. In the Black Badge model, they offer unique colour schemes and alternative layouts that aren't available in the standard version, as well as more traditional arrangements to satisfy purists.
 

Rolls-Royces aren’t built for drag racing; their design centres around having significant ‘power in reserve’. With 659PS, dual electric motors and all-wheel drive, the Black Badge Spectre can accelerate from 0-60mph in just 4.1 seconds, with about 75% of the muscle sent to the back wheels. Activating 'Infinity' mode hastens the pace further - a remarkable feat considering its near three-ton weight.

The power delivery is smooth, offering a sophisticated way to reach speed without wheelspin. The Black Badge variant has a stiffer chassis for added attitude but still maintains excellent ride quality - hence its nickname, the “Magic Carpet.” 

In corners, the Rolls-Royce is more engaging, with heavier steering that boosts confidence without losing stability. The distinctiveness of the Black Badge becomes apparent on winding roads, particularly, as mentioned, in Infinity Mode, where it optimises performance. 

Road and wind noise are expertly muffled, providing a quiet-as-a-mouse cabin. The braking is consistent, with an option for regenerative braking and one-pedal driving for added convenience.
 

Finding a comfortable driving position is a walk in the park, thanks to features that adjust automatically at the touch of a button. The two aluminium doors hinge backwards for easy access, but the wide opening can be challenging in tight parking spaces. They close themselves, though, and are referred to as 'effortless doors'.

The seating position is slightly elevated, enhancing forward visibility through a large windscreen, despite the thick pillars. While the rear pillars are notably wide, parking sensors and a 360-degree camera help mitigate any inconveniences.

Space in the front is generous - more than enough for comfort, even if it doesn't quite match the Phantom. In the back, the sloping roofline slightly reduces headroom, but most passengers will still find it acceptable, and the two-seat configuration provides ample sideways space and legroom.

Boot space measures 380 litres, with no option to fold the rear seats, so it's not ideal for big shopping trips. There is underfloor storage for charging cables. Cabin storage is plentiful, with large door bins, a spacious glove box, tray tables, and a sizeable centre console cubby.
 

The Rolls-Royce houses a 102kWh (usable) battery, good enough for a range of 306-329 miles. It boasts a rapid charging capacity of up to 195kW DC, allowing for a 10-80% recharge in approximately thirty minutes. 

If you opt for a home wallbox, expect to achieve the same level of charge in roughly five and a half hours, provided you're utilising the car's maximum 22kW AC charging capability - although it's worth noting that most residential setups only support around 7kW.

With zero emissions, running a Rolls-Royce has never been more economical, particularly if you can charge at home. While road tax is no longer free, the initial year's cost is merely £10, followed by £195 annually from the second year onwards (with expected annual increases). However, due to the Black Badge Spectre’s price exceeding the £40,000 limit, you will be liable for the Expensive Car Supplement. To put it into perspective, you may need to budget around ten times that amount if you decide to purchase one.

On a positive note, this vehicle is likely to be the most affordable Rolls-Royce option as a company car, as its zero emissions place it in the lowest band for Benefit In Kind tax.

Although Rolls-Royce may not feature in many reliability rankings, it’s generally considered comparable with BMW, a brand that has shown improvements in this area in recent years.

All Rolls-Royce vehicles come with a four-year warranty covering unlimited mileage, while the Spectre's battery is backed by a ten-year guarantee.

The Spectre may not boast a traditional engine, yet it provides an exceptional Rolls-Royce experience that rivals any of its V12 predecessors.

For those inclined to drive, the Black Badge version is probably the superior choice compared with the standard Spectre. When navigating faster corners, the electric coupe offers fabulous handling. Indeed, the Roller is sure to catch the eye of luxury car enthusiasts who desire a vehicle more attuned to performance rather than solely focusing on refined elegance. However, if you're mainly a back-seat passenger, the differences will be minimal.

The Black Badge Spectre represents an amazing achievement in engineering and design. If you're fortunate to have up to half a million pounds spare and are in pursuit of an extraordinary driving experience steeped in luxury, this Rolls-Royce is sure to leave you more than satisfied.