Rolls-Royce Spectre: the upcoming electric vehicle tested in France

To perfect its final version, the Rolls-Royce Spectre, the brand’s first electric car, chose the French Riviera and Provence for testing.

All automakers conduct full-scale testing for long months or even years to develop their new models. During winter, most of the industry gathers in northern Sweden at Arjeplog for cold-weather tests. Conversely, for high temperatures, each has its own location: Death Valley in the United States, China, or… France for the Rolls-Royce Spectre.

The southeastern France for testing electric luxury

Indeed, the BMW group has established its testing center in Miramas (Bouches-du-Rhône). During the summer, prototypes run on the 60 kilometers of tracks at the Autodrome, as well as on nearby open roads. If you’re in the region, you might encounter a Rolls-Royce Spectre.

Owned by the German group, the British brand is also expanding on this same site. The first electric car, the Spectre, has been running in southeastern France for several weeks. Of course, it remains camouflaged. It is no secret, as this model is essentially the electric version of the Wraith coupe.

The Rolls-Royce Spectre in intensive testing

The luxury electric coupe is not just doing a few laps around the block. The Rolls-Royce Spectre aims to cover 625,000 kilometers in France out of the planned total of 2.5 million. It will likely continue its testing runs into next year. Its goal is to be launched in fall 2023.

In terms of features, we will have to wait a bit longer. But the Rolls-Royce Spectre confirms a 30% increased stiffness compared to the Wraith, an aerodynamic coefficient Cd of 0.25, and dedicated “smart” suspensions. Power is expected to be at least equal to the powerful BMW i4 and BMW i7, with their 544 horsepower. Given its heavier weight, the 105.2 kWh battery would still be sufficient to surpass 500 kilometers of range.

Also read: Cadillac Celestiq: the electric revives American luxury cars