Spectre positions Rolls-Royce’s entrance into the electric world as a stamp of leadership — and the beginning of an era that will see the entire model portfolio electrified by 2030. Its visionary design reinvents timeless iconography, setting a clear path toward the marque’s first all-electric decade. The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre is a sight to behold with elegant beauty and extensive interior décor.

The 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre has a grand total of zero cylinders, instead using a dual-motor electric powertrain. Each axle gets a motor, giving the Spectre all-wheel drive, 584 horsepower, and 664 lb-ft of torque. Power doesn’t matter of course, as the Rolls-Royce adage is that its power is “adequate.” But it’s much more than adequate. It’s downright quick for something that only shares its density with small planets. However, despite that immense performance, there’s something missing.

Typically I don’t mind electric cars all having similar feeling power delivery but I do mind it here. One of the ways Rolls always separated itself from the pack was with its engine noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). Well, actually, the lack thereof. Drive a V12 Rolls and you might actually think it’s electric at times due to its almost unnerving smoothness. And knowing that Rolls was able to create something so powerful yet so smooth was always a huge part of its charm. It’s quiet but you know there’s a hulking V12 under that long hood.

However, the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre doesn’t feel that way. Admittedly, it’s probably the quietest Rolls ever because it has no powertrain noise or vibration, but it’s also the most lifeless. Rolls doesn’t use any fake sound, as that would be tacky, so its instant bursts of acceleration are accompanied only by a silence that would make a church seem noisy. It can make you feel queasy at times, as there’s no other sensory feeling other than stomach-churning speed.

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Fake engine noise isn’t the only modern EV trope that Rolls avoids. In fact, the folks in Goodwood go to extraordinary lengths to make sure the 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre feels, looks, and behaves like every other piston-powered Roller in history. The iconic “Power Reserve” gauge that Rolls normally uses in place of a tachometer is still there. On the gear selector stalk, there’s still a little button that makes it feel sportier, except this time it’s labeled “B” for brake regeneration, rather than “L” for lower gears. And aside from the battery range gauge, there isn’t a single visual nod to its electric nature. Phantom and Ghost customers will feel right at home.

What won’t make them feel right at home is charging. Rolls-Royce owners will likely have charging capabilities at home, all but eliminating the need to use public stations. However, when they do need to charge out on the road, the experience of finding a place to charge, plugging their car in like an iPhone, and waiting 40 minutes while it juices up is the opposite of luxury. Admittedly, Niles the driver will probably handle all of that for them.

Is An Electric Rolls Still A Rolls?

How does the Spectre specifically stack up to its incredible brand heritage? That depends on what you want from it. If the Spectre had a V12 under the hood, it wouldn’t feel much different than it already does. The fact that it’s an EV is of almost no significance to the driving or riding experience. It’s about as fast as every other Rolls-Royce, it’s probably a touch quieter but not by much, and it’s barely smoother. The only real difference is that it needs to be charged.

If I were in the market for a Rolls-Royce—which, barring a very lucky lottery ticket, isn’t happening any time soon—I think I’d stick with the Ghost. I love the Spectre’s two-door design but its back seat isn’t as nice because of it. I also think I prefer the V12 simply because it shows off the brand’s impressive engineering even more. There’s more charm to a piston-powered luxury car if you ask me.

However, if you’re rich enough to own the Spectre, you’re likely rich enough that it isn’t your only Rolls-Royce. And there’s certainly a place for the Spectre in the stable of somebody like that. With its stunning two-door looks, silent speed, and effortless comfort, the Spectre is one helluva grand touring car. It’s a rolling, silent sanctuary.