Luxury sports cars in yellow and white showcasing the appeal of electric vehicles
Luxury sports cars in yellow and white showcasing the appeal of electric vehicles

Best Luxury Electric Vehicles: Top Picks for Power and Range

Luxury electric vehicles (EVs) have become the pinnacle of automotive innovation, offering discerning buyers a unique blend of high performance, cutting-edge technology, and environmental consciousness. As the automotive industry accelerates its shift towards electrification, the luxury segment is leading the charge, introducing groundbreaking features and pushing the boundaries of EV capabilities. For those seeking the best in electric driving, the current market presents an array of exceptional choices.

If you’re considering a luxury EV, you’re entering a realm of unparalleled options. These vehicles aren’t just about eco-friendliness; they deliver breathtaking acceleration that rivals supercars, boast state-of-the-art technology that sets industry standards, and provide impressive ranges suitable for both city commutes and long-distance travels.

Exploring the Top Luxury Electric Vehicles Available Today

Whether your preference leans towards a sophisticated sedan, a versatile SUV, or a dynamic sports car, the luxury EV market caters to diverse tastes. Here are some of the top-rated luxury electric vehicles that stand out in today’s competitive landscape:

BMW iX M60

The BMW iX M60 represents the zenith of BMW’s electric SUV lineup, embodying the brand’s M performance heritage in an all-electric format. This powerful variant is the first M vehicle to forgo a traditional combustion engine, instead harnessing the immense power of dual electric motors. Producing a staggering 610 horsepower and an astounding 811 lb-ft of torque, the iX M60 achieves a 0 to 60 mph sprint in under 3.8 seconds. While its EPA-estimated range of 280 miles is competitive, especially considering its performance, it positions the iX M60 as a potent yet practical luxury electric SUV.

The iX M60’s construction incorporates an aluminum space frame and a carbon cage reinforced with carbon fiber, reducing weight and enhancing both performance and efficiency. This, coupled with dual-axle air suspension, ensures the signature BMW M driving dynamics are preserved. Inside, advanced sensors power a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technologies, paving the way for enhanced automated driving and parking capabilities.

The interior of the iX M60 is a testament to modern luxury, featuring a minimalist, lounge-like ambiance. A curved display integrates seamlessly into the dashboard, offering intuitive control via a central knob or touch interface. While the iX’s design diverges from BMW’s traditional aesthetics, its performance credentials firmly align with the M legacy, signaling a bold step into the electric future.

MSRP: $108,000 before incentives
Power output: 610 hp
EPA estimated range: 280 miles

Jaguar I-Pace

Jaguar deserves recognition for its pioneering spirit in the electric vehicle market with the I-Pace. Unlike some legacy luxury brands that initially adapted existing gasoline models for electrification, the I-Pace was conceived and engineered from the ground up as a pure EV. Having been on the market for nearly four years, the I-Pace boasts a significant head start in the rapidly evolving EV landscape.

The I-Pace’s design clearly reflects its electric DNA. Its elongated, aerodynamic silhouette, short hood, and minimal overhangs are distinctly EV-centric and would be impractical with a conventional engine. Thanks to its compact electric motors, a substantial floor-mounted battery pack, and intelligent design, the I-Pace offers a surprisingly spacious interior within a relatively compact exterior footprint. Its futuristic and elegant styling projects a sense of forward-thinking luxury.

Jaguar simplifies the I-Pace lineup, offering a single, comprehensively equipped model. It features a 90-kWh battery that provides a range of up to 270 miles. Dual motors deliver 394 horsepower, enabling a brisk 0 to 60 mph acceleration in 4.5 seconds. Adding to the ownership experience, Jaguar EliteCare includes five years or 60,000 miles of complimentary maintenance and roadside assistance, enhancing the value proposition of this luxury electric vehicle.

MSRP: $71,300 before incentives
Power output: 394 hp
EPA estimated range: 270 miles

Lucid Air

Lucid Motors, a California-based startup with manufacturing in Arizona, has made a significant impact with its Air sedan. The Lucid Air is recognized as one of the most potent and longest-range electric vehicles currently available, establishing a new benchmark in the luxury EV segment.

The Lucid Air starts at $87,400, offering an impressive 406-mile range, surpassing many luxury EV competitors. The Grand Touring edition extends this further, achieving a remarkable range exceeding 500 miles. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering its 112-kWh battery is not significantly larger than those of its rivals. With 800 horsepower and all-wheel drive, the Air Grand Touring is engineered for exhilarating straight-line performance.

The Air Grand Touring is equipped with DreamDrive Pro, an advanced driver-assistance suite incorporating 32 sensors and 14 cameras. This system provides features such as active cruise control and a comprehensive array of safety functions, including surround view monitoring, blind spot display, cross-traffic protection, automatic emergency braking, and even autonomous parking assist, making it a technology-rich luxury electric vehicle.

MSRP: $87,400 before incentives
Power output: 480 hp +
EPA estimated range: Up to 516 miles

Mercedes-Benz EQS

The Mercedes-Benz EQS marks Mercedes-Benz’s entry into the electric flagship sedan domain. It stands out as one of the longest-range EVs on the market, according to EPA estimates. The EQS 450+ boasts a 350-mile range and utilizes a dedicated electric architecture featuring a wide, flat floor. This design accommodates a 108-kWh battery and a highly compact electric drive unit, resulting in an exceptionally spacious interior.

A defining feature of the EQS is the optional Mercedes-Benz Hyperscreen, a revolutionary all-digital dashboard. This expansive curved glass panel integrates multiple touchscreens, stretching across the entire width of the cabin and creating a visually stunning and technologically advanced cockpit. The EQS is also equipped with a suite of active safety systems, including sensors that monitor the road ahead for automatic emergency braking, active cruise control, active steering assist, rear cross-traffic alert with pedestrian detection, and more. Augmented reality navigation and biometric fingerprint authentication further enhance the technological sophistication of this luxury electric sedan.

While a more powerful EQS 580 is available, the EQS 450+, with rear-wheel drive and the larger battery, offers the maximum range. The EQS architecture will also underpin an upcoming SUV version, expected in early 2023, promising a more versatile body style with increased cargo space and an optional seven-seat configuration, extending the appeal of the EQS platform.

MSRP: $105,710 before incentives
Power output: 329 hp +
EPA estimated range: Up to 350 miles

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Porsche Taycan

The Porsche Taycan is remarkable for its ability to retain a distinctly analog driving feel despite being a thoroughly digital and technologically advanced electric car. Enthusiasts of Porsche’s iconic 911 sports cars will find familiar driving dynamics in the Taycan, characterized by exceptional handling, road feedback, and driver engagement. The Taycan replicates the familiar Porsche seating position and delivers an equally intuitive and confidence-inspiring driving experience, a notable achievement given the shift to electric propulsion.

As expected from Porsche, the Taycan delivers exhilarating performance, with a wide range of models and power outputs. From the entry-level 375-hp rear-wheel-drive model to the top-tier “Turbo S” boasting 750 horsepower, the Taycan lineup offers diverse performance levels. The Taycan family also includes sedan, Sport Turismo wagon, and jacked-up Cross Turismo wagon body styles, catering to varied preferences.

While the Taycan’s EPA-estimated range of around 225 miles is not class-leading, it compensates with exceptional charging speed thanks to its 800-volt electrical architecture. When connected to a compatible high-speed charger capable of delivering up to 270 kW, the Taycan can replenish its battery at one of the fastest rates in the EV market.

For drivers prioritizing driving engagement and thrilling performance in an electric vehicle, the Taycan stands out as a market leader, blending Porsche’s sports car DNA with electric efficiency.

MSRP: $82,700 before incentives
Power output: 375 hp +
EPA estimated range: Up to 225 miles

Tesla Model S

The Tesla Model S, despite being on the market for nearly a decade, remains remarkably contemporary. The latest refresh in late 2021 introduced a futuristic “yoke” steering wheel and, more significantly, substantial interior upgrades that elevate the Model S to true luxury car status, commensurate with its premium price point.

Material quality and build refinement have significantly improved in the refreshed Model S. The infotainment system has been upgraded and reoriented to a landscape format, and the exterior has received subtle styling updates. Tesla continues to refine the Model S’s performance and range through ongoing incremental improvements. The Model S achieves impressive efficiency for its size, capability, and luxury, earning an EPA-certified 120 MPGe rating. The all-wheel-drive Long Range version achieves 405 miles of range from its 99.3-kWh battery, outperforming EVs with similar battery sizes like the Audi e-tron GT and Porsche Taycan.

The Model S Plaid variant showcases the pinnacle of EV performance. It is among the quickest accelerating production cars available, capable of outperforming even million-dollar supercars in straight-line acceleration, demonstrating the immense performance potential of electric vehicles.

MSRP: $104,990 before incentives
Power output: 671 hp +
EPA estimated range: Up to 405 miles

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