Sophisticated drivers who prioritize eco-friendliness in their high-end purchases have several reasons to choose electric vehicles that push the boundaries of luxury performance.
These days, ultra-luxury electric car options only get better due to active advancements and widespread availability driving their parallel evolution forward. As an objective judge of functionality versus extravagance in your next ride, we think our list of top 5 ultra-luxury EVs could steer you toward finding your style in terms of powerhouse engines and unparalleled features combined with cutting-edge emissions-free tech.
The Porsche Taycan with its magnificent 750-horsepower engine or Audi e-tron GT with literally unfathomable acceleration at under three seconds means that both these models encompass futuristic automotive excellence without sacrificing either own environmental obligations or comfort-first luxury ride experience for discerning drivers looking to make a statement about leading environmental progress. Join us as we enjoy a future where one may travel in luxurious harmony with nature!
Tesla Model S: The Pioneer of Modern Electric Cars
As the pioneer of modern electric vehicles, the Tesla Model S is a luxury sedan that provides an experience like no other.
Launched in 2012, the Tesla Model S was the first premium all-electric sedan. It has since become a status symbol and technological marvel.
•Range and Performance. The Long Range Plus version can travel up to 390 miles on a single charge, reaching 60 mph in as little as 2.3 seconds. The tri-motor Plaid+ boasts over 500 miles of range and goes from 0 to 60 in under 2 seconds, making it one of the quickest production cars in the world.
•Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capability. Every Tesla Model S comes standard with Autopilot, which provides adaptive cruise control and lane keeping. The Full Self-Driving Capability option enables automatic navigation on city streets.
•Spacious, Luxurious Cabin. The Model S seats 5 adults comfortably, with ample head and legroom. The minimalist cabin is crafted of premium, sustainable materials. A large touchscreen provides entertainment, navigation, and smart vehicle controls.
•Over-the-Air Updates. Tesla frequently releases software updates to enhance your vehicle's functionality, performance, and safety over Wi-Fi. Your Model S actually gets better over time with the latest autonomous driving features, entertainment options, and general improvements.
•Supercharging Network. As a Tesla owner, you get free, unlimited access to Tesla's rapidly growing network of over 20,000 Superchargers worldwide. Recharge your Model S up to 170 miles in just 15 minutes at a Supercharger location along major routes in the U.S., Canada, and Europe.
With its impressive capabilities, the Tesla Model S deserves recognition as one of the finest luxury electric vehicles in the world. For those seeking an innovative, eco-friendly driving experience, the Model S is in a class by itself.
Audi E-Tron: Luxury All-Electric SUV
The Audi e-tron is Audi's first fully electric SUV. As an all-electric vehicle with a range of up to 248 miles on a single charge, the e-tron delivers an exceptional blend of performance, comfort, and efficiency.
Powertrain: The e-tron features dual electric motors that produce up to 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of instant torque. The lithium-ion battery pack provides 95 kWh of energy to power the SUV. Using a high-speed 150 kW charger, the e-tron can recharge up to 80% in about 30 minutes.
Luxury interior: The e-tron's cabin is beautifully crafted with high-quality materials and the latest technology features. The Virtual Cockpit display provides navigation, media, and vehicle information. MMI touch response system offers haptic feedback when operating the dual centre screens. Premium leather seats, ambient lighting, and a Bang & Olufsen sound system create an ultra-premium experience.
Standard Quattro all-wheel drives: The e-tron utilizes Audi's famed Quattro all-wheel drive system to provide outstanding traction and handling in all weather conditions. The dual electric motors independently control torque distribution to the front and rear axles for optimal performance.
Advanced driver assistance: The e-tron offers a robust suite of standard and available driver assistance features including adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, lane keeping assist, and a 360-degree camera system with a virtual 3D view of the vehicle's surroundings.
With its combination of performance, technology, and luxury, the fully electric Audi e-tron is poised to become the new standard for premium electric SUVs. For those seeking an eco-friendly vehicle that doesn't sacrifice comfort or capability, the e-tron deserves strong consideration.
Porsche Taycan: High-Performance All-Electric Sedan
The Porsche Taycan is Porsche’s first fully electric vehicle. As a flagship model, it provides an unparalleled combination of high performance and luxury in an all-electric sedan.
Performance
With an 800-volt architecture, the Taycan can charge up to 80% in just 22.5 minutes. It features two synchronous electric motors (one on each axle) producing up to 750 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.6 seconds. The Taycan has a range of up to 250 miles on a single charge thanks to its 93.4 kWh lithium-ion battery.
Luxurious Cabin
The Taycan’s luxurious cabin features premium materials throughout, from leather seats to real aluminium and wood accents. It has the latest advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking, and blind spot monitoring. The Taycan also has the latest infotainment system with a 10.9-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and real-time traffic data.
Chassis and Handling
The Taycan has an innovative 800-volt architecture and rear-axle steering for enhanced handling and dynamics. It has a two-speed transmission on the rear axle and Porsche’s first all-wheel drive system with two electric motors. The chassis also has air suspension and Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM) for a smooth yet sporty ride.
Models and Pricing
The 2021 Porsche Taycan starts at around $80,000 for the base model and up to $185,000 for the high-performance Turbo S model. There are currently four variants:
- Taycan: Rear-wheel drive, up to 402 horsepower. Starting MSRP of $79,900.
- Taycan 4S: All-wheel drive, up to 563 horsepower. Starting MSRP of $103,800.
- Taycan Turbo: All-wheel drive, up to 670 horsepower. Starting MSRP of $150,900.
- Taycan Turbo S: All-wheel drive, up to 750 horsepower. Starting MSRP of $185,000.
For those seeking a high-performance yet eco-friendly luxury sedan, the Taycan is in a class by itself. With stunning design, innovative technology, and mind-bending performance, the Taycan ushers in a new era for electric vehicles.
BMW I8: Futuristic Plug-in Hybrid Supercar
The BMW i8 is a futuristic plug-in hybrid supercar that combines performance and efficiency. This all-wheel drive hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) produces 369 horsepower and has a top speed of 150 miles per hour.
Sleek and Aerodynamic Design
The i8 has a sleek, aerodynamic design with dramatic styling cues like scissor doors, a low profile, and a tapered rear end. Its lightweight carbon fiber body and aluminium chassis help maximize performance and handling. The interior features high-quality materials and advanced technology like a head-up display.
Eco-Friendly and High-Performance
The i8 can go up to 15 miles on electric power alone and achieves an estimated 76 MPGe. In hybrid mode, it gets 28 mpg. The i8 uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder gasoline engine and two electric motors - one on each axle. Together they produce instantaneous power and torque for incredible acceleration. The i8 can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.4 seconds.
Advanced Safety and Technology
The i8 comes standard with a rearview camera, front and rear parking sensors, and emergency braking. Available advanced safety features include adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, lane departure warning and traffic jam assist. The i8 has a large 10.2-inch touchscreen with navigation, wireless device charging and smartphone integration.
Pricing and Competitors
The BMW i8 starts at around $150,000. Key competitors include the Porsche Panamera E-Hybrid, Mercedes S560e, and Audi e-tron GT. The i8 combines high performance with high efficiency for an exhilarating driving experience. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly luxury vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice power or design, the BMW i8 is in a class by itself.
Jaguar I-Pace: Award-Winning All-Electric Crossover
Performance and Range
The Jaguar I-Pace is a high-performance luxury electric vehicle (EV) with sports car-like acceleration. Its two electric motors produce 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of instant torque, allowing it to sprint from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just 4.5 seconds. The I-Pace has an estimated range of up to 234 miles on a single charge according to Jaguar. The exact range will depend on factors like speed, driving style, and climate control usage. With a 100 kW DC fast charger, the I-Pace can charge from 0 to 80% in just 40 minutes.
Stylish and Spacious Interior
The I-Pace’s stylish interior features premium materials, two touchscreens, and spacious seating for five adults. The dual panoramic roof provides an open, airy feel. The I-Pace has lots of cargo room for an EV, with a rear storage area offering over 25 cubic feet of space. The cabin is also very quiet thanks to the absence of an internal combustion engine.
Advanced Safety Features
The I-Pace comes standard with plenty of advanced driver assistance features to help avoid accidents and make driving safer. Some of the key features include:
- Automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- 360-degree parking aid
- Charging and Connectivity
The I-Pace has plenty of options for charging and staying connected. It comes with an AC charger for home charging, as well as DC fast charging capability. The I-Pace also has built-in Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and navigation. Jaguars InControl Remote app allows you to monitor charging status, preheat or precool the I-Pace, find charging stations, and more using your smartphone.
With its luxurious interior, thrilling performance, and advanced technology, the Jaguar I-Pace is a compelling choice for an all-electric luxury vehicle. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly vehicle that doesn’t sacrifice style or performance, the I-Pace should be at the top of your list.
Mercedes EQC: Luxury All-Electric Crossover From Mercedes-Benz
Performance and Range
The Mercedes EQC delivers exceptional performance for an electric luxury vehicle. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds, thanks to its dual electric motors that produce 402 horsepower and 564 pound-feet of torque. The EQC has an electronically limited top speed of 112 mph.
Battery and Charging
The EQC gets its juice from an 80 kWh lithium-ion battery pack. According to Mercedes, the EQC can travel up to 200 miles on a single charge based on the WLTP testing cycle. The actual EPA-rated range for the U.S. market is likely to be lower, however. Using a fast charger, the EQC’s battery can recharge from 10 to 80 per cent in around 40 minutes. At-home charging using a wall box or standard outlet will take significantly longer, around 11 and 20 hours respectively.
Luxurious and High-Tech Interior
Inside, the EQC features a luxurious cabin with premium materials and the latest technology. The MBUX infotainment system is displayed on a pair of 10.25-inch touchscreens. The EQC also offers Mercedes’ latest advanced driver assistance features like adaptive cruise control, emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane-keeping assist. The EQC provides plenty of space for five adults, and it has a cargo capacity of 19.2 cubic feet behind the second row.
Pricing and Availability
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQC starts at around $67,900 in the U.S. That price makes it one of the more affordable electric luxury SUV options and positions it competitively against rivals like the Audi e-tron and Jaguar I-Pace. The EQC is on sale now as Mercedes' first fully electric production vehicle. Overall, the EQC is an appealing all-electric luxury crossover for eco-conscious buyers wanting a balance of performance, practicality, and prestige.
Rivian R1T: The First All-Electric Pickup Truck
All-Electric Performance
The 2021 Rivian R1T is the world's first all-electric pickup truck. This innovative truck provides high-performance capabilities with zero direct emissions. The quad-motor system produces a combined 754 horsepower and 826 pound-feet of instant torque, allowing the R1T to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 3 seconds. The truck has an estimated range of up to 400+ miles on a single charge, so you can go far off-road without worrying about finding a charging station.
Cutting-Edge yet Rugged Design
While the R1T has a futuristic design with a clean, high-tech aesthetic, it still maintains the ruggedness of a traditional pickup. The truck features an aluminium-intensive skateboard platform and a durable composite body. The interior blends luxury and durability, with premium, sustainable materials and clever storage solutions for gear and equipment. The R1T comfortably seats up to five adults and has a spacious cargo bed for hauling large loads.
Impressive Capabilities
The R1T delivers impressive on- and off-road performance. It has a towing capacity of up to 11,000 pounds and a payload capacity of up to 1,760 pounds. The truck comes standard with dual motors for all-wheel drive, while the quad-motor system provides even more power and traction. The suspension system automatically adjusts for on-road or off-road driving. High ground clearance and a water-wading depth of up to 3 feet mean the R1T can handle tough trails and weather conditions.
Innovative Features
Rivian outfitted the R1T with many innovative features not found in traditional pickups. The truck has a large front trunk, cross-vehicle storage tunnel and gear tunnel for extra storage. The R1T is also equipped with a built-in air compressor and power outlets for charging tools, camping equipment and more. The digital cockpit includes a large centre touchscreen, digital instrument cluster and over-the-air software updates. Advanced driver assistance features provide an extra layer of safety and convenience. Rivian designed the R1T to be the ultimate all-electric adventure vehicle.
The Rivian R1T is in a class of its own as the world's first premium all-electric pickup. With its high performance, rugged yet modern design and abundance of innovative features, this truck is ideal for both daily driving and off-road adventures. The 2021 Rivian R1T starts at around $67,500 and is now available for preorder.
Lucid Air: Premium All-Electric Sedan From California
The Lucid Air is a premium all-electric sedan manufactured in California by Lucid Motors. Since its founding in 2007, Lucid Motors has been singularly focused on developing advanced electric vehicle technologies. The flagship Lucid Air model showcases their dedication to luxury, performance, and efficiency.
Unparalleled Range and Performance
The Lucid Air can achieve an estimated EPA range of over 500 miles on a single charge thanks to its industry-leading 900V+ electrical architecture and 113kWh battery pack. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under 2.5 seconds due to its dual-motor electric system that produces up to 1,080 horsepower. The Air’s powertrain is the most efficient on the market, delivering over 4.5 miles per kilowatt-hour.
Spacious, Luxurious Cabin
The Lucid Air provides a voluminous cabin with seating for five adults. Interior designs feature the finest, sustainably-sourced materials including open-pore wood, Nappa leather, and Alcantara. The minimalist dashboard highlights a 34-inch floating touchscreen display with intuitive interfaces. The glass canopy provides an open, airy feel while reducing noise within the cabin. In the rear, executive seating options provide airline-level legroom and recline up to 55 degrees.
Advanced Driver Assistance Features
The Lucid Air integrates the latest advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to provide a stress-free driving experience. These include:
- Surround-view cameras for a 360° view
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane-keeping assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Cross-traffic alert
With a base price of around $80,000, the Lucid Air is setting new standards for long-range, high-performance electric luxury vehicles. Production and customer deliveries are set to begin in late 2020 at their Silicon Valley factory. For those seeking an alternative to high-end gas-powered luxury sedans, the Lucid Air is an appealing all-electric option worth considering based on its impressive specifications.
Conclusion
If you are environmentally conscious as well as a lover of luxurious cars then fortunate for you; there exist several tempting all-electric alternatives that would suit your criteria perfectly! The top-rated luxury EVs suggested would be ideal for your next purchase decision without any doubts whatsoever! Though upfront expenses may be slightly higher in comparison with gas-only models; consider this nevertheless - long-term savings on fuel and repairs are significantly noticeable.
An electric luxury car ensures that you travel in elegant comfort yet produce no direct emissions which is a marvellous feat altogether. Additionally, choosing this sustainable transportation alternative enables us to decrease our dependency on oil as well as promote its growth in the future.
With the ultimate luxury motoring experience being within your grasp; are you prepared enough to discard gas entirely? The limitless open pathways wait for no one!
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury Electric Cars
As electric vehicles continue to gain mainstream popularity, luxury automakers are releasing all-electric models to meet the growing demand. For those interested in an eco-friendly luxury vehicle, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about the top options currently available.
What are the most luxurious all-electric vehicles?
Some of the most luxurious all-electric vehicles include:
Tesla Model S - Tesla’s flagship all-electric luxury sedan with up to 370 miles of range. The high-performance Model S Plaid trim accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in under 2 seconds.
Porsche Taycan - Porsche’s first fully electric vehicle with performance and luxury hallmarks of the brand. The Taycan Turbo S has a top speed of 161 mph and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 2.6 seconds.
Audi e-tron GT - Audi’s fully electric grand tourer with a range of 238 miles. The high-performance RS e-tron GT generates 590 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
Mercedes EQS - Mercedes’ new all-electric flagship sedan with a range up to 478 miles. The EQS 580 4MATIC generates 516 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.1 seconds.
Jaguar I-Pace - Jaguar’s first all-electric performance SUV with 234 miles of range. The I-Pace generates 394 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds.
How environmentally friendly are luxury EVs?
Luxury electric vehicles are very environmentally friendly since they produce zero direct emissions. The all-electric powertrains are powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs instead of internal combustion engines that burn gasoline or diesel. So driving an EV helps reduce your carbon footprint and environmental impact. The batteries and electric motors are also very efficient, so EVs convert more of the energy from the grid into powering the vehicle.
What is the range of a luxury EV?
The range of luxury EVs can vary but currently spans from around 200 to 500 miles on a single charge depending on the model and battery size. The Tesla Model S Long Range and Mercedes EQS 580 4MATIC currently offer the longest range at 405 and 478 miles respectively. The range is continuing to improve with each new generation of EVs as battery technology advances. For most owners, the range of today’s luxury EVs should suffice for daily driving needs and road trips. But additional charging during long-distance drives may be required.