Rolls-Royce Celebrates Anniversaries of Experimental Concept Cars

The 103EX, 102EX, and 101EX mark 10, 15, and 20 years since their unveilings.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:56pm

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An abstract, blurred photograph showing the sweeping motion of a Rolls-Royce concept car, with streaks of silver, chrome, and deep burgundy conveying a sense of speed and innovation.Rolls-Royce's experimental concept cars have pushed the boundaries of luxury automotive design over the past two decades.Los Angeles Today

Rolls-Royce is celebrating the anniversaries of three of its most innovative experimental concept cars this year - the 103EX (10 years), 102EX (15 years), and 101EX (20 years). Unlike typical concept cars, these 'Experimental Cars' or 'EX' models from Rolls-Royce are fully drivable vehicles that showcase the brand's vision for the future of luxury automotive design and technology.

Why it matters

Rolls-Royce's EX models represent the brand's commitment to pushing the boundaries of automotive innovation. These vehicles have served as testbeds for new materials, designs, and features that have gone on to influence production Rolls-Royce models. The anniversaries of these concept cars highlight Rolls-Royce's heritage of forward-thinking engineering and design.

The details

The 101EX debuted in 2006 as a more performance-focused four-seat coupe with a lower roofline and carbon fiber body. It introduced the now-iconic Starlight Headliner feature. The 102EX, unveiled in 2011, was Rolls-Royce's first battery-electric vehicle, featuring a massive 71 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. The 103EX, shown in 2016, was a vision for a fully autonomous Rolls-Royce of the future, with no need for a steering wheel and featuring an onboard digital assistant named Eleanor.

  • The 101EX debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 2006.
  • The 102EX was unveiled in 2011.
  • The 103EX was commissioned and unveiled 10 years ago, in 2016.

The players

Rolls-Royce

A British luxury automobile manufacturer and a subsidiary of BMW AG. Rolls-Royce is known for its high-end, handcrafted vehicles and has a long history of producing innovative concept and experimental cars.

Henry Royce

The co-founder of Rolls-Royce who built the original 1EX experimental car in 1919, establishing the EX naming convention that continues today.

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What they’re saying

“Unlike a concept car, each EX model is a finished, drivable vehicle.”

— Rolls-Royce

The takeaway

Rolls-Royce's experimental EX models showcase the brand's commitment to innovation and pushing the boundaries of luxury automotive design. The anniversaries of these concept cars highlight Rolls-Royce's heritage of forward-thinking engineering and its influence on the evolution of the brand's production vehicles.