Rolls Royce Spectre 2023 Review

2023 Rolls Royce Spectre, as the brand's first all-electric flagship coupe, redefines the million-level ultra-luxury electric travel experience with iconic luxurious tranquility, smooth and powerful performance, and agile handling.

RM 2,000,000

Rolls Royce Spectre 2023

Segment

Luxury

Body Type

Sedan

Motor Torque(Nm)

900

EV Range(km)

520

Driven Wheels

All Wheel Drive

Motor Output(kW)

View Rolls Royce Spectre > View Full Specs >

Review

User Review

Specs

Starting from 2023, the luxury electric vehicle market has welcomed a truly "heavyweight player"—ultra-luxury brands are no longer content with simply electrifying traditional fuel vehicles but are now designing pure electric flagships from the ground up. Rolls-Royce Spectre, as the brand's first pure electric model, directly enters the million-dollar ultra-luxury electric coupe segment. Can it retain the iconic serenity and luxury of Rolls-Royce while delivering the smooth performance expected of an electric vehicle? This test drive will focus on these two core questions, giving readers a clear look at the real performance of this "electric Phantom".

The exterior maintains Rolls-Royce's signature yacht-like proportions, with a front end featuring the iconic Pantheon grille. The grille has been reduced in size but still uses vertical slats paired with an illuminated "RR" badge, ensuring high recognition at night. The side of the body retains a pillarless design and coach doors, while the 23-inch multi-spoke wheels have a vintage design that matches the overall elegant style. The rear end adopts a fastback design, with taut horizontal taillights integrated with LED light sources, creating a clean light strip effect when illuminated. There are no overly ornate decorations, aligning with the brand's understated luxury positioning.

Sitting inside the car, the interior materials are still Rolls-Royce's forte: the seats, center console, and door panels are all covered in top-quality leather, and the wood veneer options include walnut or piano lacquer finishes, offering a sophisticated and smooth touch. The center control screen has a size of 12.3 inches with a minimalist design interface, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity for a smooth operating experience that meets luxury standards. The seats come with 18-way electric adjustments, heating, ventilation, and massage functions. The front headrests are embroidered with the exclusive "Spectre" logo, while the rear provides an independent climate control panel and two USB-C charging ports. In terms of storage space, the front center armrest console is moderately sized, allowing for storage of items such as phones and wallets. The trunk provides a standard volume of 480 liters, sufficient for everyday travel needs.

In terms of body dimensions, the Spectre measures 5453mm in length, 2080mm in width, and 1576mm in height, with a wheelbase of 3210mm. The front seats offer ample space, with a user measuring 180cm tall having about a fist and two fingers of headroom remaining after adjusting the seat, and generous legroom is provided. The rear space is equally impressive, with more than two fists of legroom left and about one fist of headroom due to the fastback design. The completely flat rear floor ensures the middle passenger has comfortable foot room.

The powertrain features dual motors on the front and rear, producing a combined maximum power of 585 horsepower and a peak torque of 900 Nm. Officially, it accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. During daily driving, the power delivery is smooth and linear. Switching to sport mode makes the acceleration response more immediate, and pressing the accelerator deeply provides strong and sustained thrust without the typical "jerking sensation" common in electric cars, meeting Rolls-Royce's commitment to driving comfort. The drivetrain is all-wheel drive, and during starts on wet roads, power is distributed evenly with no tire slippage observed.

The chassis employs an adaptive air suspension system paired with four-wheel steering technology. At low speeds, steering is agile, with a turning radius of only 12.7 meters, making U-turns or parking in narrow areas more effortless. When encountering speed bumps or rough roads, the suspension quickly filters out most vibrations, keeping the vehicle's posture stable with almost no unnecessary bouncing. At high speeds, the chassis feels solid, and body roll is well-controlled when changing lanes or cornering, providing ample confidence. The steering wheel feels lightweight, with a linear speed-sensitive gain. The precision of the steering direction fits the positioning of a luxury coupe, although it lacks the road feedback typical of sports cars.

In terms of range, the official CLTC pure electric range is 520 kilometers. During actual testing, energy consumption on city roads was about 26kWh/100km, and increased to approximately 30kWh/100km under highway conditions. The comprehensive range achievement rate is about 85%. In fast charging mode, charging from 10% to 80% takes 5.5 hours, while slow charging takes more than 10 hours. The charging efficiency is considered moderate among electric vehicles in the same class.

The driving and riding comfort is exceptional, with outstanding cabin sound insulation. At high speeds, only faint wind noise can be heard, while tire and motor noise are effectively isolated. The energy recovery system offers three adjustable levels, with moderate recovery force at the highest level. Releasing the accelerator pedal does not result in a noticeable drag, providing a driving experience similar to that of a fuel vehicle. The seat padding is soft yet supportive, ensuring that the lower back does not feel sore after prolonged driving. The backrest angle of the rear seats is adjustable, further enhancing passenger comfort.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre lie in its retention of the brand's signature luxurious feel and riding comfort while achieving smoother power delivery through electrification technology. Compared to competitors in the same class, its coach doors, top-tier interior materials, and bespoke customization services are major highlights. Although the official range may not be particularly outstanding, the actual achievement rate is stable and meets daily usage needs.

This car is suitable for consumers pursuing an ultimate luxury experience and who prioritize riding comfort. It is particularly suitable for business receptions or daily family use. The 4.5-second acceleration performance can also occasionally meet the needs of driving enthusiasts. As Rolls-Royce's first model in its transition to electrification, the Spectre successfully combines the brand's heritage with electric technology, setting a "benchmark" in the ultra-luxury electric coupe market.

Pros

The exterior design is outstanding, with a fastback line that is youthful yet retains a sense of luxury, attracting high attention. The LED headlights perform well at night.

The interior is luxurious and refined, with leather seats that feel comfortable and breathable, strong wood grain texture, and a starlight ceiling with ambient lighting that creates a premium atmosphere.

Performance is powerful, achieving 0-100km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds. The 900N·m torque is abundant, and the all-wheel drive system ensures stability on slippery roads and inclines.

Cons

Some details have workmanship flaws, such as loose rear air conditioning adjustment buttons and slightly excessive play in the steering wheel.

The car's infotainment system has optimization issues; the central touchscreen and rear armrest touchscreen occasionally lag or respond slowly.

There are limitations in range and charging, with actual range lower than the claimed value, longer fast-charging time, and a lack of fast charging stations in highway service areas.

Overall Rating

4.5

Excellent

From 8 Reviews

Section Rating

Performance

4.4 / 5

Interior Design

4.4 / 5

Safety

4.5 / 5

Exterior Design

4.9 / 5

Showing 8 reviews

5 Excellent

M2Comp

Owner of 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre

As the owner of a 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre, having driven it in Malaysia for nearly half a year, what I most want to talk about are its exterior and interior. First, let me praise the exterior—full marks, nothing to complain about! Every time I park near the Petronas Twin Towers parking lot in Kuala Lumpur or drive along the coastal road in Penang, the car turns heads instantly. That fastback design makes it younger compared to traditional Rolls-Royces, but with the iconic Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament, it still exudes unparalleled luxury. Especially at night, when I drive it through the old streets of Malacca, the soft glow of the LED headlights paired with the surrounding colonial buildings makes my friends say it looks like a moving piece of art. As for the interior, I'll give it 4 out of 5 because, overall, I'm really satisfied, but there are some minor details that could be improved. The tactile feel of the leather seats, the luster of the wood veneer, and the starlight headliner that soothes the soul during traffic jams at night—all these are impeccable, which is to be expected of Rolls-Royce standards. However, one time, while taking my family to Genting Highlands, I noticed that the rear air-conditioning vent adjustment buttons felt a little loose. While it doesn't affect functionality, for a car at this price range, I would hope for perfection. That being said, in Malaysia's hot weather, the leather doesn't feel sticky or sweaty, and the craftsmanship is top-notch.

5 Excellent

X3M40i

Owner of 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre

As the owner of the 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre, driving this car in Malaysia is truly an enjoyment! First of all, regarding performance, the 4.5-second 0-100 km/h acceleration makes overtaking on Kuala Lumpur highways incredibly effortless, and the all-wheel drive ensures great stability on slippery roads during rainy days. The 900 Nm of torque is readily available, making uphill sections a breeze, and the smoothness of pure electric drive is unparalleled by fuel-powered vehicles. In terms of appearance, the classic Pantheon grille paired with the fastback design ensures an exceptional head-turning rate! Every time I park near the Petronas Twin Towers, people come over to take photos. The 23-inch large wheels look particularly impressive on Malaysian roads, and the fluid car body lines make it a moving scenery on the road. Safety performance is also good; although it scores slightly less than the other two aspects, its overall performance is still very satisfying. After all, it’s a luxury brand, and features like active braking and lane-keeping are very practical. This is especially true on the winding mountain roads of Penang, where they’ve given me plenty of confidence. However, perhaps because it’s an electric car, the vehicle's weight feels slightly heavier, making emergency lane changes less agile compared to similar fuel-powered cars. Overall, the experience of driving this car in Malaysia is excellent. Whether for daily commutes or weekend getaways, it brings me top-notch enjoyment!

4 Excellent

MacanGTS

Owner of 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre

As a car owner in Malaysia, after driving the 2023 Spectre for half a year, I am overall quite satisfied. First, let's talk about the interior. I give it 4 points mainly because the details are really exquisite—the saddle brown leather seats feel like a baby's skin, the wood grain decoration is real walnut, and when sunlight hits it, it reflects light. In the evening, when the ambient lighting turns on, the entire cabin feels like a luxurious mobile living room. However, sometimes I feel that the touchscreen on the center console responds a bit slowly, probably due to system optimization issues, so I deducted one point. For safety, I give it 4 points, mainly because the active safety features are very comprehensive, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist, which are very practical on highways in Kuala Lumpur. Once, on the North-South Expressway, the car in front suddenly braked hard, and the Spectre immediately issued an alert and slowed down automatically, helping me avoid a rear-end collision. However, in terms of passive safety, although there are 10 airbags, I always feel that for such an expensive car, there should be more advanced safety technologies, like automatic parking. Maybe I haven’t fully mastered it yet. As for performance, I give it 4 points because the acceleration is really fast, going from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds, making overtaking on Penang's mountain roads very easy. The electric motor's torque is massive, at 900 N·m, and the initial pushback feeling is strong. Plus, it's all-wheel drive, so driving on rainy days feels very stable. Although the range of 520 kilometers is sufficient in Malaysia and the fast charging time of 5.5 hours is acceptable, sometimes it’s a bit inconvenient to find fast charging stations at highway service areas. Overall, the Spectre strikes a good balance between luxury and performance, though there’s still room for improvement in the details.

5 Excellent

NavaraNP

Owner of 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre

As the owner of the 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre, after driving it in Malaysia for three months, I am truly amazed by the performance of this car! First, regarding performance, it’s a perfect 5 out of 5. In Kuala Lumpur's city traffic during peak hours, the smoothness of the electric drive is incredible. With just a tap on the accelerator, the 900 N·m of torque instantly bursts out, making overtaking and lane changing feel as seamless as gliding on clouds. Last week, I went to Genting Highlands, and the all-wheel drive was extremely stable during the uphill climb. Its 0-100 km/h acceleration in 4.5 seconds made overtaking on the winding mountain roads effortless, totally defying the expectations for a large car over two tons. For safety, I’ll give it 4 out of 5. Overall, I am very satisfied, but there is still room for improvement in details. Functions like active braking and lane-keeping assist were a huge help on highways, especially on the North-South Expressway where traffic gets heavy. The system’s responsiveness was very impressive. However, there was one time in George Town, Penang, when meeting another car in a narrow alley, the distortion in the 360-degree camera view was a bit noticeable. I almost grazed a motorcycle by the roadside. If the image clarity could be further optimized, it would be perfect. Exterior deserves a full 5 out of 5! This car is a head-turner in Malaysia. Every time I park near the Petronas Twin Towers, someone comes over to take pictures. The elegant yet sporty fastback design paired with 23-inch large wheels under the Malaysian sunlight is simply a moving piece of art. When I took it to the historical city of Malacca, even the local tour guide complimented how well this car blended with the historic architecture—it’s absolutely classy! Overall, the experience of using this car in Malaysia has exceeded all expectations. It truly lives up to being Rolls-Royce’s flagship electric vehicle!

5 Excellent

ImprezaWRX

Owner of 2023 Rolls Royce Spectre

As the owner of the 2023 Rolls-Royce Spectre, driving it in Malaysia for almost half a year, I’m truly impressed by the details of this car! First, let’s praise the exterior—every time I park near the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, passersby can’t help but take a second look. The fastback lines are more dynamic compared to traditional Rolls-Royce models, but the classic Pantheon grille and the “Spirit of Ecstasy” emblem preserve the luxurious feel. Driving it on the old streets of George Town in Penang, the contrast between the vintage architecture and the modern coupe design is stunning—the car gets so many second glances. A full 5 stars for the exterior, absolutely flawless! The interior is even more praiseworthy! I chose the wool blend seats, and even in Kuala Lumpur's 30-plus-degree weather, they still feel breathable and comfortable. The hand-stitched wooden trim feels incredibly fine to the touch, and the ambient lighting extending from the starlight headliner on the dashboard is just amazing. Driving at night (especially on the winding roads to Genting Highlands), the atmosphere is completely elevated—it feels like a luxurious private lounge on wheels. Definitely deserves a solid 5 stars! Performance-wise, I’d give it 4 stars because—while the acceleration is indeed impressive, reaching 0-100 km/h in 4.5 seconds and staying rock solid when overtaking trucks on highways like the North-South Expressway, the pure electric range is rated at 520km. However, with Malaysia’s constant need for air conditioning and occasional traffic jams, the actual range is about 450km. While this is sufficient for daily use, the fast charging takes 5.5 hours, which means longer trips require pre-planning of charging stations. This part is a slight drawback, but the all-wheel drive system performs remarkably well on rainy days in Kuala Lumpur. Overall, I’m pretty satisfied. To sum up, this car’s looks and luxurious feel are undeniably outstanding for Malaysia’s road conditions, and its performance is sufficient for daily driving. However, there’s still room for improvement in terms of range and charging speed.