A vision for Rolls‑Royce's next 100 years

So what is it? In Rolls-Royce’s words: “An intriguing and aesthetically dynamic vision of the future of luxury mobility  – a completely personal, effortless and autonomous Rolls-Royce experience, wrapped in a design that ensures a ‘Grand Sanctuary’ for its occupants, and a ‘Grand Arrival’.”

Very Rolls-Royce aims then for certainly the most unlikely Rolls-Royce ever, a car  breathtaking in its revolutionary approach but also unmistakable as a Rolls-Royce for its undoubted  elegance, poise and craftsmanship – and also of course for its Pantheon grille and Spirit of Ecstasy mascot.

Current R-R owners – some of whom were asked what they expected in their luxury car of the future as part of the concept’s development – should feel at home here, right down to the umbrella concealed inside the door! The car even comes with its own chauffeur. She’s called Eleanor…

What it is not, is a concept for next year’s new model. Vision Next 100 is rather a “pure vision” vehicle, Rolls-Royce’s first, that forms part of a series of concepts from BMW group marques to celebrate the parent’s centenary, which climaxes in the UK at Goodwood next weekend at the Festival of Speed.

As big as a Phantom, 103EX looks forward to a luxury car of the next 100 years that drives itself, has a zero emissions powertrain and uses advanced materials, as well as more traditional materials such as the silk with which the “sofa” is trimmed and the Macassar wood panelling. 103EX also reaches back to the glory days of coachbuilding by offering  buyers undreamed-of opportunities to bespoke their cars – right down to choosing their own body design. In Rolls-Royce’s future world, every new model will be a “bespoke masterpiece”.

Because it drives itself the dashboard and steering wheel are superfluous and the “sanctuary” inside is, in R-R’s words, “effortlessly elegant”, as well as massively spacious without someone behind the wheel. So who does the driving? Goodbye to the chap in a peaked cap, hello Eleanor.

When sculptor Charles Sykes came up with the the Spirit of Ecstasy in 1911, he modelled the mascot on Eleanor Thornton, and “Eleanor” has silently guided every Rolls-Royce since. Now “the voice of Eleanor” is taking a more active role in things, digitally connected to every aspect of her owners’ lives and the car’s surrounding environment.

“Eleanor becomes the owner’s virtual assistant and chauffeur, freeing them of all effort and encumbrance,” says R-R. “She ‘brings’ the car around when her passengers are ready to travel and safely delivers them to their destination, having already predicted the situation and surroundings that await them.” You can see, and hear, more about Eleanor and the 103 EX here:

Last word goes to Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Rolls-Royce’s chief executive officer: “Today, Rolls-Royce has defined the future of luxury mobility. The grand arrival of the Vision Next 100 boldly points to a bright future for our marque where our patrons’ individual demands for complete and authentic personalisation will be met through an exquisite fusion of technology, design and hallmark Rolls-Royce craftsmanship.”