Brandon Fletcher
After much anticipation in the swiftly evolving electric vehicle landscape, the Ferrari Luce has officially launched as the brand’s inaugural electric vehicle. This model introduces an entirely new aesthetic and cutting-edge technology—not only beneath the surface but also in visible areas that impact the driving experience.
Collaboratively designed with former Apple designer Jony Ive and the LoveForm creative team led by Marc Newson, the Luce’s exterior showcases a blend of traditional Ferrari elements with a fresh perspective. As a four-door, five-passenger vehicle, it marks a departure from previous Ferrari designs, including the Purosangue SUV, which adheres more closely to recognizable Ferrari styling cues. The Luce features fender curves reminiscent of Ferrari’s design ethos since the early 2000s while also incorporating a sleek, almost Apple Magic Mouse aesthetic.
In an innovative twist on Ferrari’s signature four round taillight design, the Luce’s lights are concealed and only activate when the vehicle is powered on. When off, they reveal a sleek black panel. The color used in some promotional images, Azzurro La Plata (Blue-Silver), may accentuate this unique feature, which has received mixed reactions.
The Luce cleverly disguises its four-door configuration with retractable door handles. The rear doors are mounted at the back, similar to those on the Purosangue. Despite its distinct appearance, the Luce shares a comparable footprint with the Purosangue, though its shorter front end gives it a more compact look. This design choice may appeal to some while leaving others undecided.
In February, we previewed the Luce’s interior, also crafted by LoveForm. This design includes an abundance of screens, featuring two OLED displays developed by Samsung, including a center touchscreen infotainment system that can pivot closer to the driver. The interior is adorned with aluminum and glass materials, and while traditional Ferrari gauges appear to be present behind the steering wheel, they are actually digital displays.
Despite the advanced technology in the Luce, Ferrari has not fully embraced the trend toward extensive screens and touch-capacitive interfaces like those found in Tesla, Lucid, and even brands like Volvo and BMW in their latest electric models. The gear selector remains a physical glass component, complemented by toggles for various functions, along with four window switches and drive selector controls on the steering wheel, consistent with Ferrari’s recent offerings.
Performance specifications are impressive, featuring four electric motors that deliver a combined output of 1,035 horsepower. The rear motors can generate up to 831 horsepower each, providing the Luce with a traditional rear-wheel drive bias. Ferrari claims the Luce can accelerate from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in just 2.5 seconds, achieving a top speed of 193 mph.
Utilizing an 800-volt electric architecture, the Luce is powered by a 122-kWh battery pack capable of charging at rates up to 350 kW. These specifications align closely with those of high-performance models like the Porsche Taycan and Kia EV9. While the EPA has not yet rated its range, Ferrari estimates that the Luce will offer a maximum range of 280 miles, although it remains uncertain if U.S. models will integrate with Tesla’s Supercharger network.
In contrast to fellow supercar manufacturer Lamborghini, which has scaled back its electric ambitions this year amid a tumultuous market for all-electric supercars (alongside financial challenges faced by parent company Volkswagen Group), Ferrari has remained committed. Back in 2022, Ferrari projected that electric vehicles would constitute 40% of its lineup, later confirming plans for three EV models, as reported by Reuters.
However, in 2025, Ferrari announced that the development of a second EV would be postponed until at least 2028. The company also revised the timeline for the Luce, indicating that electric models would make up 20% of their offerings, with hybrids and traditional gasoline vehicles each comprising 40%. The initial deliveries of the Luce are expected this fall, but the first U.S. models may not arrive until Spring 2027.
The electric supercar segment remains a niche within the broader supercar market. Recent developments, including updates on the second-generation Tesla Roadster, have indicated that it remains a secondary focus for Tesla despite initial enthusiasm. Tesla’s recent discontinuation of its Model S and X vehicles highlights shifting priorities.
Porsche has been promoting the Taycan Turbo GT with over 1,000 horsepower since 2024, but it, too, is a sedan. The brand has also tempered its all-electric aspirations, with plans for gasoline variants of the previously electric-only 718 sports car and the more SUV-like Macan and Cayenne. Mercedes-Benz has just introduced its new electric AMG GT 4-Door, boasting up to 1,153 horsepower. this model serves different market needs compared to the unique Luce, placing it in a very exclusive category.
It’s also noteworthy that had Ferrari not been separated from Fiat Chrysler Automobiles in 2016, it might have become part of the larger Stellantis group. Under its new leadership, Stellantis has been focusing on increasing its portfolio of gasoline and hybrid vehicles while scaling back on full electric models. In many ways, it’s remarkable that the Luce is an electric vehicle at all, regardless of opinions on its design and what it signifies for Ferrari.
Daniel Mercer
