Rolls-Royce Spectre: NZ's most expensive EV updated with more range, power, and options

Rolls-Royce has revealed the updated Spectre Series II, bringing the first major batch of improvements to its sole battery-electric (EV) grand tourer since launch. The Spectre is also currently New Zealand's the most expensive EV on sale, with pricing of the new model set to remain well above above $700,000.

The Series II gains more driving range, faster charging, increased performance, and an expanded catalogue of bespoke personalisation options.

First unveiled in 2022, the Spectre has quickly become one of Rolls-Royce’s most important vehicles, ranking as the brand’s second-best-selling model globally in 2025 and has proved popular with customers seeking a more driver-focused luxury car.

While exterior styling changes are minimal, Rolls-Royce says the Series II update focuses on refining the luxury EV through technical improvements and new customisation possibilities.

The biggest improvement comes from revised battery cell technology, derived from the new BMW 7 Series, which increases the Spectre’s claimed WLTP driving range by up to 18 per cent.

The standard Spectre Series II is now rated for between 582km and 628km of driving range depending on model and wheel size, while charging times have been cut by up to 14 per cent. Using a 195kW DC fast charger, a 10-80 per cent recharge can now be completed in 28 minutes.

Power and torque outputs have also increased. The standard Spectre now produces 442kW of power and 1015Nm of torque, up from 430kW and 900Nm previously.

The flagship Black Badge Spectre Series II remains the most powerful production Rolls-Royce ever built, offering up to 500kW and 1100Nm through its Infinity and Spirited driving modes.

Performance figures have improved slightly, with the regular model capable of a claimed 0-100km/h time of 4.5 seconds, while the Black Badge cuts that to 4.3 seconds.

Rolls-Royce say they have deliberately avoided major styling changes, wanting to retain the Spectre’s fastback silhouette, split headlamp design, and imposing proportions. However, the comapny's EV can now be specified with a much wider range of options.

New additions include an Ethereal Blue paint finish and a freshly designed set of 23-inch forged alloy wheels, each requiring up to six hours of hand-finishing.

Black Badge buyers can also opt for a new Iced Black treatment, which replaces most exterior brightwork with a satin-matte finish while retaining polished Pantheon grille vanes.

Inside, Rolls-Royce has focused on expanding the scope for personalisation.

A new bamboo-derived Duality Twill upholstery material is available in four colours and can require up to 25 hours to embroider, using as many as 2.6 million stitches and 16km of thread.

Customers can also specify new Placed Perforation leather trim featuring almost 80,000 laser-cut perforations inspired by moonlit clouds, while a new Brindled Walnut veneer combines walnut and eucalyptus fibres beneath a glass-flake-infused lacquer finish.

The dashboard has also been updated with a redesigned illuminated fascia containing 8108 individual light elements, while a new aviation-inspired clock sits alongside an illuminated stainless-steel Spirit of Ecstasy display.

Although pricing for the updated model hasn't yet been confirmed, the outgoing Spectre is currently priced from around NZ$770,000 before options in New Zealand, while heavily customised examples can cost substantially more.

Despite its lofty price tag, five Spectres were registered in New Zealand during 2025.

Given the extensive upgrades and Rolls-Royce’s focus on bespoke commissions, a higher starting price for the Series II range appears likely when local details are announced.