Prototypes captured in testing reveal a butterfly opening mechanism inspired by the Boat Tail — and suggest a power exceeding 600 horsepower under the aluminum bodywork.
When Rolls-Royce decides to do something, it does it in a way that no one else will. The latest prototype of the British brand's future all-electric SUV — still without an official name — has been captured in testing with a feature that would hardly go unnoticed: the front hood opens in the middle, in a butterfly movement that evokes the sliding decks of large racing yachts.
The inspiration comes from the Boat Tail, the handcrafted body creation whose speculated price in 2021 was around 28 million dollars — and whose rear deck splits into two articulated panels at the center with the touch of a button.
The new electric SUV applies exactly the same principle, but at the front of the vehicle: two panels of the frunk — the front storage compartment typical of electric vehicles — open electrically in opposite directions, articulated at the center. The practical utility of this space remains open: it could accommodate a charging cable and the respective adapter, or Rolls-Royce may choose to hide these accessories in the rear trunk, given the size of the vehicle.
The design patent for this mechanism was filed by BMW — the parent company of Rolls-Royce — in May 2024, with various international intellectual property organizations. The technical drawings revealed at the time clearly align with the current visual language of the brand, including obvious similarities with the Cullinan.
Exterior and technology
The prototypes are still circulating with camouflage, but they already allow for the identification of rectangular front headlights positioned immediately below thin strips of daytime running lights, as well as an upright front grille and a lower air intake with markedly angular geometry. The Spirit of Ecstasy, the iconic hood ornament of the brand, is hidden — as is customary in pre-series prototypes. In profile, the resemblance to the Cullinan is undeniable, although the ground clearance and the front and rear overhangs present slightly different proportions.
The interior remains to be revealed. The most likely hypothesis is that Rolls-Royce will adapt BMW's Panoramic iDrive system for this context, potentially with a greater presence of physical controls than those offered by the iX3 — after all, Goodwood's clients do not easily forgo the tangibility of the finishes.
Estimated performance
Estimated power
600+
horsepower (hp)
Platform
Neue Klasse
BMW electric architecture
Traction
All-wheel drive
Two electric motors
BMW reference
463 hp
iX3 50 xDrive (Neue Klasse)
Under the aluminum body, the electric mechanics derived from BMW's Neue Klasse platform seems assured. Rolls-Royce is expected to use at least two electric motors — one per axle — in an evolution of its own Luxury Architecture enhanced with Neue Klasse components. For reference, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, which already uses this base, develops 463 horsepower and 645 Nm of torque. The British SUV is expected to comfortably exceed 600 horsepower.
The torque will, in fact, be one of the central arguments of this model: Rolls-Royce built its reputation precisely on delivering driving force smoothly, quietly, and available at any speed. Electric propulsion is, in this sense, a natural evolution — and not a concession. It is also important to emphasize that this new model will not replace the Cullinan, which is expected to continue in production and be updated throughout the 2030s.