Visit the C&TH Cars Hub

Car Review: Mercedes-Benz GLE-class 400e 4Matic Plug-in Hybrid SUV

JS – I see Mercedes is following the trend of expressing itself more clearly with another exceptionally long name?

JT – Yes, it hardly trips off the tongue, but let’s move on. The facelifted GLE is now available as either a standard shape SUV, or a more streamlined coupe body style. Neither is especially attractive, but both are popular among family buyers.

It’s certainly a case of spot-the-difference. Let me see, I can see a new-look front bumper and grille, with revised headlights. How did I do?

Not bad. You missed some fancy new wheel designs and tweaks to the rear lights too.

What else do Green Lane readers need to know?

The headline act is a plug-in hybrid 400e, pairing a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with a 134bhp electric motor, plus those tiddly cosmetic upgrades across the range.

Go on…

The 350d, 450d and 450 UK models continue, alongside the performance-enhanced AMG 53 and 63 versions, with all engines now benefiting from mild-hybrid technology in the form of a 48-volt system.

Complicated. Sounds like I need to take notes.

The 450d is a new engine, replacing the 400d with an additional 40hp. The old GLE cabin was already a technological tour de force, but the new model features an upgrade to the latest Mercedes steering wheel. Touch sensitive elements built into the spokes adjust the volume levels of the standard Burmester surround sound. The infotainment set-up is also improved using a second generation Mercedes’ MBUX system, allowing wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for the first time.

And that’s it?

Included on the options list are new two-tone upholstery, polished chrome trim and a head-up display. Otherwise, the GLE cabin remains a place of comfort as before, with high-rise seating that SUV owners seem to adore. The lofty driving position should help keep you on the tarmac and out of the rough, although optional air suspension provides extra ground clearance, with an ingenious system that wiggles the wheels and helps haul a GLE free from mud – if you can find any in this current drought.

And what is the GLE doing to save the planet?

Mercedes claim the electric-only range of the 400e is a promising 65 miles, more than enough for short commutes. That said, most people choose a GLE for its family-friendly proportions, luxurious cabin and comfortable ride.

So, is it worth the £87,500 price tag?

Questionable. The Mercedes goes astray on a winding A-road, especially when overtaking. Despite back-up from its 31.2kWh battery, the 2.0-litre turbo wails as it scrabbles through a nine-speed gearbox, desperately trying to launch a 2.5-ton SUV forward. Enthusiastic drivers might consider a more expensive AMG version instead.

Big, bold and handsome – but not one to set the pulse racing?

The tech-heavy GLE SUV is a roomy all-rounder – while aesthetes might prefer the streamlined Coupe version. With a seven-seat option, a range of petrol and diesel engines, plus the new plug-in hybrid, the GLE SUV remains the consummate luxury people carrier for many people.

Discover more about the Mercedes Benz GLE at mercedes-benz.co.uk

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post Mercedes-Benz GLE-class 400e 4Matic Plug-in Hybrid SUV — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

Silverstone Grand Prix: Where to Watch if You Didn’t Get Tickets

Sky Sports F1

Sky Sports F1 will air every session of Silverstone Grand Prix in 2023, as the official home of Formula 1. Timings are as follows:

• Friday 7 July: Practice sessions at 12.30pm and 4pm
• Saturday 8 July: Practice session at 11.30am and qualifiers at 3pm
• Sunday 9 July: British Grand Prix at 3pm

Note that you need a subscription to access Sky Sports, with prices starting at £22 per month.

Channel 4

If you’re not bothered about the practice sessions, you can watch the Silverstone Grand Prix on Channel 4 instead. As part of its ongoing partnership with Channel 4, Sky Sports sub-licenses the British Grand Prix live to Channel 4, making it accessible to UK viewers. Timings are as follows on Channel 4 on Sunday 9 July:

• 1.30pm: Live: F1 British GP Build Up
• 2.30pm: Live: F1 British Grand Prix

You can also stream live online at channel4.com. Likewise, thanks to this partnership, viewers can watch highlights from all Grand Prix races and qualifying sessions on Channel 4 – but it’s only the British Grand Prix that gets the special live treatment. Find the F1 hub here.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Silverstone (@silverstonecircuit)

In A Pub

Plenty of sports bars and pubs will be airing the British Grand Prix this weekend. Watch all the action with a drink in hand at one of our favourite spots in London.

In Person

A final few tickets to watch the British Grand Prix in person from Silverstone are available to purchase at silverstone.co.uk, including three-day weekend tickets (to catch the practise sessions and qualifiers) from £499 and Sunday tickets for the big race itself starting at £399.

The post Silverstone Grand Prix: Where to Watch if You Didn’t Get Tickets appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Ultimate Guide To Silverstone Grand Prix

The History Of Silverstone

Picture the scene: it’s September 1947, you live in a small village called Silverstone in Northamptonshire, and your name is Maurice Geoghegan. You and 11 friends are seeking a large, empty space to race around in your cars. Where better than a deserted airfield? You race over a 2 mile circuit, accidentally hitting and killing a sheep in the process, totalling your car. Yikes. End of story? Strangely, this is just the beginning.

Now known as the ‘Mutton Grand Prix’, Geoghegan’s encounter with that poor sheep is firmly in the F1 history books. Previously used between 1943 and 1946 as an RAF bomber station and operational training centre, RAF Silverstone was home to three runways arranged in the ‘Classic A’ WWII triangle format; you can still see these runways within the track today. A year after the sheep incident, the Royal Automobile Club, inspired, leased the airfield and set up a more formal racecourse, hosting two races on those runways, with long straights separated by tight hairpin corners and the track marked out with oil drums and hay bales. In 1949, meeting again, the race switched to a track circling the runways. In 1950, the race was incorporated into F1 – and the rest is history.

The Racetrack

Though you can still make out the ghost of the airfield with the ‘A’ symbol haunting the track, the Silverstone circuit is more complex than it used to be. Consisting of 18 landmarks, long stretches of track are interrupted by more technical portions, with twisty corners keeping things exciting.

Planet Labs, Inc., CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Over the decades, this track has spawned some iconic F1 moments, from Juan Manuel Fangio’s triumphs in the 1950s to the rivalry between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost in the 1980s to Nigel Mansell thrilling the home crowd with a remarkable victory in 1991. At present, Max Verstappen holds the record for fastest lap, coming in at 1 minute and 27 seconds in the 2020 British Grand Prix (which he naturally won).

What Is It Like At Silverstone?

Like all racing events, Silverstone isn’t just a race track: the circuit is hemmed by viewing stands brimming with racing fans cheering on the action. But it’s not only about the racing. Silverstone is home to official after parties once the racing is done, as well as a whole host of different zones during the day, from the street zone (think street food and market stalls) to the family zone to the sports zone.

Plus, for the first time in 2023, there will be a star-studded launch party to kick off the action; headliners are Calvin Harris and Jess Glynne on Thursday 6 July 2023, with performances from Jax Jones on 7 July, the Black Eyed Peas on 8 July and Tom Grennan on 9 July. There’s a hotel and camping and glamping on site if you fancy making a long weekend out of it.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Mahiki Outpost Events (@mahikilondon)

How To Get Tickets To Silverstone Grand Prix

There are a limited number of tickets available for the Silverstone Grand Prix 2023, with Friday (practice session) tickets starting at £169, Saturday (qualifying) tickets at £209, and Sunday (race day) tickets at £549. Three-day package tickets start at £499, including admission to one of the after parties. Discover more at silverstone.co.uk

The post The Ultimate Guide To Silverstone Grand Prix appeared first on Country and Town House.

Visit the C&TH Cars Hub

The Green Lane: Citroen e-C4X

JS – I thought every car-maker was intent on forcing us to drive SUVs these days?

JT – It feels like that sometimes, doesn’t it? But there is also a new trend: to create family cars that are lower, sleeker and prettier too.

You mean like a saloon? Are you saying that the SUV is on the way out?

Not exactly, but car design is like fashion – there are trends that come and go. Remember when the people-carrier replaced the estate car, or when soft-top convertibles suddenly had folding hard roofs instead?

Aesthetically, there’s only so much a designer can do with the SUV shape. Arguably, it’s difficult to reel off a string of attractive SUVs, unless you pay a fortune for the Aston Martin DBX or the Lamborghini Urus.

Yes – back in the real world, SUVs are otherwise not exactly design classics. So, welcome the all-electric e-C4X then, a family car that dares to be different. Let’s be clear, it’s not going to win any beauty contests, but well done Citroen for daring to be different.

Isn’t the e-C4X just a larger version of the e-C4 hatchback – Citroen’s high-rise all-electric model launched last year?

It is but Citroen says the X is a ‘fastback’ – a slightly elongated version that the rest of us would probably call a ‘saloon’. Remember them?

I do indeed. Except the X still rides high and shares a good deal with the e-C4. To my eye, only the rear end is different. It’s a comfortable drive, though.

The e-C4X has been set up for comfort, with extra squidgy seats and suspension that will soak up the worst of Britain’s 480,000 potholes.

Is that how many there are?

According to a new report. Anyway, I digress. The car is offered in three trim levels – including the wonderfully named Shine Plus – while the 50kWh battery offers a modest range of 222 miles, or around 185 in real-world conditions.

So, it’s a rival for the Nissan Leaf?

And the MG 5 SW. Except both those cars are rather more exciting to drive. The Citroen takes 9.5 seconds to reach 62mph, and the floaty ride isn’t exactly exciting for enthusiastic drivers on a sweeping corner.

It sounds like an SUV with an identity crisis. It’s neither a saloon, a hatchback or an SUV.

Good point – but at least it’s different. Typical of Citroen to build a car that’s a touch quirky and unconventional.

And the cabin is a nice place to sit, especially on longer journeys. Prices start at £32,000 for the entry-level model, but the aforementioned Shine Plus, with more safety equipment, is an extra £3,000. Should people buy one?

If you value comfort and originality over driving characteristics and EV range. Otherwise, maybe shop around.

Inside The Citroen e-C4X

start the slideshow

Discover more about the Citroen e-C4X citroen.co.uk 

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post Citroen e-C4X — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

Visit the C&TH Cars Hub

The Green Lane: Andersen EV

JS – In the beauty pageant of home wall chargers, there aren’t many contestants, right?

JT – Beauty is in the eye of the beholder – but no, very few companies offer a wall charger that’s pleasing to the eye. You could consider a Simpson & Partners Home 7, which is available either tethered or untethered.

What does that mean?

A tethered charger is one with its own cable permanently attached. Most home chargers require the charging cable to be kept in the car, or left hanging on a hook next to the wall charger itself. Ugly.

That’s not aesthetically pleasing – and who wants to do battle with a cable left in the car? From my experience, they get dirty and are awkward to handle. It’s easier to put a python in a basket.

Yes, and even with a tethered charger, the cable may be attached, but it still has to be stored somewhere near the box – which is why UK company Andersen seems to have found a charger-sized gap in the market.

Does it roll the cable up like a hosepipe on a spool?

Almost! Except the A2 model requires the cable to be manual coiled around a spool inside the box. There’s very little effort involved and, once completed, the unit looks discreet and rather neat on any wall.

That’s the cable sorted – but what about the plug connector?

The top of the A2 has a flip-up flap, large enough to fit the chunky connector itself. It also features a light, so you can see what you are doing at night-time, when most drivers plug in to charge cheaply.

The A2 looks like a large unit compared to some wall chargers…?

The Andersen is bigger, but that’s to house the spool of cable, which is available in two lengths up to 8.5 metres. Best of all, EV owners can colour co-ordinate the box to match their house, or even the car.

I see they have some fancy wood options!

Apart from choosing a paint colour for the box itself, buyers can also opt for a front cover with Accoya wood finish. It adds an extra £200 to the price, or there’s a limited edition carbon-fibre job for £320.

Nice, although I sense there is a ‘but’ coming – what haven’t you told me?

The Andersen is a premium product and comes with a premium price, starting at £1,199. The longer, 8.5 metre cable is an extra £100 and a standard installation is £395.

Ouch!

Indeed, but for people who want something that complements their lovely home and matching car, the A2 has few rivals. If you have a three-phase electric supply available at home, the standard 7kW charger can be upgraded to a faster 22kW unit.

I suppose when you look at the expensive list of options some people add on their cars, this is a drop in the ocean.

And the Andersen app, which has taken a bit of stick from users online, is going to be completely overhauled this summer to smooth out the owner experience. What’s not to like?

Explore Andersen EV at andersen-ev.com 

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post A Charger Sized Gap In The Market? Andersen EV — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

Visit the C&TH Cars Hub

The Green Lane: Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic

JS – Perhaps we’d better explain who Daisy Jones is, for those who have missed the best mini-series now streaming on TV.

JT – You’ve just done it. Daisy is an American drama set in Los Angeles during the late 1970s. It follows the rise and fall of a rock band, with Riley Keough playing the eponymous lead singer. The series is a hit for the music and throwback 70s fashion.

Yet, although the name suggests there are seven members of the group, there are actually only six. So there would be a spare seat in our Nissan after all. Somewhere to put the drum kit, perhaps?

The X-Trail isn’t that big! Like most full-size SUVs, when fully laden you have to make the choice between carrying seven people, or all their gear. There isn’t enough space for both at the same time.

Well, in ‘70s speak, that’s a ‘bummer’.  I’m not entirely sure about the styling either. The front end looks odd, especially those ‘eyebrow’ headlights. The rear is less than memorable too.

I’m with you on that. I’m not sure any manufacturer has quite nailed the perfect SUV yet. Even the exclusive Bentley Bentayga is an acquired taste, while our favourite BMW iX looks like an angry beaver. Nissan says it is ‘muscular and modern’!

This is the fourth generation X-Trail and it is a big step up in quality over the last model. Our Tekna version has everything, from powered tailgate to head-up instrument display. It’s a bit pricey at around £45,000, though.

Certainly posher than the last X-Trail – on the inside, at least. And this hybrid model has battery power, as well as a 1.5-litre petrol engine. e-Power is unusual in that the engine is only there to generate power for the battery pack. The wheels are driven entirely by the battery.

Is it a two or four-wheel drive – and can I plug it in at home?

Nissan offers a four-wheel drive e-4orce model but for most people, the two-wheel drive model will suffice. It is not a plug-in but watch this space because Nissan will no doubt bring technology from the all-electric Ariya to the X-Trail soon.

The best bits about the new X-Trail then are the seven seats, a much-improved interior and the economy boost?

Yes, that just about sums the Nissan up. It’s fairly unremarkable – some might say plain. But the seven-seats are a major plus and the cabin is now a nicer place to sit. Don’t expect any thrills behind the steering wheel, X-Trail is just a solid people-mover with benefits.

On the Daisy scale of dos and don’ts, do we?

Perhaps when the full electric model comes along. For now, the X-Trail just isn’t far out enough.

Explore the Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic at nissan.co.uk 

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post Nissan X-Trail 1.5 E-Power 204 Tekna Xtronic — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

The Green Lane: BMW R 1250 GS 2023 Edition

JS – I know we have seen this bike on our driveway before. What’s the story – have you actually bought a BMW?

JT – I didn’t think you paid any attention to my test motorbikes! Yes, this is the latest, 2023 model. Slightly updated from the machine we tested last year and likely to be replaced in 2024 with an even larger engine.

And is the GS still as popular as ever? It’s a big bike but I imagine that makes it great for touring?

Yes, especially with a full set of panniers. The riding position is excellent for munching miles and, with the adjustable windscreen, most of the weather is deflected around the rider. This particular bike is also the Triple Black model, with a special £830 paint job on top of the standard £14,990 price.

So, this is the ultimate, do-it-all motorbike. Doesn’t that make it a bit, well, common?

You might think so but only because it has few rivals that do everything quite so well. Honda, Ducati, Triumph and KTM are among the contenders. Most riders rather begrudgingly admit that the BMW is the benchmark in adventure bikes.

No wonder this bike dominates the sales charts.

And our particular bike also played a star turn in this year’s London Marathon. Organisers borrow a fleet of GS bikes to use for film crews. One of them almost collided with the eventual winner, as she suddenly swerved across the road at a drink station.

Crikey! The BMW really is king of the road – amazing another manufacturer hasn’t come up with a better bike. What do you like about it?

Well, despite being a big bike, the GS instils confidence and is very simple to ride. A best seller since 2004, the BMW has a high definition TFT screen that offers all manner of information. The suspension and drive mode can be adjusted automatically – even the headlight turns as you enter a corner.

Any major changes for 2023?

Well, there’s one BMW don’t shout about but it will make GS owners happy. Instead of forking out £800+ for an additional satellite navigation unit that integrates with the bike, this model has a wireless charging mount. It grips a mobile phone and allows it to be used as sat nav screen.

I note some car manufacturers are using a similar system, as we have all become so used to relying on our mobile for directions these days. Why waste money on another screen when a phone does it just as well.

Indeed, it’s simple but effective – and much cheaper. Plus, the wireless charging is much more reliable than cables on a motorbike.

Well, go on then – you haven’t asked yet?

Would you like to come for a quick spin on the pillion seat? The GS has ABS brakes too.

Nice try but the answer is still ‘no’!

EXPLORE

Discover the BMW R 1250 GS at bmwmotorcycles.com

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post BMW R 1250 GS 2023 Edition – The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

See more like this on the C&TH Cars hub

The Green Lane: Electrified GV70 Sport Line

JS – OK, so another SUV, then? I’m guessing this is an alternative to the Mercedes EQC, Audi e-tron and BMW i3X EVs?

JT – Yes, the GV70 is the third electric model from Genesis, the posh part of Hyundai. The Korean company already knows a thing or two about battery technology. In fact, Hyundai recently won World Car of the Year for the excellent Ioniq 6.

I rather like the look of the electric GV70. It is actually difficult to tell it apart from the petrol-powered model, which will be part of the appeal for some newcomers to EV ownership.

Apart from the lack of exhaust pipes, some aerodynamic wheels and a different front grille, it could be a combustion-engined model. I know that grille did cause a few problems when the Genesis first arrived on our driveway.

Indeed, I seem to remember you couldn’t find the flap to plug it into our wall charger! We both searched for some time, refusing to look in the instruction manual.

And it turned out to be a superbly hidden flap in that hexagonal-design grille. Genius, but I’m glad it didn’t happen at a public charge point.

I think the design of the GV70 will split the Great British motoring public. I’m a fan but, with prices starting at £64,000, the Genesis has some serious competition. The BMW iX3 is actually cheaper, and a more recognised brand.

I agree, but the GV70 is sillily fast, extremely refined and comes with an equally, if not better, interior. Buyers only have the choice of one ‘Sport’ trim level, but that can be supplemented with some option packs. Note: heated seats are not standard.

It certainly is quick: 0-62mph in 4.2 seconds. Twin motors give the Genesis all-wheel drive grip, and range is officially 283 miles, or more like 225 in normal driving conditions.

And, go on, I know you are itching to mention something, aren’t you?

The V2L connector! This is a neat bit of kit for happy campers, allowing them to use the GV70 to power outdoor essentials, such as a travel fridge or music system.

Even so, as comfortable and relaxed as the GV70 was to drive, I can’t help thinking that a lot of buyers will choose the Ioniq 6, or the Kia EV6 instead. They don’t pack all-wheel drive but the price difference is massive.

Good point. Both those cars also have real design flair.

Equally, if you want a car that’s a little different – and not built by one of the big three German brands – don’t ignore the Genesis.

Explore the Electrified GV70 Sport Line at genesis.com

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post Electrified GV70 Sport Line — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

Visit the C&TH Cars Hub

The Green Lane: Volvo XC90 Hybrid Recharge #2 – Review

JT – Last week I was in America, careering around in an off-road supercar across the sands of the Californian desert. The Sterrato is the craziest machine I’ve tested in years – a Lamborghini rally car.

JS – Doesn’t sound very environmentally-friendly. What’s your point?

Well, as much as I enjoy lunatic Lambos, most of the time I’m either commuting to London, or popping down to the shops to refresh the fridge. My point is, life isn’t a James Bond movie. It’s putting out the recycling bins and ferrying families.

Well, there’s not much space for that in a low-slung Lamborghini – are you saying that’s where the Volvo comes in, 007?

Precisely. We just need something reliable, roomy and relaxing on the driveway. An all-rounder – a car that ticks every box and can cope with whatever we throw at it.

You’ve just written the spec sheet for our XC90. It may not turn heads like a supercar, but it’s our go-to daily drive, our Mr Reliable.

I know the XC90 has been around for eight years or so now – and there’s the all-electric EX90 model waiting to replace it – but the XC90 still does the job. In fact, Volvo says it will continue to sell the Hybrid Recharge alongside the EX90 for some time.

In our first report on the XC90 earlier this year, I think it was the space and build quality of the Volvo that impressed us most.

Yes, and 12 weeks later, that hasn’t changed. Sure, our Twin Engine model isn’t cheap at over £83,000, but it’s also the most economical, cleanest and fastest model in the XC90 range.

And there are seven seats for when the in-laws come and visit. We haven’t used the third row much – they fold flat on the floor when not in use. But we have used the ingenious bag holder that pops out of the floor and stops our shopping flying around the boot.

Three months on, and I don’t think we have any complaints. Plus, we have been able to make most of our journeys on electric power only, as the 2023 Hybrid Recharge can manage up to 42 miles on battery juice.

It is a big SUV, though – too large for my ageing aunt to drive. What has Volvo got for her?

Tell Aunt Mina to watch this space because, in June, Volvo will reveal the fully electric EX30 for the first time – a small SUV that’s a ‘mini me’ XC90. The EX30 is also packed with a full complement of safety features and goes on sale next spring.

She does have the occasional ‘bump’ around town!

Apparently, the EX30 features all kinds of ingenious stuff, like a door opening alert that chimes if a car or cyclist is approaching from the rear. There’s also an eye-tracking camera to monitor the driver’s state of alert, with special sensors behind the steering wheel. Volvo has thought about safety at road junctions, too, with an automatic braking system to help avoid accidents.

That should keep her on the straight and narrow. Let’s hope she won’t ever need it…

The upcoming EX30

Explore the Volvo XC90 Hybrid Recharge #2 at volvocars.com 

Jessica Saunders is Director of Programmes at London College of Fashion, studying for a PhD in sustainable e-textile design.

The post Volvo XC90 Hybrid Recharge #2 — The Green Lane appeared first on Country and Town House.

Rolls-Royce: Great British Brands 2023

‘Since we handed over the very first Phantom to be built at Goodwood, at one minute past midnight on 1 January 2003, every production Rolls-Royce has been powered by a V12 petrol engine. In autumn 2022 we unveiled Spectre, the first fully electric Rolls-Royce, signifying the start of a new era – by the end of 2030, every new Rolls-Royce we build will be electric powered.

‘Spectre represents a significant milestone on a demanding but exceptionally rewarding journey. We took our first steps towards electrification more than a decade ago with our 102EX Experimental Phantom, unveiling the 103EX five years later. While futuristic, these cars also revived a longstanding Rolls-Royce tradition. Until the 1950s, our engineers adopted the “EX” designation as a codename for their experimental cars, using them to test their latest technical innovations in conditions of great secrecy, often to extreme degrees. None, however, was subjected to anything like the challenges devised for Spectre.

‘To ensure its technology and systems perform perfectly, Spectre is undergoing the most daunting testing regime in our history. By the time the first cars are delivered to customers late this year, the model will have covered 2.5 million kilometres in all climates and terrains, simulating more than 400 years of normal use.

‘The transition from internal combustion engine to electric propulsion begins as we mark the 20th anniversary of the Home of Rolls-Royce at Goodwood in January 2023. In that time, we’ve gone from making one car a day to annual sales of around six thousand, extended our product family from one model to six, grown our Goodwood team to 2,500, and transformed our brand to become a true luxury house. It is one of the great British success stories of the 21st century. It’s been an incredible journey – one we wouldn’t have missed for the world.’ Torsten Müller-Ötvös, CEO

Brand Timeline

1900

With remarkable prescience, The Hon Charles Stewart Rolls predicts that electric power will, one day, prove the perfect means of propulsion for a luxury motor car.

2008

Rolls-Royce launches the fabled Phantom Coupé, Spectre’s spiritual predecessor. It will inspire Spectre’s design, which is also influenced by art, architecture, jewellery and racing yachts.

2011

The 102EX Phantom is unveiled, fitted with a prototype electric drive, followed in 2016 by the completely autonomous 103EX – both provide invaluable experience for Spectre.

2022

Spectre is presented and garners rapturous coverage and stellar reviews around the globe. It’s the most successful media launch in Rolls-Royce history.

2023

The first production Spectres will be delivered to customers worldwide, less than five years after Rolls-Royce’s public promise to create an all-electric model within a decade.

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Spectre’s testing regime has included driving in temperatures of -40°C near the Arctic Circle in Sweden, and 55°C during the summer in southern Africa.
2. Spectre’s specially designed front grille helps make it the most aerodynamic RollsRoyce ever, with a drag coefficient of just 0.25cd.
3. The famous Spirit of Ecstasy mascot has been subtly redesigned specifically for Spectre, to make her more petite, athletic and aerodynamic.
4. Spectre’s unique Starlight internal door panels incorporate 4,796 LED ‘stars’, with a further 5,500 in the Illuminated fascia, which took over 10,000 hours to develop.
5. Spectre is the first production Rolls-Royce so named; but in the 1930s, engineers created a series of ten experimental cars, all codenamed Spectre, while developing Phantom III.

ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS LTD.

The Drive, West Hampnett, Chichester, West Sussex PO18 0SH

+44 (0)1243 525700

rolls-roycemotorcars.com

@rollsroycecars 

Visit our electric vehicles hub

The post Rolls-Royce Will Power Its Cars With Electricity by 2030 appeared first on Country and Town House.