Experienced by Kimatni D. Rawlins 

As you know, the Black Badge label is the epitome of Rolls-Royce’s most quintessential expressions and capabilities. When aptly applied to a Ghost, Phantom, Cullinan, or the all-electric Spectre, the imprint rises to the upper echelon of Bespoke design techniques, engineering enhancements, and exquisite materials such as Black Badge Technical Carbon.

Rolls-Royce says that Black Badge is the company’s formidable alter ego and specifically created for clients who fearlessly reject convention. Nonetheless, a few media guests and I had no clue that the PR team would allow us to take a squadron of six Black Badges to a closed course outside Las Vegas to replicate typhoons in the desert, using the vehicles’ extreme power and our own drifting skills. Moreover, we traveled off-road with no qualms to get to the lake bed. The experience was mind-boggling!

To explore the expansive, barren land, my drive partner Ken Panton and I selected a Black Badge Cullinan Series II, beautifully themed with a Morganite-painted exterior, unique Black Badge coachwork, and a gorgeous Black and Grace White interior. Power from the 6.75L V12 Twin-Turbocharged engine increased to 600-horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque. The Cullinan features Rolls-Royce AWD and 4-wheel steering to help maneuver the stately SUV and its upgraded Black Badge 23-inch wheels efficiently. Yet, when I discovered the “OFF-ROAD + DSC OFF” mode, it was time to put the big-body in a spin cycle and ceremoniously create land typhoons while drifting through the smokescreen. Afterwards, I could only think about how Rolls-Royce was going to have these bad boys detailed.

Inside the $553,850 Cullinan’s posh cabin, aficionados will find a carbon-fiber finish that brings the vehicle to life, while the Starlight Headliner shines throughout. Enhanced staples include a clock cabinet case that incorporates a miniature Black Badge Spirit of Ecstasy ornament, new Duality Twill seating featuring 2.2-million stitches and up to 11 miles of thread, and an impressive 18-speaker Bespoke Audio system.

Absolutely stunning, there is nothing subtle about a Rolls-Royce. And now, the Black Badge moniker elevates each model with unique rims, a tauter suspension, quicker steering response, and increased power. Launched initially on Wraith and Ghost, the lineup has expanded for the coveted marque. Note that a Black Badge is not always finished in black, and a Phantom will never be conceived as a Black Badge since it’s the halo and doesn’t require the ancillary augmentations.

On the other end of the spectrum, even the $563,950 Black Badge Spectre and its electric steeds performed miraculously out there. A Spectre is defined as a ghost, phantom, or apparition. It moves in silence and is free from reality. The Black Badge Spectre is Rolls-Royce’s most powerful model, effortlessly delivering 659-horsepower and 792 lb-ft of torque. The uber-athletic, bespoke heir to the EV luxury throne is beyond beautiful, with compelling capabilities to highlight a 21st-century drive experience. On set, the Black Badge Spectre’s illuminated Pantheon Grille gleamed brilliantly through the open terrain while accelerating at top speeds. Now don’t get me wrong, the uneven and soiled atmosphere is not an environment I would expect wealthy owners to put their Rolls-Royces through, but it’s cool knowing what the hand-built British machines can accomplish.

Goodwood’s ornate collection of Rolls-Royce Black Badges accounts for approximately 20% of the company’s sales. Thus, the Rolls-Royce customer does not view money as an object and expects limitless possibilities as solutions to their requests. I can’t wait for the next Black Badge adventure.