Rolls-Royce has unveiled the spectacular Vision Next 100 – a super luxurious concept car conceived to preview styling, packaging and engineering ideas being pursued by the famed British car maker as part of celebrations surrounding the centenary of its parent company, BMW.

The futuristically styled Rolls-Royce 103EX is based around a lightweight carbon fibre structure and is powered by a zero emission drivetrain with electric motors positioned both at the front and the rear.

At 5900mm in length, the Vision Next 100 is longer than today's Phantom long wheelbase. However, it provides seating for just two on a sofa like bench seat positioned at the rear of its rakish cabin.

The front end is dominated by a vertical grille bookmarked by free standing wheel arches either side, while the iconic Spirit of Ecstasy, made from hand cut lead crystal and illuminated from the inside, stands proud of a long, sweeping bonnet.

Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car

Entry is via an automatically operated rear hinged door and roof that hinges skywards. Occupants can stand up in the car once the roof opens before stepping out. Light projections on the ground create what Rolls-Royce describes as a "red carpet".

Without a traditional combustion engine taking up space at the front, bespoke luggage can be stowed underneath the bonnet of the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 via panels which automatically open behind each of the front wheels.

Drawing on parent BMW's autonomous driving technology, the new Rolls-Royce goes without a driver's seat, steering wheel and traditional instruments, creating what the company's design boss, Giles Taylor, describes as a "completely new sense of space". The only instrument that remains is a central analogue clock positioned below a panoramic window.

Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car

The Vision Next 100 provides occupants with a so-called virtual personal assistant as part of its autonomous driving ability. It acts as a central control and, when prompted, appears on the full width transparent OLED display taking up the space of the traditional dashboard.

"The more time the virtual assistant, or as we like to describe it virtual chauffeur, spends with the occupants, the more it learns about his/her interests and needs," says Taylor. "It can, for example, suggest favourite restaurants, interesting routes or visits to galleries."

An integral speech recognition system allows occupants to call the assistant to tailor their journey.

The Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 was revealed in London, England on Thursday alongside the similarly named Mini Vision Next 100.

Earlier this year BMW unveiled its take on the Vision Next 100 theme, showcasing the German car maker's vision of its future models.

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Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car Rolls-Royce 103EX concept car