Yahoo Autos We drove the $400,000 Rolls-Royce Spectre: 5 thoughts about this supremely luxurious EV
ROCHESTER, Mich. — Dudes associated with Rolls-Royce have said some pretty memorable things. T.E. Lawrence called the cars “above rubies,” while Charles Royce presciently observed — in 1900 no less — “The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration. They should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged.”
I’m not into jewelry, so the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is definitely better than rubies, and it’s an EV with a lot of character and purpose. Chuck and Tom were right.
This luxury grand tourer is one of the best cars I’ve ever driven — as it should be given it starts at $422,750 — but it also succeeds as an EV.
Here’s five thoughts as to why.
1. It’s dressed impeccably
My test car has a striking two-tone exterior of Arctic White and Midnight Black, recalling a signature cue of great Rollers of the past. A spokesman said two-tone paint dates to the 1920s, notably on the Phantom V, then took off during the coachbuilt cars in the ‘30s. By the 1950s, the paint scheme had become a Rolls-Royce calling card.
It looks like the Spectre is wearing a tuxedo. Upon arriving for my drive at Meadow Brook Hall, a century-old mansion with a history almost as deep as Rolls, I was asked if I had a preference. There was a pink car, a pretty blue one and some others. I pointed at this one immediately.
Furthering the coachbuilt vibe, you get in and out of the car via two huge rear-opening doors. Like on other Rolls-Royces, they can open and close themselves.
2. What an interior
