Electric cars are becoming more popular and for a good reason. The best luxury electric cars are environmentally friendly, economical, and sleek-looking as well. First, there were only electric sedans, and then manufacturers started releasing electric SUVs. Electric vehicles are becoming so trendy and advanced that even luxury car manufacturers are jumping on board. For drivers shopping around for a new ride, knowing the best luxury electric cars can certainly help narrow the list of choices.
Electric vehicles are certainly growing commonplace for many households. A recent study shows that 82 percent of younger drivers believe electric cars are the future, and 72 percent between 18 and 40 would consider purchasing one. So, why not hop on the bandwagon and simultaneously help the earth?
Owning an electric car gives one an image of being eco-friendly, whether or not that is the buyers’ primary motivator for purchasing an electric car. While they’re known as an environmentally friendly alternative to gas cars, many people will purchase an electric car to save money at the gas pump or look cool. Having an electric ride is becoming a new staple of luxury automotive status.
But if you’re looking for a luxury electric car, you may not know where to start. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the best luxury electric cars on the market for those looking to indulge in high-end style and comfort without sacrificing their values. To create our list, we visited multiple expert sites that reviewed luxury EVs and came away with the seven most frequently recommended models. Did we miss your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
The List: Luxury Electric Cars, According to Auto Experts
1. BMW i7
BMW’s electric flagship just became more worthy of its status with the new i7. “This model joins the lineup with more power and features specific to BMW’s M performance sub-brand. The rest of the all-electric i7 lineup carries over into the 2024 model year unchanged. Competitors include the Mercedes-Benz EQS-Class, Lucid Air, and Tesla Model S,” states Motor Trend.
“The BMW i7 is a full-size sedan that shares its luxurious platform with the 7 Series but swaps in one of three potent EV powertrains delivering up to 650 horsepower. The i7 is more expensive than its rivals, but few can match its blend of technology, power, and eco-friendliness. The BMW i7 is a five-seater vehicle that comes in three trim levels,” says True Car.
“Technology, comfort, and performance without fossil fuel. That’s the dream. And BMW achieves it with the i7. As a luxury car with authority, thrust, and bells and whistles aplenty, the i7 is among the best in its class. As an electric vehicle (EV) with exceptional range, it loses a little ground to rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Tesla and Lucid,” shares Kelley Blue Book.
2. Audi e-tron GT
“The Audi e-tron GT is arguably the prettiest electric car on sale right now, sporting sleek sports car-like lines and mean, aggressive fascias. Based on the Porsche Taycan, it adopts a Porsche-like driving experience and similar charging speeds. Like any good Audi, all-wheel-drive is standard, with the base model offering 522 hp. Upgrade to the RS version, and you get 637 horses, enough for a 0-60 time of just 2.9 seconds. The only thing the e-tron GT is lacking is range. The base car is rated at 238 miles, while the RS gets just 232 miles,” says Auto Week.
The Audi e-tron GT is a full-size luxury electric vehicle. It stands out with its state-of-the-art technology and impressive all-electric performance. “The Audi e-tron GT is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the Prestige quattro, which starts at $115,995 and comes with an Electric engine and all-wheel drive. This e-tron GT is estimated to deliver 81 MPGe in the city and 83 MPGe on the highway,” says True Car.
“Forget its eco-friendly status as Audi’s first electric sedan, the 2024 e-tron GT offers mega fun by the megawatt. It shares its platform with the Porsche Taycan, and the Audi offers dizzying acceleration to match its corporate cousin. All-wheel drive is standard, and the entry-level powertrain cranks out 522 horsepower; the racier RS e-tron GT bumps that figure up to 637,” states Car and Driver.
3. Lucid Air Sapphire
Another expert favorite is the Lucid Air. “In recent years, we have seen how EV startups have emerged with some absolute killer specs. However, not many have made a big impact such as Lucid with its Air series of electric luxury saloons. Think of the Lucid Air to be a Mercedes S-Class from 2030. Being Lucid’s firstborn, the Air holds some of the best specs in the industry. It is available in five trims, and the top-spec Sapphire model is supposed to push out over 1,200 horsepower,” says Top Speed.
For more on the Sapphire, “Its 1234 hp and 1430 lb-ft of torque can deliver mind-blowing performance numbers that include 0-60 89 seconds, a quarter-mile in 8.95 seconds, and a top speed of 205 mph,” states Auto Week.
“The Car of the Year-winning Lucid Air has impressive performance no matter how you configure it, but the Sapphire version is the most powerful and driver-oriented of them all. Following the Air all-electric luxury car’s debut for the 2022 model year, Lucid created the Sapphire sub-brand to highlight its sporty capabilities. When the Lucid Air Sapphire becomes available for the 2024 model year, it’ll be the most powerful sedan in the world. Key competitors include the Mercedes-AMG EQS, Porsche Taycan Turbo S, and Tesla Model S Plaid,” shares Motor Trend.
4. Polestar 2
The Polestar 2 is the perfect EV for flying under the radar. “It’s not as flashy as a Tesla, using clean and subdued styling cues to blend into traffic, all without looking boring. Big surprise: Our favorite trim is the dual-motor version with the optional Performance Pack. It delivers 455 hp and 546 lb-ft of torque, meaning a 0-60 time of just 4.5 seconds. If range is a bigger priority, the entry-level rear-drive model can deliver well over 300 miles between charges,” says Road and Track.
“The Air is California-based startup Lucid’s first product, a luxury four-door with rocket ship pace aimed directly at the Tesla Model S. The most powerful version, shown above, is called the Sapphire. Its 1234 hp and 1430 lb-ft of torque can deliver mind-blowing performance numbers that include 0-60 89 seconds, a quarter-mile in 8.95 seconds, and a top speed of 205 mph,” says Auto Week.
“The Polestar 2 is a smart pick for a small, upscale EV. It’s comfortable and fun to drive around turns. It also has a generous amount of cargo space. The main downside is that it doesn’t have as much maximum range as some rivals,” explains Edmunds.
5. Porsche Taycan
The Taycan is evidence that Porsche doesn’t jeopardize the dynamic driving they are known for with the make of an electric car. “With a starting price of $86,700, the Taycan is a better value than its stable-mate, the Audi e-tron GT. For the lower starting price, the base Taycan misses out on AWD, added power from the second electric motor on the front axle, and the 83.7-kWh battery pack. The top dog in the lineup, Taycan Turbo S, is very close to the 911 Turbo S in terms of acceleration,” says Top Speed.
“The Taycan may be electric, but it’s still a Porsche. That means driving feel stands above all else, even when there’s no boxer-six engine behind the driver. The Taycan’s steering is excellent, and thanks to expert chassis tuning, it hides the weight of its batteries well,” offers Road and Track.
“The all-electric 2024 Porsche Taycan puts sunglasses on typical EV nerdery with elegant design and performance that can ramp up to as much as 750 horsepower,” Car and Driver.
6. BMW i5
The BMW 5 Series has been redesigned for 2024 with new looks and a roomier cabin. “The 2024 BMW i5 looks to be a strong competitor in the premium midsize electric-sedan class. The BMW i5 is a 5-seater vehicle that comes in 2 trim levels. The most popular style is the M60, which starts at $85,095 and comes with an electric engine and all-wheel drive,” says True Car.
“Factor in a decent (yet not class-leading) range, along with the kind of exciting driving experience for which BMW is renowned, and we reckon the new i5 already looks like an intriguing contender. There are two i5 variants initially, the eDrive40 and the top M60,” states Kelley Blue Book.
“BMW’s executive express is going electric with the mid-size 2024 i5 sedan, which will fill the gap between the 10Best award-winning i4 and the extra-premium i7 flagship. Like those two EV four-doors, the i5 is expected to blend driving pleasure with upscale creature comforts. Two powertrains are coming, starting with a rear-drive eDrive40 model with 335 horsepower,” boasts Car and Driver.
7. Rolls-Royce Spectre
Let’s face it, Rolls-Royce is the epitome of luxury in the automotive space. “This two-door electric coupe is the spiritual successor to the Wraith but underpins the same ‘Architecture of Luxury’ platform as the Phantom VIII and the Cullinan. The Spectre is powered by two electric motors, cranking 577 horses and 664 pound-feet of torque. The numbers are not class-leading, and a Rolls-Royce is not meant to go super quick either. The BMW-acquired firm has yet to release a few technical details, including the battery pack size,” says Top Speed.
“The Spectre is the first EV from Rolls-Royce and delivers on the promise of being the most quiet car from the brand ever. It’s also supremely quick, with 577 HP and 664 lb. of torque on tap from two electric motors. Even with 6559 pounds to lug around, it can get to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds,” offers Road and Track.
“Delivered by the dual e-motors, it can rocket to 60 mph in a claimed 4.4 seconds. Range, however, is not very strong by modern standards, at 260 miles, as estimated by the EPA,” states Auto Week.
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