The Rolls-Royce 103EX Concept makes a powerful statement on the future of automotive technology and luxurious traveling.
Officially called the Vision Next 100 Concept, the Rolls-Royce 103EX is the first and, to this day, the only full-electric vehicle produced by the BMW-owned brand.
Showcased for the first time in 2016 at London's Roundhouse, this two-seater EV was designed to pay homage to BMW Group's 100 years anniversary. The Vision Next quickly captivated fans with its new, aerodynamic body and two motors that harmonized to produce a staggering 671 horsepower. Following its initial release, the EV appeared at so many media events around the world, before returning home to Goodwood, where it is kept today.
Even though it won’t be in production anytime soon, the Rolls-Royce 103EX is among the most anticipated luxury cars of the future. We’ll be taking a glance at what inspired this beautiful piece of automobile architecture, from its eye-catching exterior design, its robust motors, and its luxury interior. Here’s are the coolest features of the Rolls-Royce 103EX and why it deserves to be on your shortlist.
Exterior Boasts Futuristic Styling And A Special Feature
The first thing you’ll notice is that the 103EX is enormous, which is nothing short of impressive. It seems that Rolls-Royce has taken the “go big or go home” route, and we’re loving it. Measuring up to 19.4 feet long, the Royce-Rolls 103EX has got to be one of the longest EVs we’ve seen so far.
But wait, this autonomous EV isn’t just extreme in scale, but it’s also got an entirely new styling – a style that gives us a hint of what the future of driving will be. And considering that Rolls-Royce made this EV in 2016, we’re truly stunned. Even in 2021 – roughly 5 years later – the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 Concept still looks too futuristic to become a mass-produced luxury car. But enough with the banter.
The Rolls-Royce 103EX’s exterior design features an incredibly long front end, complemented by the illuminated crystal “spirit of ecstasy” at the top of the large, silver-plated grille. The absence of a protruding front bumper makes this design oddly interesting. The entire exterior is covered in eye-catching glass panels – one reason we think the 103EX won’t be the affordable kind. Something else we can’t stop looking at is the wheels. These blend extremely well into the design for an overall bold appearance. Thanks to their half-concealed nature, you won’t see much of the wheels, which is really the point here. But you’ll only see a tiny part of the front wheels as they turn. And yes, they do turn.
Its fenders blend in with the hood at the top, with the front part of the fender extending to reach the grille breadth. The best exterior design feature is its rear-hinged door, which opens all the way upward, allowing you to stand up before you exit, or stand upright in the cabin before you take a seat.
The Rolls-Royce 103EX Packs Strong Motors
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The all-electric 103EX is propelled by two motors: one that drives the front wheels and the other that drives the rears, for a combined 671 horsepower. This may leave you wondering what’s underneath the hood. Well, that space acts as a perch where the custom luggage pops in from the storage compartments behind the front wheel.
The Interior Offers Luxury That’s Second To None
The exterior design is complemented by an even sleeker interior. The entire inside of the Rolls-Royce 103EX is unique, and either padded in leather, real wood, silk, as well as other high-quality equivalents that showcase comfort, luxury, and tech in the far future. You’ll love sitting in the two-seat lounge chair – or basically a couch for the Rolls-Royce – and resting your feet on the handwoven silk carpet. Mounted below the car’s waistline is a full-width entertainment screen with a super-crisp display and user-friendly controls.
The Rolls-Royce 103EX Houses The Most-Advanced Artificial Intelligence System
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One of the most outstanding features of the concept is Eleanor, the car’s chauffeur, and virtual assistant. Thanks to this advanced AI system, you can then relax on the couch while she handles all mobility functions, such as the traffic, weather, and commuting inconveniences. And get this, the system can also save your schedules for you, and remind you when you’re running late for an appointment.
And this is no ordinary AI system, as she is programmed to learn about your interests and needs, so as to serve you better. According to the brand, a steering wheel and instruments in this case would be “completely superfluous”. Now, that’s something to look forward to.