The frozen lakes of Arjeplog, Sweden—BMW Group’s conventional winter proving floor—lately hosted a Rolls-Royce electrical SUV present process cold-weather testing. The essential element: this isn’t the Cullinan’s electrical substitute. It’s a wholly new mannequin. Sources affirm this can be a distinct mannequin line that would coexist with a V12-powered Cullinan as effectively. The technique is smart: some prospects nonetheless demand the theater of a twelve-cylinder engine, whereas others prioritize cutting-edge electrical expertise. Rolls-Royce may supply each.
The timing issues. The subsequent 2-3 years will see Rolls-Royce’s electrical SUV, Bentley’s forthcoming EV, and Vary Rover’s electrical fashions all arriving almost concurrently. This represents the primary widespread market check for whether or not ultra-luxury prospects will embrace electrification on the highest ranges.
The BMW Group Benefit—and Problem
There’s a practical actuality right here: Rolls-Royce leverages BMW Group’s vastly bigger growth funds. No matter battery chemistry and motor configuration BMW engineers for Neue Klasse may turn out to be the inspiration for Rolls-Royce’s electrical automobiles. For a model producing fewer than 6,000 automobiles yearly, this makes excellent enterprise sense.And naturally, this turns into a market benefit. But Rolls-Royce faces the identical problem it all the time has: delivering a singular engineering expertise that retains the model in its personal high-end luxurious lane.
As all the time, the reply lies in execution—the obsessive sound engineering, suspension tuning, and a focus to element that separates a very good EV from an excellent one. The model has already proved itself succesful with the Spectre. Maybe the hardest problem is aesthetic: designing a traditional-looking Rolls-Royce whereas not sacrificing an excessive amount of effectivity in comparison with BMWs utilizing the identical battery structure. The Spectre achieved a 0.25 drag coefficient whereas nonetheless trying unmistakably Rolls-Royce. The SUV faces a fair tougher job.
Appears Larger Than the Cullinan
Regardless of showing decrease and sleeker in spy photographs, this electrical SUV seems to be longer than the Cullinan’s 5,341mm size which can place it between the Ghost and Phantom sedans. That’s longer than a long-wheelbase S-Class. The proportions differ from the Cullinan. The place that SUV stands tall and imposing, this mannequin seems decrease with extra wagon-like proportions and shallower home windows.
Core Rolls-Royce design signatures stay: the lengthy bonnet, upright nostril, quick entrance and lengthy rear overhangs. The signature rear-opening coach doorways carry over. On the rear, lighting seems impressed by the Spectre’s compact taillights somewhat than the Cullinan’s bigger vertical items.
Up entrance, whereas the Pantheon grille occupies its conventional centerpiece place, LED lighting stripes on the intersection of bonnet and bumper taper from angled to vertical as they method the middle. Beneath these sit vertically-arranged headlights—a departure from conventional horizontal lamps that creates a particular new visible signature.
What To Anticipate From The Driving Angle
The mix of electrical motors, in depth sound deadening, and Rolls-Royce’s obsessive NVH isolation will probably create a degree of inside serenity that redefines the section. The suspension—probably an evolution of the Planar system—may take the famed “Magic Carpet Experience”, enhanced by electrical motors’ immediate response and batteries’ low middle of gravity, to new ranges of consolation.
The technological basis is claimed to come back from BMW’s sixth-generation structure, however no different particulars can be found now. The 800-volt structure permits quicker charging—doubtlessly 400+ kW functionality—although most homeowners will cost at residence. Vary will simply attain a minimum of 400 miles (EPA). That’s greater than sufficient for typical Rolls-Royce utilization patterns. We additionally count on a minimum of 600 horsepower with future Black Badge variants providing much more.
Manufacturing Anticipated in 2027
Manufacturing is rumored to start early 2027 at Goodwood. Pricing ought to begin round $400,000-450,000, above the Cullinan however under the Phantom. Essentially the most direct rival might be Bentley’s 2027 electrical SUV, although Vary Rover’s electrical fashions may also compete.
