Rolls-Royce goes bolder with the Black Badge Spectre EV

[Skye Jacobs]

In brief: Rolls-Royce continues its push into the electric vehicle market with the introduction of the Black Badge Spectre – the most powerful car the brand has ever produced. This new model represents a natural evolution for the iconic luxury automaker, long associated with quiet, smooth-riding vehicles that seem tailor-made for electrification.

The Black Badge Spectre builds on the success of the standard Spectre – Rolls-Royce's first electric car – which was reportedly the most requested Rolls-Royce model in Europe last year. This popularity reflects the changing demographics of Rolls-Royce customers, who are increasingly younger and more environmentally conscious.

The Black Badge edition of the Spectre showcases a striking design that blends traditional Rolls-Royce luxury with a more aggressive, street-savvy aesthetic.

Notable features include an Illuminated Pantheon Grille and a new Vapour Violet color option, inspired by the neon lights of 1980s and 1990s club culture.

Chrome elements have been replaced with darker hues, and customers can opt for an Ice Black bonnet for added distinction. The interior boasts a carbon weave technical finish, while new 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminum wheels complete the exterior look.

Beyond its visual appeal, the Black Badge Spectre offers significant performance upgrades. Power output has been increased to 485 kW (659 hp), accessible via a new Infinity button on the steering wheel. The vehicle's chassis, steering, and suspension damping have been refined to enhance dynamics and reduce body roll during acceleration and deceleration.

A new "Spirited Mode" feature, akin to launch control, enables the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, shaving 0.3 seconds off the standard Spectre's time. This burst of power is made possible by a temporary boost to 1,075 Nm of torque.

In a nod to its heritage, Rolls-Royce draws a parallel between the Black Badge Spectre's power boost and the Rolls-Royce Merlin engine used in the Supermarine Spitfire. The company likens the Infinity button to the switch Spitfire pilots could engage for an extra burst of power.

While Rolls-Royce maintains its tradition of not disclosing prices or sales figures, the company anticipates strong demand for the Black Badge Spectre. This confidence stems from early client interest, which even prompted the creation of a clandestine fleet of Black Badge Spectres before the official unveiling.

The transition to electrification appears to be smoother for Rolls-Royce compared to other luxury automakers. This success can be attributed in part to the BMW Group's backing, which has provided advanced technology, including a customized version of its iDrive infotainment system.

One potential drawback is that the Spectre's massive 120 kWh battery has a relatively modest 195 kW maximum charging speed. However, this doesn't seem to be a concern for Rolls-Royce's clientele – likely because many owners have staff to handle charging and maintenance tasks.

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Rolls-Royce goes bolder with the Black Badge Spectre EV

 

[Megalomaniac]

For what you're actually getting, you'd be better off buying an Escalade iQ and a certified pre-owned Wraith. Most people won't notice the difference between the Spectre and the Wraith. It's a beautiful vehicle, but it's going to take massive depreciation as newer, better technology comes to market.

 

[Tom Yum]

For what you're actually getting, you'd be better off buying an Escalade iQ and a certified pre-owned Wraith. Most people won't notice the difference between the Spectre and the Wraith. It's a beautiful vehicle, but it's going to take massive depreciation as newer, better technology comes to market.

The sort of people that this is aimed at wouldn't be seen dead in anything second-hand. Sure, general public mightn't tell the difference, but rich oligarch friends would.

 

[kiwigraeme]

Ooh infinity button
ahh spirited mode
ohh spectre

Just goes to show super rich respond like 8 year olds to cool names , betcha on the maps , the slums, and housing estates will show as '" tierra incognito" or "here be monsters"

 

[loki1944]

Lol, nope. Not when I can buy an $8,000 used suv with 30mpg.

 

[Megalomaniac]

The sort of people that this is aimed at wouldn't be seen dead in anything second-hand. Sure, general public mightn't tell the difference, but rich oligarch friends would.

You don't know this audience.

Firstly, most of these cars are sold second hand. Just ask Ed Bolian who just bought a seventh hand Bugatti Veyron. I work with Lamborghini Long Island and we sell RR, Bentley and Lamborghini. You'd be surprised the CPO sales and resales.

 

[SRB]

Like the article says, the staff will handle the charging part. Probably has a 300 mi range at best, and probably half of that if you push the infinity button a lot. Not to mention it's probably 6000+ lbs. I like how the "most sought after car in Europe" label is applied when the company does not disclose any sales, price, or production numbers.

The do have one advantage, the start out realizing that EV's are toys for the rich, and designed it from the get go to appeal to that crowd. As for "environmentally conscious," nothing about this indulgence in excess does anything for the environment.

It sells because it's exclusive and fun to drive, and more power to them for it.

 

[Megalomaniac]

Ooh infinity button
ahh spirited mode
ohh spectre

Just goes to show super rich respond like 8 year olds to cool names , betcha on the maps , the slums, and housing estates will show as '" tierra incognito" or "here be monsters"

When the super-rich come in, many of them don't know "what's hot" and they want to be guided into a purchase. They'll buy this knowing very little about it - on lease. Take a nose dive in depreciation when that battery ages.

 

[toooooot]

Like the article says, the staff will handle the charging part. Probably has a 300 mi range at best, and probably half of that if you push the infinity button a lot. Not to mention it's probably 6000+ lbs. I like how the "most sought after car in Europe" label is applied when the company does not disclose any sales, price, or production numbers.

The do have one advantage, the start out realizing that EV's are toys for the rich, and designed it from the get go to appeal to that crowd. As for "environmentally conscious," nothing about this indulgence in excess does anything for the environment.

It sells because it's exclusive and fun to drive, and more power to them for it.

I will proclaim gasoline death when EVs:
have x2 cheaper batteries
do 600+ miles
age much slower and can be easily refilled/revived

One thing I am confused about is how EVs have so many simpler parts
but cost more than ICE cars. I guess, batteries are that much expensive despite
all the advances in technology.
People will start mass buying them when they are better than ICE cars.

 

[daffy duck]

All I can say is that blue is awesome. As for the rest of RR a waste of steel.

 

[Rudyduu]

Jaguar could learn a thing or two about launching a new EV.

 

[Rudyduu]

I will proclaim gasoline death when EVs:
have x2 cheaper batteries
do 600+ miles
age much slower and can be easily refilled/revived

One thing I am confused about is how EVs have so many simpler parts
but cost more than ICE cars. I guess, batteries are that much expensive despite
all the advances in technology.
People will start mass buying them when they are better than ICE cars.

Until charging, for everyone, is as easy as going to a fuel station they won't catch like ICE vehicles did. People who live in apartments with no place to charge won't likely be moving to EVs any time soon.