A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Historical comparison
Every selected record is historical. Verified South African specifications and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
Rolls-Royce Black Badge Wraith
Discontinued model
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Discontinued model
2026
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
Spectre has a slight advantage, but Black Badge Wraith remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
Spectre
+3 pts
Efficiency
Spectre
+59 pts
Safety
Spectre
+17 pts
Practicality
Black Badge Wraith
+2 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
Black Badge Wraith
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Less comprehensive safety features
Best suited to:Family Usage
🏆 Overall Winner
Spectre
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Stronger safety package
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Which One's Right for You?
Black Badge Wraith
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Spectre
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Families prioritising stronger safety equipment
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Model Introduced Year
2017
2024
Generation
Wraith Black Badge launch configuration; the World technical sheet was created in May 2016 and the derivative was launched in South Africa in early 2017.
Original Spectre (RR25), the first series-production fully electric Rolls-Royce
Facelift History
Black Badge was a distinct Wraith derivative, not a Wraith facelift; this profile keeps its launch specification separate from later revised figures.
Original South African-market Spectre; succeeded in the Johannesburg range by Spectre Series II in 2026
Facelift Launched Since
2017
Original South African version
Facelift Version Ending
2023
2026
Body Style
Coupe
Coupe
Model Year
2017
2024-2026
Production Status
discontinued
discontinued
Segment
Ultra-luxury performance grand tourer
Ultra-luxury electric super coupe
Vehicle Type
Passenger car
Battery-electric passenger car
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Drivetrain Layout
Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Front and rear electric motors
Transfer Case
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Paddle Shifters
No
Not Applicable
Gearbox
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Single-speed reduction gear
Final Drive Ratio
2.813
8.77:1 front / 8.77:1 rear
Number of Gears
8
1
Transmission Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Automatic single-speed
Clutch Type
Torque converter
Not Applicable
Drivetrain
RWD
Full-time all-wheel drive
4WD Engagement
Not Applicable
Full-time
4WD Hi Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Lo Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
4WD Selector
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Automatic Shift Paddles
No
Not Applicable
Front Differential Lock
Not Applicable
Not confirmed
Gearbox Type
8-speed automatic / 8HP95
Single-speed reduction gear
Low Range Ratio
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Low Range
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Axle Layout
Two axles
Front- and rear-axle electric motor arrangement
Transmission Speeds
8
1
Gear Shift Type
Electronically controlled automatic; no shift paddles
Column-mounted selector
Gear Shift Indicator
Not confirmed
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Claimed Mileage
6.85 km/l
Not Applicable
City Mileage
4.50 km/l
Not Applicable
Highway Mileage
9.90 km/l
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
Not Applicable
Emission Standard
EU5
Not Applicable
AdBlue Tank Capacity
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Auto Start Stop
No automatic engine stop/start
Not Applicable
Average Fuel Consumption
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Claimed Fuel Consumption
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Fuel Efficiency
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Charging Port Type
Not Applicable
Type 2 AC (South Africa)
Charging Type
Not Applicable
AC and DC
Combined Consumption
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Combined Consumption L 100km
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Fuel Economy Combined
14.6 l/100km
Not Applicable
Fuel Tank Litres
82
Not Applicable
Combined Driving Range
561.64 km (calculated theoretical)
Not Applicable
Electric Consumption
Not Applicable
22.2-23.6 kWh/100 km WLTP
Real-world Mileage
6.85 km/l
Not Applicable
Range Real World Highway
Not confirmed
338 km
Range Real World Mixed
Not confirmed
459 km
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Airbags
6
8
ABS
Standard
Standard
Electronic Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Standard
Traction Control
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Child Safety Lock
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
ISOFIX Mounts
ISOFIX child-seat preparation
Rear ISOFIX child-seat anchorages
Brake Assist
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Standard
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Engine immobiliser
Standard
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Driver and front passenger
Front Parking Sensors
Front Park Distance Control
Standard
BA
Dynamic Brake Control
Standard
Curtain Airbags
Head-protection airbags
Standard
Driver Airbag
Standard
Standard
EBD
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Standard
Engine Immobiliser
Standard
Standard
Hill Hold
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Standard
Passenger Airbag
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Front and rear
Front and rear pretensioners; force limiters on the front positions
Side Airbags
Front-seat side airbags
Standard
TCS
Dynamic Traction Control
Standard
Knee Airbag
Standard
Standard
ABS EBD
Standard
Standard
Seatbelt Reminder
Front seat-belt warning sensor
Driver and front passenger
Stability Control
Dynamic Stability Control (ESP)
Standard
Hill Descent Control
Not confirmed
Standard
Hill Start Assist
Standard; electric parking brake with automatic hold
Standard
AEB
Not confirmed
Standard
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Optional
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Adaptive Cruise Control
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Standard
Lane Departure Warning
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Active Lane Centring
Blind Spot Monitoring
Available
Optional
Parking Sensors
Front and rear Park Distance Control
Front and rear
Rear View Camera
Rear-view camera
Standard
360 Degree Camera
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Standard
Auto Highbeam
High-beam assistance
Standard
Auto Wipers
Rain-sensing variable-speed wipers
Standard
Rear Parking Sensors
Rear Park Distance Control
Standard
Reverse Camera
Rear-view camera
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control
Available Active Cruise Control with stop-and-go
Standard
Park Assist
Front and rear parking sensors
Standard
Around View Monitor
Available front, side, rear and top-view camera system
Standard
Blind Spot Warning
Available
Optional
Lane Keep Assist
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Active Lane Centring
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Not confirmed
Optional
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Not confirmed
Standard
Driver Fatigue Alert
Not confirmed
Standard
Traffic Sign Recognition
Not confirmed
Speed Limit Information
Forward Collision Warning
Not confirmed
Standard
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Seat Material
Leather
Leather
Heated Seats
Heated front seats
Front heating standard; rear heating optional
Ventilated Seats
Available; documented on a South African-market example
Available
Ambient Lighting
Black Starlight Headliner
Bespoke Starlight Doors and Illuminated Fascia available
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
60 40 Split Seat
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Driver Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Power adjustable with memory
Passenger Seat Adjustment
Electric front seat with memory and massage
Power adjustable with memory
Seat Trim
Black Badge contrast leather
Leather
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Climate Control
Automatic four-zone climate control
Standard
Power Windows
Two one-touch power windows
Power front windows
Keyless Entry
Comfort Entry keyless access
Standard
Push Button Start
Push-button start
Standard
Electric Tailgate
Power opening and closing luggage-compartment lid
Power-operated bootlid
Rain Sensing Wipers
Standard
Standard
AC Type
Automatic four-zone climate control
Standard
Wireless Charging
Not confirmed
Standard
Sunroof
Not confirmed
No — fixed conventional roof only
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Length
5285 mm
5490 mm
Width
1947 mm
2015 mm
Height
1507 mm
1575 mm
Wheelbase
3112 mm
3210 mm
Doors
2 doors
2 doors
Front Headroom
1002 mm
1006 mm
Payload Capacity
370 kg
510 kg
Fuel Tank Capacity
82 l
0 l
Kerb Weight
2440 kg
2890 kg
Towing Capacity
0 kg
0 kg
Rear Headroom
941 mm
940 mm
Front Legroom
1054 mm
1059 mm
Rear Legroom
937 mm
Not confirmed
Ground Clearance (Default)
149 mm
146 mm
Ground Clearance (With Full Seating Load)
149 mm
Not confirmed
Boot/Cargo Space
470 l
380 l
Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW)
2810 kg
3400 kg
Seating Capacity
4 seats
4 seats
Number of Rows
2 rows
2 rows
Minimum Turning Radius
6.35 m
6.35 m
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Engine
6.592-litre twin-turbo V12
Dual separately excited synchronous electric motors
Cylinders
12
Not Applicable
Valves
48
Not Applicable
Fuel System
Direct Injection
Not Applicable
Compression Ratio
10.0:1
Not Applicable
Drive Type
RWD
AWD
Top Speed
250 km/h
250 km/h
Engine Code
N74B66A
Not Applicable
Cylinder Layout
V
Not Applicable
Aspiration
Twin Turbocharged
Not Applicable
Bore
89 mm
Not Applicable
Stroke
88.3 mm
Not Applicable
Drive Modes
Low
Not Officially Disclosed
Valves per Cylinder
4
Not Applicable
Launch Control
Not Officially Disclosed
Not Officially Disclosed
Engine Displacement
6592 cc
Not Applicable
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic
Single-Speed Reduction Gear
0-100 km/h
4.5 sec
4.5 sec
Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
105.7 kWh
DC Charging Power
Not Applicable
195 kW
Fuel Type
Petrol
Electric
Maximum Power
465 kW @ 5600 rpm
430 kW
Maximum Torque
870 Nm @ 1700-4500 rpm
900 Nm
Motor Type
Not Applicable
Separately Excited Synchronous
Regenerative Braking
Not Applicable
Yes
Hybrid System
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Power
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Combined Torque
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Number of Motors
Not Applicable
2
Motor Location
Not Applicable
Front + Rear
Quarter Mile
Not Officially Disclosed
12.0 sec
Rev Limiter
6000 rpm
Not Applicable
Power-to-Weight Ratio
190.6 kW/tonne
148.8 kW/tonne
Torque-to-Weight Ratio
356.6 Nm/tonne
311.4 Nm/tonne
Usable Battery Capacity
Not Applicable
102 kWh
Battery Type
Not Applicable
NCA
Battery Voltage
Not Applicable
376.4 V
Electric Range
Not Applicable
530 km (WLTP combined)
AC Charging Power
Not Applicable
22 kW
AC Charging Time
Not Applicable
5 h 30 min
DC Charging Time
Not Applicable
34 min (10-80%)
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Bluetooth Connectivity
Hands-free calling and audio streaming
Standard
Number of Speakers
16
16
Digital Instrument Cluster
No – analogue dials with Power Reserve gauge
SPIRIT digital architecture with configurable instrument-dial colour
Infotainment System
Navigation and media interface with Spirit of Ecstasy Rotary Controller and touchpad
SPIRIT digital architecture with Whispers app integration
Infotainment Screen
10.25-inch high-definition display
10.25-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display
Touchscreen
10.25-inch high-definition display
10.25-inch central touchscreen and 12.3-inch digital instrument display
USB Ports
USB audio connections in the centre console and glovebox
USB Type-C ports
Apple CarPlay
Not confirmed
Supported
Android Auto
Not confirmed
Supported
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
LED Headlamps
Standard
Standard
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
Standard
Roof Rails
No; vehicle not approved for roof loads
Not Applicable
Headlights
Standard
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof
Optional fixed glass roof
No — fixed conventional roof only
Exterior Colour Options
Bespoke exterior colour commissioning; not restricted to black
Tyre mobility kit with sealant and inflator; no spare wheel
Wheel Rim Size
Front 8.5 x 21; rear 9.5 x 21
22-inch base fitment; 23-inch wheels available
Handbrake Type
Electromechanical parking brake acting on the rear wheels
Electromechanical parking brake
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Front Suspension
Black Badge-tuned double-wishbone pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Double-wishbone air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Rear Suspension
Black Badge-tuned multi-link pneumatic suspension with self-levelling air springs and continuous electronic damping
Multi-link air suspension with electronically controlled dampers
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
CO2 Emissions
333 g/km
0 g/km
Fuel Octane Requirement
Designed for 95 RON; minimum 91 RON
Not Applicable
Spec
Black Badge Wraith
Spectre
Ownership Role
Historical South African Black Badge derivative revealed locally in early 2017 and supported by a 2018 Provenance record; the March 2022 global Wraith order-book closure is an outer bound, not proof of the exact South African withdrawal year, while production ended in 2023.
Historical South African new-vehicle derivative; no verified local historical list price was published
🏆Rolls-Royce Spectre
wins with 80 pts
vs 66 pts for Black Badge Wraith
In structured scoring, Spectre emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Black Badge Wraith may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the Spectre edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: Black Badge Wraith 31 vs Spectre 90. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: Black Badge Wraith 82, Spectre 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: Black Badge Wraith 44, Spectre 44. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: Black Badge Wraith 57, Spectre 55. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: Black Badge Wraith 97, Spectre 100. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The Spectre edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The Spectre scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between Black Badge Wraith and Spectre in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: Black Badge Wraith scores 97 vs 100.
Efficiency: Black Badge Wraith scores 31 vs 90.
Safety: Black Badge Wraith scores 82 vs 99.
Practicality: Black Badge Wraith scores 57 vs 55.
Ownership: Black Badge Wraith scores 44 vs 44.
Final structured scoring gives Spectre
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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