When BMW celebrated its 100th anniversary, the Bavarian Group wanted to mark the occasion by unveiling futuristic concepts. Thus, we got Vision concepts from all three brands: BMW, MINI and Rolls-Royce. Each of them were meant to provide some insight into the automotive future of the brand. The Goodwood-based concept was dubbed Rolls-Royce 103EX.
Unveiled in 2016, the Rolls-Royce 103EX has set off since in a worldwide tour, but last week, the 103EX finally returned home after almost four years on the road. Rolls-Royce marked the occasion with a few photos of what is truly an interesting take on how luxury cars will evolve over the next few decades. The Rolls-Royce brand couldn’t distance itself from what seems inevitable in the future: complete autonomy for cars. In this regard, compared to the BMW brand for example, autonomous vehicles make a lot more sense with the Spirit of Ecstasy on top of the Pantheon grille.
Torsten Müller-Ötvös, Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, said:
“We are delighted to welcome 103EX home to Goodwood. After almost four years on international duties, we felt it was time for the experimental model to return home. It is a chance for those who worked on the project to relive some great memories, and for people who have joined us more recently to discover one of the most important cars we have ever built.”
“As our first fully autonomous electric vehicle, 103EX was a huge statement of intent. In its technical innovation, it showed unequivocally that Rolls-Royce regards electric power as the future of automotive propulsion. It also demonstrated our radical vision of effortless, autonomous, connected, spacious and beautiful luxury mobility, with each car as individual as the customer themselves,” Müller-Ötvös added.
So what the luxury brand has done with the Rolls-Royce 103EX was to really personalize the ride and taking out the human component, yet the result is the same – getting to your destination in style and effortless. The stunning exterior, with an elegant clam shell canopy and coach door, allows passengers simply to stand up and step out of the vehicle, ensuring they are the picture of refinement and taste wherever they arrive.
Picking up on its coach building heritage, Rolls-Royce has developed the “Personal Vision” which will deliver unique coach built bodies, exquisite hand craftsmanship and the finest materials, all on a zero emissions platform.
It’s also interesting that, currently, most Rolls-Royce motor cars are autonomous as in they have a chauffeur behind the wheel, requiring no effort from the owner whatsoever. Will that still be the case in the future? Remains to be seen.
