Upcoming Rolls-Royce Electric SUV Spotted with Unique Split Hood Storage Solution

Rolls-Royce is currently testing its second all-electric model, an ultra-luxury SUV expected to debut by late 2026 or early 2027. Recent spy shots have revealed a standout feature that car experts are calling a “charming trick.” This new SUV revives a vintage design element for the electric age: a split-opening bonnet that opens like a pair of doors, rather than a single piece.

Unlike standard electric vehicles that have a single-piece front trunk, this Rolls-Royce SUV features a centre-hinged bonnet inspired by pre-war motor cars from the 1920s and 1930s. The bonnet is split into two longitudinal halves that lift upward toward a central spine. When opened, this fancy mechanism reveals a bespoke storage compartment designed for custom luggage sets or charging cables.

In a traditional Rolls-Royce, you would find a massive V12 engine under the bonnet. But in this electric SUV, there is no engine, so they have used the space for stylish storage. The mechanism is expected to be voice-activated, so you can simply say a command and the bonnet will open. The central spine will also feature a retractable Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, which is the famous flying lady statue that sits on every Rolls-Royce.

The new SUV is positioned as an electric companion, and eventual successor, to the Cullinan, which is Rolls-Royce’s first SUV. The Cullinan has a very tall, boxy shape. This new electric SUV, however, is lower and sleeker, with a stretched, almost wagon-like silhouette.

Despite the lower stance, it is expected to exceed 5.3 metres in length, which is even longer than the Cullinan. The car will likely share its architecture with the Spectre, which is Rolls-Royce’s first electric car, and future BMW “Neue Klasse” models. The platform is called the Architecture of Luxury, which is an all-aluminium space frame that is very rigid and lightweight.

Under the skin, the SUV will have a twin-motor all-wheel drive system. The expected power output is between 500 and 600 horsepower, with a Black Badge performance variant expected to exceed 650 horsepower. The battery pack will be over 100 kWh, giving a range of between 300 and 400 miles, which is about 480 to 640 kilometres. Some reports suggest a range of up to 800 kilometres.

The design will include vertically stacked split-headlights, signature vertical LED tail lamps, and the iconic rear-hinged coach doors, sometimes called suicide doors. The front grille will be a reimagined, fully enclosed Pantheon-style grille, as there is no engine to cool. The grille will also be packed with cameras and sensors for the car’s advanced driver assistance systems.

The expected starting price for this new flagship is estimated to be between $410,000 and $450,000, which is roughly ₹3.5 to ₹4 crore. It will be one of the most expensive electric SUVs on the market.

If you are thinking of waiting for this Rolls-Royce electric SUV, you should do so if you are a collector or ultra-wealthy buyer who wants the most exclusive and luxurious electric SUV available. You should also consider it if you love unique engineering features like the split-opening bonnet and voice-activated storage, or if you want the prestige of the Rolls-Royce brand combined with modern electric performance. However, you will need a budget of at least ₹3.5 crore and the patience to wait until late 2026 or early 2027 for the official debut.

You should consider other ultra-luxury EVs now if you need an electric SUV immediately. Options include the Rolls-Royce Spectre, which is a coupe, or the upcoming Bentley electric SUV, which is expected to arrive in the same time frame.