23:43 01-01-2026

Rolls-Royce considers a flagship electric SUV for 2026

Rolls-Royce is weighing a flagship electric SUV for 2026, building on Cullinan’s success and Spectre’s EV reception, using BMW tech for range and space.

Rolls-Royce is weighing an expansion of its electric lineup with a focus on an SUV format. The marque had previously signaled a full shift to electric by 2030, but in recent years BMW Group’s messaging has become more flexible, shaped by market conditions and regulation.

The case for an electric SUV largely stems from the Cullinan’s success. It has become the default choice for buyers who want one car for city life, long-distance travel, and tougher roads. In practice, SUVs now underpin Rolls-Royce demand. Against that backdrop, pursuing an EV in the same mold feels less like a gamble and more like a continuation of what already works.

The Spectre electric coupe, unveiled earlier, has shown the brand’s audience is ready for battery power. The lack of engine noise and the smooth, uninterrupted pull align with owner expectations, and early interest indicated that buyers were not resisting the shift to EVs.

Industry analysts note that a clean-sheet electric SUV platform would unlock packaging freedom: a flat floor, more rear-seat space, and a more practical luggage area. Tapping into BMW Group’s latest EV technology could also deliver substantial range—though for Rolls-Royce clients, that figure is not the decisive factor.

There is no official confirmation yet, but an electric SUV is being considered as the logical next step in the brand’s strategy and a potential bellwether among flagship SUVs in 2026.