New information has emerged about Bugatti’s anticipated luxury model, tentatively named “Royale,” suggesting a shift in the company’s design approach.
Stephan Winkelmann, president of Bugatti, confirmed that the automaker is developing an electric vehicle (EV) intended for regular use, distinguishing it from the high-performance Chiron hypercar. He emphasized that the new vehicle will not take the form of a crossover or SUV. Instead, it will likely adopt a more conventional car body style, with less emphasis on achieving the top speeds that have characterized recent Bugatti models.
“In Bugatti’s future, maximum speed does not play the leading role anymore,” Winkelmann stated in an interview with Car. “From now on, we are going to focus on the ultimate overall vehicle dynamics, lightweight design, and modern sustainable luxury.”
Described as an electric limousine, this model is expected to utilize a stretched version of the Porsche J1 (or PPE) platform, which is also the foundation for the Porsche Taycan and Audi E-Tron GT. Although both of these vehicles are sedans, the Bugatti variant might adopt a different body style, as long as it doesn’t resemble an SUV, a company spokesperson confirmed to The Drive.
While top speed is moving down the priority list, performance remains a crucial aspect. Reports suggest that the Royale will feature a tri-motor all-wheel-drive system, generating 870 horsepower. It is also likely to utilize premium materials, such as carbon fiber, to minimize weight, thereby enhancing efficiency, performance, and handling.
Bugatti plans to leverage solid-state batteries for power, known for their improved energy density, reduced weight, faster charging capabilities, and decreased degradation compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries. However, many major battery suppliers express doubts regarding the swift commercialization of this technology. Scaling solid-state batteries for electric vehicles poses challenges, with companies like Tesla’s supplier Panasonic predicting it may be a decade before this technology is available for cars.
The company intends to equip the Royale with the capability of SAE Level 4 autonomy, though The Drive has previously noted that the SAE’s classification amalgamates the distinct aspects of automation and autonomy.
As of now, Winkelmann has not yet sought approval from Volkswagen Auto Group, Bugatti’s parent company, to commence development of the Royale. If given the green light, the project could take at least four years to materialize, with an anticipated release of 2023 or later, at a projected price of approximately $794,000.
A Bugatti spokesperson clarified to The Drive that while the details provided are extensive, the vehicle remains a theoretical project that has yet to start development. Should it progress, Bugatti is inclined not to follow the current market trend towards crossovers and SUVs, opting instead to spearhead a new direction.
Before launching this electric model, Bugatti is reportedly planning several additional variants of the Chiron, including the recent one-off La Voiture Noire, which sold for $18 million, and last year’s Chiron-derived Divo.
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