Discounts on the Six Figure Rolls-Royce Spectre prompt the inquiry: Why are affluent consumers shying away from electric vehicles? | Carscoops

      Ultra luxury electric vehicles (EVs) should be an easy success, yet affluent buyers are showing hesitancy that points to deeper uncertainties regarding electrified luxury.

      Electric vehicle platforms appear perfectly suited for ultra-luxury brands like Rolls Royce in today's market.

      However, wealthy consumers seem reluctant to fully adopt these EVs.

      Two certified Spectres are currently offered at significant six-figure discounts at a dealership.

      Electric propulsion should ideally complement ultra-luxury driving experiences. On paper, nothing aligns better with a Rolls-Royce, Bentley, or Maybach than silent operation and powerful acceleration.

      These brands are founded on qualities such as tranquility, presence, and smooth power delivery, characteristics that electric vehicles can potentially offer better than any V12 engine. In theory, this should mark a prosperous time for the luxury segment.

      Review: The Rolls-Royce Spectre Is Currently the Pinnacle of EVs

      Affluent owners typically don't concern themselves with range limitations, seldom take long road trips, and usually have several cars (along with dedicated home charging) to utilize. So, why is the initial wave of ultra-luxury EVs making a lackluster entry into the used market?

      A prominent example is the Rolls-Royce Spectre. It is stylish, impeccably constructed, and quieter than virtually everything else in their offerings. Yet, resale prices are plummeting faster than its 0 to 60 acceleration.

      Are Wealthy Buyers Hesitant?

      For instance, a Spectre listed on Bring a Trailer early last year had only 99 miles on the clock and featured the attractive “Launch Package” edition but did not meet its reserve with a highest bid of $451,000, despite an MSRP of $521,650.

      This week, we also noticed two certified pre-owned, low-mileage Spectres at a Rolls-Royce Boston dealership, both priced with significant six-figure discounts off their original MSRP.

      These two Spectres from Herb Chambers had a total original price of $1,064,725. The lower-mileage model, with just over 2,100 miles, is now listed for $385,575, which is $136,000 less than its original MSRP of $521,575.

      The other Spectre, having only 3,822 miles, is offered for $385,150, marking a substantial reduction of $158,000 from its initial MSRP of $543,150 about a year ago. This amount could purchase a brand-new Porsche 911 Carrera T ($143,700) with funds remaining for another purchase.

      This leads us back to the overarching question: Why are affluent buyers avoiding ultra-luxury EVs like the Spectre? Is it rooted in tradition and a preference for classic internal combustion engines like a powerful V12?

      Is infrastructure concern still relevant even at the luxury level? Or perhaps some buyers haven’t experienced these vehicles sufficiently (or at all) to appreciate how enjoyable they can be. We’re interested in your thoughts. Share your opinion in the comments below.

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