In 2023, almost 16% of global passenger car sales were electric vehicles (EVs). This figure represents a steady increase in the adoption of EVs since 2017. Fast forward to 2025, and the global electric vehicle market revenue is projected to reach US$828.6bn. This staggering figure is a testament to EVs being the automobiles of the future.
It’s no surprise even luxury brands are joining the game and luxury vehicles don’t get any bigger than the Rolls Royce. This British luxury automaker launched its first electric vehicle, The Spectre, in late 2023. The model exceeded the brand’s expectations to become their best-selling car in Europe and one of the most expensive, regularly produced electric cars worldwide. This outstanding performance has led to the brand launching its second electric vehicle, the Black Badge honor.
Introduced in 2016, the Black Badge series represents Rolls-Royce’s shift from traditional luxury motoring to more performance-oriented luxury models to appeal to younger clients. The Black Badge Spectre model, though electric, joins the series to outperform its predecessors, who were powered by the V12 engine; here’s how.
The Mind-Blowing Innovation
To deliver a Black Badge driving experience in an electric vehicle, Rolls-Royce sought inspiration from the notable Merlin V12 engine they developed for Spitfires during the Second World War. This engine feature allowed these aircraft to receive a short burst of enhanced power to propel them out of situations with the touch of a button. To mimic these features, the Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is powered by two special driving modes.
The first special driving mode is the Infinity Mode, ignited by the infinity symbol button on the steering wheel. When activated, the infinity mode boosts the EV’s throttle response and driving dynamics by unlocking the car’s full 659 horsepower (485 kW). In comparison, the standard Spectre features 585 horsepower (430 kW).
The second special driving mode is the Spirited Mode. The Spirit Mode focuses on launch control of the EV by temporarily amplifying’ the car’s pulling power to 1075 Nm to unleash a surge of intense, instantaneous acceleration to propel the car from 0-to-60 mph in 4.1 seconds only. In comparison, the Standard Spectre’s pulling power is 900 Nm. With the 659 horsepower paired with the 1075Nm, the Black Badge Spectre is currently the most powerful Rolls-Royce to exist.
This innovative twin electric engine by Rolls-Royce is bound to cause a shift in the industry and influence future luxury eclectic vehicle designs. Just like how casino websites revolutionized the gambling scene and how augmented reality is shaping the real estate market, these two disruptive engine innovations will transform the electric vehicle industry.
The Black Badge Spectre Features
For its global debut, the Black Badge Spectre is a spectacle right from the exterior. The 2.6-tonne super-coupe debuted with a new paint hue referred to as Vapor Violet. According to the British car maker, this new color is an ode to the 1980s and 1990s neon ambiance in clubs.
For the wheels, the Black Badge Spectre comes with new 23-inch five-spoke forged aluminum wheels that are a different level compared to regular Rolls wheels. Owners can customize the wheels to have an all-black or part-polished finish.
For optimal smoothness when driving this more sport-oriented super-coupe, the steering weight has been increased, and roll stabilization sharpened to create more feedback from steering inputs and diminish body roll during cornering. The new EV model also features enhanced dampers to increase body control and reduce ‘squatting’ when accelerating and decelerating.
When it comes to the interior, the Black Badge EV features an illuminated fascia whose illumination comes from the sparkle of over 5,500 hand-laid fiber-optic stars. These stars of different intensity and size form a figurative piano-black sky. The luxury EV also features a new Technical Fibre surface finish that incorporates fine metal thread in a diamond pattern between the carbon fiber layers on top of a black wood base to create a three-dimensional effect.
The dashboard, on the other hand, features an abstract image of the Rolls-Royce Spirit of Ecstasy mascot in the true fashion of the luxury brand. To wrap up the custom nature of the vehicle, the digital instrument dials are available for customization in Cyan Fire, Vivid Grellow, Synth Wave, Neon Nights, or Ultraviolet color schemes.
The new Black Badge has a charging time of 5 hours, 30 minutes to 80% on a domestic AC wall charger, and 34 minutes on a high-powered DC charger. The EV promises users an electric range of between 306 and 329 miles.
To own a Black Badge Rolls-Royce Spectre you will need to part away with at least $490,000. This is $67,250 more than the cost of the standard model of the EV and can go even higher depending on the custom additions selected.
These Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre’s features make it a sure bet for the younger and futuristic demographic who are drawn to silent, eco-efficient, but disruptive, high-performing luxury cars. The most powerful Rolls-Royce in history is here for the rich mavericks.
Article Last Updated: February 27, 2025.
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