Driving the Rolls-Royce Spectre Series II on Track: A First-Hand Review

Rolls-Royce has updated its first electric vehicle with the Spectre Series II, featuring a larger battery, increased power, and a higher official range. According to a review by Motoring Research, the new model increases its official range to 390 miles from the previous 329 miles and introduces the most powerful production powertrain in the marque’s history.

The Spectre has become the best-selling Rolls-Royce model in Europe, though the Cullinan SUV continues to lead global sales, according to Motoring Research. CEO Chris Brownridge stated that a Rolls-Royce is perfectly suited to electrification.

Spectre Series II Technical Specifications and Performance

The Series II update centers on battery capacity and charging efficiency. The vehicle now utilizes a 112.4kWh battery, an increase from the 102kWh unit found in the original model. This capacity boost extends the official range to 390 miles, according to Motoring Research.

Charging speeds have also improved, with a peak rate of 195kW. This allows a 10-80 percent charge to be completed in 28 minutes, which is six minutes faster than the previous version.

Power output has been raised across the lineup:

• Standard model: Power increased to 600hp and 749lb ft of torque, up from 584hp and 662lb ft.
• Black Badge model: The Infinity mode unlocks 680hp and 811lb ft of torque.

The Black Badge variant can accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.3 seconds, making it 0.2 seconds quicker than the standard model, which reaches that speed in 4.5 seconds, according to Motoring Research.

Interior Design and Sustainable Materials

Rolls-Royce has focused the Spectre’s interior on tactile materials and a digital detox approach to wellbeing, mirroring a strategy used by Bentley. The cabin accommodates four adults and features a higher seating position compared to traditional coupes.

The Series II introduces new sustainable trim options. These include Brindled Walnut veneer, which utilizes eucalyptus fibers recovered from paper production, and a bamboo-based fabric called Duality Twill. Motoring Research reports that a full interior finished in Duality Twill requires 10 miles of thread and 2.6 million stitches.

On-Track Testing and Handling

During testing at the Goodwood Motor Circuit, the Spectre Series II demonstrated the use of disconnecting anti-roll bars. These bars remain disconnected at low speeds to soften the ride and tighten above 10mph to reduce body roll, according to Motoring Research.

The vehicle’s agility is supported by rear-wheel steering to reduce the turning circle and improve cornering precision. In emergency braking tests on the Lavant straight, the car stopped from 60mph in 15 meters, approximately three car-lengths.

Market Positioning and Longevity

The Spectre is positioned as a high-end luxury alternative to competitors like the Ferrari Luce. While the Ferrari Luce is estimated to cost approximately £450,000, the Spectre is priced at £333,185, according to Motoring Research.

Testing of a Series I factory development vehicle, which has covered 74,000 miles since 2024, indicated high battery durability. The battery health display on that vehicle remained at 98 percent despite the mileage, according to the Motoring Research report.