Rolls-Royce is building a luxury EV to rival the Bentley Barnato and Porsche Cayenne, and I think there is no doubt this vehicle can do it. And there is no doubt it will be more expensive.
A photographer at AutoNotion recently caught this new Rolls-Royce driving around in camouflage, and it’s no doubt tied to the patent that BMW AG filed back in 2024. Two years ago, BMW AG filed a patent application with the WIPO for a two-piece hood for a Rolls-Royce. This was a classic hood design Rolls-Royce used in the early 1900s, with a two-segment hood that needed a fastening solution in the middle. The drawing from the patent shows this two-segment hood on top of a model that looks similar to a Phantom, Ghost, or Spectre. Rolls-Royce hasn’t used this split hood feature since the Phantom VI, which was discontinued in 1990. This was a very limited model: only 400 exist despite being made for over two decades.
While the two-piece hood was common in the 1940s because it was a necessity for these long-nosed vehicles to access their V16 engines, it’s now just a fashion statement. Vehicles with center-hinged hoods are basically just a way to say: “Yes, my car is expensive.” But it ensures you can announce that in a much more classy way.
America is losing interest in luxury EVs, but Rolls-Royce has nothing to worry about
Aside from this two-piece hood design, not much is known about this particular Rolls-Royce. But we can easily assume that it’ll be very, very luxurious. And very, very expensive.
While the camouflage has obscured some details, we can see that the vehicle’s high roof, A-pillars, and square body are quite similar to those of the gas-powered Cullinan SUV. However, this one features BMW’s latest electric platform, including its sixth-generation motor and battery that have been seen on the Neue Klasse iX3. Its range and efficiency are unknown for now, but I’m not sure buyers are even interested in them.
Despite having a slightly lower stance than Rolls-Royce’s other SUVs, we expect it to carry over many features similar to those of a Rolls-Royce: tons of interior space with luxury details and a smooth, comfortable ride. Unfortunately, we don’t know any specifics.
Production is expected to begin in early 2027, but this hasn’t been confirmed either. The possible price range is $400,000 to $450,000, maybe even more. While customers paying this much are going to expect pretty good power and range, this is probably not the main selling point. Most people buy a Rolls-Royce to get a one-of-a-kind, customized vehicle that no one else has. Said one enthusiast: “Rolls-Royce will customize their cars for the owners and knows the owner wants comfort and luxury over anything else. It’s an office, a lounge, a bar, or anything else the owner wants out of it. Even their sportier models focus on comfort.”
Going by this standard, the Rolls-Royce will most definitely have its competition beat. The 2028 Bentley Barnato (if the name sticks) will be much smaller and is expected to cost $250,000 to $300,000. However, not much else is known about this luxury EV either. While the luxury EV segment is starting to falter in the United States, this upcoming Rolls-Royce and other extreme luxury options are beyond that segment and in an entirely different bracket. These exclusive models will likely sell well despite average Americans struggling to afford even a $50,000 car. Regular people have stopped buying cars, but that hasn’t changed the buying habits of the ultra-rich who want their two-piece hood Rolls-Royce.
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