Jul. 2nd, 2025
The legendary British marque reveals its most powerful model yet: a commanding and all-electric super coupe whose 659 horsepower can be accessed via a new Spirited Mode button that rockets the car from zero to 60 mph in just over 4 seconds.
In a world crowded with superlatives, Rolls-Royce remains the benchmark. For over a century, its name has stood for craftsmanship, exclusivity and quiet authority—owning or driving one transcends status. Which made The Peninsula Hotel in Beverly Hills—a storied setting where Hollywood power players have long sealed deals over drinks—a fitting place to get acquainted with the Black Badge version of its all-electric super coupe.
Introduced in 2016 as the bolder (read: edgier), more performance-focused side of Rolls-Royce, its Black Badge line has since been expanded to include the Ghost and Cullinan models. With the launch of Spectre in 2023—Rolls-Royce’s first fully electric vehicle that heralded its push toward an eco-friendlier motoring future—the latest addition to the Black Badge lineup also reflects a subtle generational shift in Double R clientele. Designed to appeal to a hipper and more style-conscious demographic, the newly appointed President of Rolls-Royce North America, Jon Colbeth, shared during a pre-drive briefing that the average age of a first-time Spectre buyer is just 35 years old, significantly younger than the brand’s overall average of 43.
The Most Powerful Rolls-Royce Ever
Black Badge Spectres lined up at The Peninsula
Finished in Arctic White with blacked-out brightwork and an illuminated Spirit of Ecstasy, my Black Badge Spectre for the day was a study in restrained glamour against the elegant façade of The Peninsula. Rolls-Royce calls this its edgiest lineup yet—and it shows. The blacked-out double ‘R’ badge, a Black Badge model signature, suggested a bolder, more assertive drive, but the drama unfolded the moment I opened those iconic coach doors. Inside, the Arctic White theme continued, punctuated by “RR” monograms stitched into headrests and infinity symbols subtly featured throughout. A thicker steering wheel provided a satisfying grip, while hand-finished metal knobs and analog switchgear rejected the minimalist, screen-heavy trends in favor of tactile high-touch luxury—no digital austerity here—just opulence. And yes, the lambswool floor mats were as fluffy and decadent as ever.
The fascia comprises over 5,500 ‘stars’ set in a Piano Black ‘sky’
The Black Badge series breaks with tradition in spirit, but also color. While the white-on-white spec felt timeless, Rolls-Royce offers bold custom finishes—from Vapour Violet, reminiscent of ’90s nightclub neon, to a Salamanca Blue exterior paired with a striking Mandarin Orange interior— but for those who dare, nearly any hue can be commissioned. Instrument dials can be curated, too, with a choice of five color themes, including Ultraviolet. It’s all part of what can make each Black Badge Spectre so unique. New touches include an Illuminated Pantheon Grille and 23-inch wheels in a five-spoke design. On the tech side, the SPIRIT system enables remote access to charging status and vehicle location.
Behind the Wheel: Black Badge Spectre
From The Peninsula, we pulled into Sunday traffic—smoothly navigating stoplights through Beverly Hills and along Sunset Boulevard thanks to the regenerative “B”mode that made one-pedal driving feel natural even in start-and-stop scenarios. But it wasn’t until we hit Angeles Crest Highway that Black Badge Spectre began to reveal its true capabilities. The most powerful Rolls-Royce ever made is no gentle cruiser with a dual-motor electric powertrain producing 659 horsepower and a whopping 793 lb-ft of torque.
Rolls-Royce’s edgiest lineup embraces striking color combinations
Activating the enhanced dynamic mode via the steering wheel—marked by the signature infinity symbol—unlocked the full potential of the powertrain, offering sharper throttle response and a more vivid digital display. With this mode engaged, the Spectre felt more taut and responsive, unleashing up to 1075 Nm of torque in a surge that delivered a near-launch-control-style jolt forward. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds—startlingly quick for a car of this presence.
Enhanced chassis engineering helps keep all that heft—nearly three tons—under control. Stiffened dampers, better roll control, and nicely weighted steering strike a balance between engagement and that signature magic-carpet ride. From carving tight turns through the San Gabriel Mountains to gentler winding roads near Lake Hughes, the Black Badge Spectre gripped hard, stayed remarkably flat through corners, and delivered buttery, near-silent speed. Spunky Canyon Road was a final highlight: a quiet stretch to let Infinity Mode stretch its legs before merging onto the freeway and heading back into Los Angeles.
Climbing the Angeles Crest Highway
The Future of Bespoke
Black Badge Spectre is undoubtedly a car that you’ll want to drive yourself, but offers just as much indulgence from the rear seat. After dinner at historic Hollywood Hills restaurant Yamashiro, a chauffeured ride back to The Peninsula provided a chance to enjoy Black Badge Spectre after handing over the keys. At night, the cabin became a celestial cocoon. The “Shooting Star” Starlight Headliner shimmered, and brand-new Starlight Doors—a $33,000 option—bathed everything in a soft, Instagram-ready glow.
My biggest takeaway from the day was how Black Badge Spectre strikes a rare balance: a high-performance EV you will genuinely want to drive yourself, but one that still delivers the quiet comfort Rolls-Royce is known for when you’re a passenger. And with an estimated range of 251 to 266 miles on a full charge—depending on wheel size, the higher figure based on the 22-inch option—it’s also the kind you’d happily take on a road trip.
The Rolls-Royce Private Office in New York
With a base price starting north of $500,000 and bespoke builds extending well beyond that, most Black Badge Spectre buyers can expect waitlists of between 12 and 26 months for ultra-custom orders. But as Colbeth puts it: “We’re not chasing volume or scale. Black Badge is all pull—we don’t need to push, because the clients who know, want it,” he says. “Our focus remains on offering the best of the best.” Poised to open later this year, the new O’Gara Coach flagship on Wilshire Boulevard, a Birkin bag’s toss from the Golden Triangle, will feature a dedicated Rolls-Royce showroom; for those seeking the ultimate personal expression, scheduling time at a Rolls-Royce Private Office in New York or Dubai may be the first step.
[embedded content]
Photo credits: Drake O’Konski for Rolls-Royce.
