Why the Spectre is the Only EV Universally Loved

It’s fair to say that as petrolheads we are not fans of electric vehicles. Not only for their lack of soundtrack but their gained weight and often lacklustre handling. Many of us reject the latest EVs from Porsche, BMW and Mercedes and all of us quiver at the thought of Ferrari building such an atrocity that will far remove it from its beloved roots.

There is one brand though that going EV has actually benefitted, that being the iconic and beloved Rolls-Royce. Unlike most manufacturers, Rolls-Royce doesn’t really care about high-performance and roaring engines. For centuries they have been masters of luxury, refinement, quietness, and unparalleled comfort.

Which is why the Spectre works. Sure with 577 horsepower and 660 lb-ft of torque from its Electric Motor, it’s no slouch, achieving 0-62mph in 4.5 seconds. But buy a Ferrari if you want that. Rolls’ are for cruising, relaxing, lying back in sumptuous comfort and absolute silence, something the Spectre excels in.

Plus with an interior that’s arguably the best on any current production car and a total range of 291 miles, you’ll certainly be wafting a lot. It’s no surprise the Spectre has seen overwhelming demand, with a waiting list that stretches well into 2025. And now for that extra bit of desirability, there’s a Black Badge option.

What Makes a Black Badge Special

For the last decade, alongside their standard cars, Rolls-Royce have offered an option called the Black Badge. Traditionally Rolls’ general target audience is the elder gentleman or lady, someone who’s worked hard all life and now at a less energetic age wants to enjoy his earnings of something exotic but not hardcore.

The Black Badge sub-brand was specifically incorporated to cater to a younger, more daring clientele. With new money from sports, crypto and AI, Rolls Royce believes they also can target the younger demographic alongside their usual clientele. They believe the Black Badge series injects a rebellious streak into the equation.

Exterior and Interior Reaches a peak, the beauty of Personalisation

There’s no denying the Black Badge Spectre is a stunning thing to behold from the exterior. Its Vapour Violet Neon Club-inspired paint contrasts beautifully against its iced black bonnet. This is further enhanced by the 23-inch forged wheels, the darkened exterior trim and most notably the matt black Spirit of Ecstasy.

But as with any Rolls, the gold isn’t on the outside but within. Inside you find Illuminated Black Badge treadplates, a subtly incorporated infinity symbol, fascia and leather seats, and customised instrument dials. This car doesn’t just make you want to sit in, its interior creates an allure and draws you in like a fly to a light.

But should this launch spec not be up your street, Rolls-Royce offers a wide range of personalisation, from colour-matched illuminated grilles to hand-painted coach-lines to tailor it to its owner's vision. In fact, a lucky select group of clients were given a clandestine preview of the car, with their feedback shaping its final form.

The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever

That being said the aesthetics aren’t the only area of modification the black badge has undergone. Rolls-Royce have tweaked the dual BMW electric motors so power is up from 577 horsepower to 659 horsepower and torque rise from 660 lb-ft to a whopping 792 lb-ft. The result is 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds, making this the fastest accelerating Rolls-Royce ever.

Like all Rollers, the top speed is limited to 155mph, but to enhance this driving thrill, Rolls have introduced something called the Infinity Mode. This essentially is the mode to enhance the driving dynamics and pedal response. Personally, I wouldn’t bother with this mode, who wants to make their Rolls more sporty?

Proof Rolls-Royce’s Spirit Will Continue

Undoubtedly the Spectre has proven that Rolls-Royce's spirit and popularity will continue, contrasting most manufacturers whose new models lack the excitement of their OGs. The Black Badge only makes this incredible car all the more desirable and furthers the truth that this is the only great EV out there. No one else does luxury quite like Rolls-Royce and as it turns out, no one builds an EV quite like them either.

F1rstMotors Facts and Figures

Manufacturer	Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Ltd
Model	Spectre Black Badge
Year of Release	2025
Engine	Dual BMW Electric Motors
Horsepower	659 hp
Torque	792 lb–ft
0–62mph (100km/h)	4.1 seconds
Top Speed	155mph (250 km/h)
Weight	2,903kg (2.9 tonnes)
Power to Weight	226 hp per tonne
Gearbox	Advanced Automatic Transmission
Driven Wheels	All Wheel Drive
Price	$440,000

Source: Rolls Royce Motor Cars Ltd