Rolls-Royce Spectre Review: The Ultimate Luxury? Skipping the Gas Line, and That’s Just the Start of What Makes This Rolls Special

Let’s just put this here: The Spectre produces more power than the V12 in the Rolls-Royce Phantom, as well as the Cullinan, which which it shares its platform. Yes, in an electric car. But that power is precisely what makes the Spectre more Rolls-Royce than EV. The company has always believed that power is the essence of luxury, the power to send you sailing in an instant, and there is no compromise on that pledge here.

Full-fledged Rolls-Royce style power and the two-door coupe style make the Spectre a driver’s car rather than one that should be driven by a chauffeur, even though the rear seat is beautifully appointed and comfortable.

And its electric powertrain may be the ultimate luxury: it means never having to sully your hands pumping gas (or, the hands of whoever would pump gas for you). You can plug it in at home, let it charge overnight and always be ready to roll.

There are certain things in life we aspire to: The big win, the elusive contract, the impossible goal, the revenge purchase to show the naysayers just how wrong they were. And the thoughtful, studied rewards we allow ourselves once we have achieved them. That is the essence of the Rolls-Royce buyer, the person who not only is accomplished, but who has spent the time to customize the prize.

And then, there are the collectors. Those obsessed with the attention to every detail, no matter how small. Those who research and learn every possibility–there are literally thousands and thousands of combinations for Rolls-Royce interiors—and piece together their ultimate personal puzzle. Chances are, when you see someone driving a Rolls-Royce, you’re looking at someone who thought very deeply about this car.

Video: See how the Rolls-Royce Spectre compares to the Cadillac Escalade IQ

To step into the Rolls-Royce Spectre is to feel true luxury: the delightful leather seats that surround you with color; polished surfaces surrounded by leather to point you to technology yet offer a soft landing surface for your hand. Controls that allow you to command this ship like a seasoned captain. A powerful engine that whisks you away with a tap of the accelerator pedal.

Open the door, which in true Rolls-Royce tradition, opens front to back, and slide behind the wheel of the Spectre. Press your foot on the brake to close the door (or, use the switch on the center console) and tap the start button on the left of the steering wheel. Pull the gear shifter into gear and start your journey. Once on the highway you might forget you’re driving an electric car. Yes, it’s silent, but that is a mark of Rolls-Royce. Yes, it’s powerful, but that, too, is a mark of the brand; power is luxurious. And let the car push you gently back in your seat and feel it soar. It’s glorious.

Read: A True Diamond of an SUV: Introducing the Rolls Royce Cullinan

While driving the Rolls-Royce Spectre is fun, it also takes some study. This is a large car. At 18′ long, it’s about the same size as the Cullinan SUV and the Phantom sedan. You’ll see and feel the hood ahead of you. You’ll see its rear end jutting out past others parked along side it. And it takes some time to learn to master driving it; not that it’s difficult, but it takes some time to learn where its corners are. It’s front pillars, between the door frame and windshield, are sizable and I had to learn to look past them.

But controls at your fingertips assist with driving. From the head up display to voice assistance to the media control dial on the center console, every assistance you need is at your service. And, gracefully. I really loved the elegantly designed command console anchored by the Spirit of Ecstasy, which remains upright even when you turn the dial. To the right are door switches to close the door; to the left are park sensor and camera buttons. Just in front are cupholders and a spot to place your key fob.

Related: The 7 Best 7 Passenger Luxury SUVs

With a 280 mile range, the Spectre holds enough energy to go the distance for several days, even when enjoying all that power on the highway. The driver display easily keeps you informed of your range and how much charge the battery holds. If you’d like to add power back to the battery while coasting or braking, tap the “B” button on the gear selector stalk for regenerative braking.

This is where the Spectre gets fun: All the Rolls-Royceishness, layered and ready to be discovered. It starts with the Pantheon grille, an architectural front face that is illuminated for night driving and capped by the Spirit of Ecstasy mascot. And lest you fear that some roguish passerby might be tempted to snap her off her base, she retracts into the safety of the engine bonnet when the car is locked, or you can retract her at any time to save her from the wrath of bugs smashed against her cape.

The front seat of the Rolls-Royce Spectre, here in Chartreuse, Peony and Grace White, seems almost sparse considering all the functions it houses. The touch screen is incorporated into the dashboard, as is the digital driver display. Function buttons on the steering wheel are integrated into the design. Look closely at the gear shifter, which sits just behind the steering wheel on the right side; it’s wrapped in white leather, a detail I don’t think I’ve ever seen on any other car.

The dashboard features a comfortable mix of traditional and modern: round air vents, buttons and dials for climate control, an analog clock. The full effect is control, neither overdone or underserved.

Push the microphone icon on the steering wheel and the Spirit of Ecstasy appears on the multimedia screen to ask how she might assist. To ensure she understands you, you’ll see your question spelled out o the screen. I really liked this detail; she may not understand what you said, but you can watch the caption and see where the miscommunication is so you can easily correct it. I wish all systems were this intuitive.

The Spirit of Ecstasy can help you with navigation, radio settings and more. And, it’s a fun delight to tap the button and see her magically flutter to life on the screen. Your passengers smile in amazement.

Just inside the door frame on both the driver’s and passenger’s side you’ll find the umbrella. Push the button to pop it out. Once you’re done, wrap it with its tie strap and insert it back into its place.

The hospitable feeling starts with the opening of the door, as it should be. That the doors open from the rear give rear seat passengers a very wide entree to climb in and get settled without feeling wedged in. I was surprised how much I liked this when I tried it out. And so did my passengers; sliding into the rear seat has never been so easy, or so comfy.

Once installed in a bucketed rear seat—just pull the tab on the shoulder of the front seat and it powers forward and tilts—passengers have climate control, charge ports and cupholders. And, there is a good amount of leg room unless you’re sitting behind someone who is unusually tall, say, 6’5″ or taller.

Seeing the Rolls-Royce Spectre alight in the evening will make you smile, its brightened grille and sleek headlights both a classic and modern statement. The Pantheon grille is backlit, lending it presence, framed by its headlights and slender daytime running lights, creating a unique signature look.

Oh, those crafty Rolls-Royce designers. They are always thinking of new and innovative ways they can delight their customers. One of the best is the Starlight Headliner, a ceiling treatment that not only illuminates the cabin with starlight, but randomly you’ll see a shooting star cross the “sky.” This feature is standard on the Spectre, though you can add it to the door panels for $13,300. And if you’re feeling like not being delighted, you can just turn it off.

The rear tail lights on the Rolls-Royce Spectre are a bit diminutive for a car this size, but they don’t lack attention or detail. Look closely and you’ll see vertical columns, similar to the grille, brushed metal and the RR logo. It was a detail that grew on me during my time with the Spectre, and as I approached it to plug or unplug it, I delighted in.

This is not a car for the faint or casual owner. Entree into the Rolls-Royce Spectre is entree into a life and style that is unlike any other. Not just how the doors open, where the umbrella is stored or starlight that will delight your passengers, but all the decisions and commitments that this car commands from its owners.

Due to its size, it takes some time and practice to feel comfortable behind the wheel. It’ll take some time and consideration to pick your interior materials, from the layers of colors and wood and metal trims. Do you want contrast stitching with that? Piping? And if so, what color? There are thousands of choices.

The starting price of $420,000 simply gets you the basics, and the time of the team to fully design and assemble your car. Our two test models were differently optioned; the first, in Black Diamond exterior paint, had fewer options and was priced at $502,825, which includes a $2,750 delivery charge (white glove, of course). The second test model, in Chartreuse and Black Diamond two-tone, had more options, including the Starlight doors, and upgraded bespoke audio system. Both included the Spectre package ($22,400), with details such as lambswool floormats, Spectre treadplates, RR mongrams on the headrests, the illuminated grille and heated seats and arm rests.

It’s a lot to consider. And a lot to dream about. But a big win deserves a big prize, and an even bigger accomplishment deserves entree into a life and style set aside for those who think, and dream, in grand detail.