Lucid Air vs Mercedes Benz EQS High End Electric Sedans Redefining Luxury

Mercedes-Benz EQS first drive review: Plush enough to make Tesla owners jealous

A Mercedes-Benz electric sedan was inevitable. The meteoric success of the Tesla Model S, plus stricter European emissions standards gave Mercedes no choice but to meet Tesla on the EV battlefield. But a company thats been building cars for over 100 years doesnt rush into anything.

The 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan is our first glimpse at the automakers electric future. It heralds a range of electric cars for North America (including an EQS SUV) and showcases new technology, including the largest infotainment touchscreen ever fitted to a production car. Mercedes didnt choose the name EQS by accident. EQ is the automakers electric sub-brand, while S signifies that this car is the electric equivalent to Mercedes traditional flagship, the S-Class sedan.

The EQS reaches dealerships in the United States later this fall. Mercedes plans to offer a base single-motor EQS 450+ version and a dual-motor EQS 580 model, starting at $103,360 and $120,160 MSRP, respectively. We got to try out both over two days of driving around San Francisco and Silicon Valley.

Design and interior

The EQS looks like no other Mercedes and, unlike the recently launched BMW iX electric SUV, the styling isnt just about creating an artificially futuristic look. Mercedes took a holistic approach to efficiency, and it starts with the pill-shaped bodywork. That allows for a drag coefficient of just 0.20, which minimizes aerodynamic drag and helps maximize range.

While it may look unconventional on the outside, on the inside the EQS is every inch a Mercedes. You get leather seats with 10 massage programs, a panoramic roof, and available 64-color ambient lighting that makes the interior look like a futuristic nightclub. If you prefer to be chauffeured, the Pinnacle trim level adds power-adjustable rear seats with heating and ventilation, plus rear USB-C ports and wireless phone charging. Those features are piled on top of a dramatic design. The windshield and doors seem to wrap around the dashboard, while the massive touchscreen appears to float off of it.

The pill-shaped bodywork minimizes aerodynamic drag and helps maximize range.

The stubby hood doesnt open, so you dont get a frunk like on other EVs. And while its billed as a sedan, the EQS actually has a rear hatch, making for a long but narrow cargo area. At 22.0 cubic feet, that affords substantially more cargo space than the internal-combustion Mercedes S-Class sedan.

The EQS and S-Class are pretty much identical in size, with the S-Class measuring slightly longer and the EQS standing a bit taller (likely due to the packaging requirements of the battery pack). Mercedes hasnt published complete interior dimensions for the EQS, but it does quote identical front legroom to the S-Class, with slightly less front headroom.

Tech, infotainment, and driver assist

The EQS raises the bar for infotainment tech with its Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Hyperscreen display. Standard on the EQS 580 and optional on the EQS 450+, the 56-inch curved OLED display is the largest ever in a production car.

The Hyperscreen actually combines three separate displays, including a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, 17.7-inch central touchscreen, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for the front passenger. Everything is covered by Gorilla Glass with a scratch-resistant coating, and backed by 12 actuators for haptic feedback, eight CPU cores, and 24GB of RAM. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, along with a Burmester audio system.

Functions are organized by what Mercedes calls the Zero Layer concept. Instead of a home screen with menu icons, the central touchscreen shows navigation maps (with available satellite imagery) by default, with other functions like climate control and audio displayed in smaller boxes below. The passenger screenwhich only turns on when someone is sitting in the seatgets a more conventional layout, while the instrument cluster can be reconfigured to show traditional dials, maps, and other information.

The EQS raises the bar for infotainment tech with its Hyperscreen display.

If this sounds like a lot, thats because it is. Having so many functions on the screen at once means you dont have to dig through menus, but we found it still took a bit to locate everything. Some functions, such as drive modes and audio volume, also required using an awkwardly-placed touchpad on the center console. The EQS does have the same natural-language voice control system as other Mercedes models, but we found it to be unusually slow to respond here.

The Hyperscreen itself was very responsive, though, and we liked some of Mercedes design choices, such as the pulsating lights that replace the instrument-cluster dials when you switch the EQS into Sport mode. Having a separate screen for the front passenger also makes sense. It lets them fiddle with individual settings more easily, and allows for separate audio streaming to a connected pair of Bluetooth headphones. The EQS can also be equipped with the same augmented-reality head-up display as the S-Class, which projects arrows showing where to turn when using the navigation system.

All EQS models get a standard Driver Assistance Package that includes adaptive cruise control with steering assist, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, a driver-attention monitor, parking assist, and a surround-view camera system.

Driving experience

The base EQS 450+ generates 329 horsepower and 419 pound-feet of torque from its single motor, which powers the rear wheels. The EQS 580 uses one motor to power each axle, enabling all-wheel drive and a total system output of 516 hp and 631 lb-ft of torque. Both versions use the same battery pack, with 107.8 kilowatt-hours of usable capacity.

Mercedes quotes zero to 60 mph times of 5.9 seconds for the EQS 450+ and 4.1 seconds for the EQS 580 (both models are limited to 130 mph). Those acceleration times dont come close to the quickest Tesla Model S, or the forthcoming Lucid Air Dream Edition, but the numbers dont tell the whole story.

Mercedes devised some sound effects that would make George Lucas proud.

Standard air suspension gives the EQS the smooth, pothole-erasing ride you should expect from a big luxury sedan. Yet this car doesnt flinch when you show it a corner. Mercedes also gave the EQS the rear-wheel steering system from the S-Class, which makes it surprisingly agile. The floor-mounted battery pack keeps most of the weight low, giving the EQS a sure-footed feel. While the EQS did feel somewhat floaty in its default driving mode, switching to Sport mode cured that, without any noticeable impact on ride quality.

Like all electric cars, the instant torque on the EQS also makes it feel quicker than the numbers suggest. Even the base EQS 450+ will throw you back in your seat, and instead of the tired old internal-combustion soundtrack, Mercedes devised some sound effects that would make George Lucas proud. Its been said that many cars accelerate like spaceships, but the EQS may be the first that sounds like one. Tesla can keep its fart noises.

Range, charging, and safety

Official range figures are 350 miles for the EQS 450+ and 340 miles for the EQS 580 (efficiency ratings werent available at the time of publication). Thats less than the longest-range versions of the Model S or Lucid Air, but more than the similarly-priced Audi E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan.

The EQS can charge at 9.6 kilowatts on a 240-volt Level 2 AC source. Thats a lower rate than some other EVs, and means a 10% to 100% charge takes just over 11 hours, according to Mercedes. The EQS is also equipped for DC fast charging at 200kW, allowing for a 10% to 80% charge in 30 minutes, per Mercedes. Owners can use Plug & Charge to start a charging session by simply plugging in (after pre-setting a payment method), and Mercedes is offering an unlimited number of free 30-minute charging sessions on the Electrify America network for two years.

Crash-test results from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) arent available yet. The EQS is a new model, and high-priced cars like this generally arent a priority for the safety organizations.

The EQS gets the same four-year, 50,000-mile, new-vehicle warranty as other Mercedes models, plus a 10-year, 155,000-mile, battery warranty. That exceeds the maximum eight-year, 150,000-mile, battery warranty Tesla offers for the Model S.

How DT would configure this car

Our ideal configuration would start with the base EQS 450+ model. While it does sacrifice all-wheel drive and 1.8 seconds in the zero to 60 mph sprint, the single-motor 450+ gains 10 miles of range, and offers more-than-adequate performance, in our opinion.

However, the EQS 450+ doesnt get the Hyperscreen as standard equipment, so wed add that (for $7,200) along with active ambient lighting ($590). Wed also upgrade from the entry-level Premium version to the Exclusive, netting massaging front seats, a head-up display, and four-zone automatic climate control for an additional $3,400. Add in the mandatory $1,050 destination charge, and you end up with an MSRP of just under $115,000.

Our take

The EQS is a significant step in the evolution of electric cars. Unlike most EVs from established luxury brands, it feels new and different, rather than just an electric version of an existing model. It also provides an unmatched level of luxury, truly making it the electric equivalent of Mercedes flagship S-Class.

In some areas, the EQS surpasses its gasoline counterpart. The Hyperscreen infotainment system offers more of everything, and the EQS is also nicer to drive than the S-Class. It has all of the smoothness and refinement of that sedan, but with even better handling and the EV party trick of instant torque. The EQS back seats didnt feel as spacious, thanks to a lower roof line and higher seat placement, but well have to wait for official measurements to confirm that.

The Tesla Model S may still win on range and performance, but the EQS has it beat on comfort and amenities. Consequently, the Mercedes feels more worthy of its six-figure price tag. The Lucid Air also promises a luxurious cabin, along with up to 520 miles of range, but its only just going into production, and thus remains a bit of an unknown.

Some of Mercedes German rivals have launched high-end electric sedans of their own, but the Audi E-Tron GT and Porsche Taycan fall short on range, and emphasize performance over luxury.

Should you get one?

Yes. The EQS is the future of luxury.

Editors' Recommendations

Drive Into The Future: The Best Luxury Electric Cars In The World

As we look to the future, the focus is clear. The auto industry is going green. Luxury auto manufacturers are constantly releasing new all-electric cars. No longer do you have to choose between comfort, speed, and sustainability. Now, you can have it all with the best luxury electric cars of 2024.

Electric vehicles can be more expensive vehicles, but, often, government incentives and tax benefits can help shoulder the cost. Additionally, youll find that electric cars are usually easier to maintain and certainly more efficient.

2024 doesnt disappoint: Its new class of speedy, stylish EVs brings new features, faster accelerations, and more awe-inspiring price points than ever before. Heres your list of the most luxurious electric cars to keep an eye on in 2024.

The 25 best luxury electric cars of 2024

Take a look at our buying guide after our ranking of the best electric cars of 2024 to see what you should pay attention to when shopping for a luxury EV. We also explain the methodology behind our ranking of the top cars of the year.

1. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has continuously stood apart from the crowd. As the German luxury automaker shifts toward electric vehicles, the EQS SUV is proof that the S-Class brilliance pushes on.

Available with up to 536 horsepower, this seven-seater SUV is no slouch behind the wheel. But it stretches far beyond the imagination with a 56-inch Hyperscreen display, extending from door to door and using artificial intelligence to bring the command you need to your fingertips.

Personalization options dont just remember your seat position anymore. The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV recognizes faces and fingerprints to recall hundreds of preferences to ensure everything is just how you like it.

We love all of the advanced tech and interior amenities, making the EQS SUV an excellent choice for a safety-conscious family vehicle. Plus, the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV is the first EV featuring the ultra-luxurious Maybach label, complete with a plush interior and advanced styling.

2. Lucid Air

The Lucid Air is arguably one of the most out there electric cars: refusing to stick with the norms and, instead, producing something boundary-breaking in every way possible. One of the most talked-about cars of the year, Lucid Air offers unprecedented EPA range ratings of up to 520 miles, all completed while sitting back inside its impossibly smooth body.

As the first model from startup Lucid Motors, the car ensured a whole new standard of competition both against itself and other industry rivals like Tesla. Not sure what to think? Lucid Motors is mostly known for supplying batteries to Formula E race cars, so were talking big, industry-breaking things.

3. Porsche Taycan

Porsche continues to build on the success of the Taycan in 2024 with more models available under the brand name. In addition to the standard Taycan, you can now purchase a range of Tourismo editions with more cargo space. The Porsche Taycan offers everything expected from the brand: incredible acceleration, aggressive styling, and an all-around sleek look.

Pronounced tie-kahn, the Taycan is the first production electric vehicle to use a two-speed transmission and an 800-volt electrical system, promising faster speeds and almost as fast recharging times.

While it doesnt hold the same strengths when it comes to range the Turbo can reach 246 miles under optimum conditions its an excellent addition to the electric vehicle market.

Its 800-volt electrical architecture means the car battery can shoot from five to 80 percent in 22.5 minutes. However, its worth noting that chargers of that speed are rare and a traditional 240-volt charge comes closer to the 12 hour mark.

4. Tesla Model S Plaid

Its fair to say that Tesla takes the wheel when it comes to leading the electric vehicle industry. The brand has released plenty of popular electric cars over recent years and each comes with its own specific highlights.

The Tesla Model S, originally released in 2012, was a car full to the brim with top-of-the-range features and plenty of impressive stats. It was the worlds first long-range electric vehicle and has only seen improvements since that first release. The 2023 model comes even more jampacked.

The base version is capable of hitting 0-60 mph in 3.7 seconds. It has an EPA-estimated 405 miles of range in its Long Range variant, with a still-impressive 390 miles on the Plaid high-performance model.

Charging time is between eight to ten hours using a conventional 24-volt charger, or shoots down to 75 minutes using Teslas V3 Supercharger.

This luxury car offers plenty of tech-heavy features synonymous with the Tesla brand and a minimalistic interior complete with a giant infotainment screen.

5. Rolls-Royce Spectre

The electric vehicle revolution isnt just about powertrain changes. When a luxury brand like Rolls-Royce steps into the segment, all bets are off.

As the worlds first ultra-luxury electric sports coupe, the Rolls-Royce Spectre is going where no one else has ventured. The exquisite exterior reinvents the timeless quality, ushering in a new generation of high-end motoring.

Step inside to discover pure opulence. Tiny LEDs hide in the headliner, dashboard, doors, and armrests to deliver a starry glow. Your virtual assistant, Eleanor, is ready to tackle any command, while the owners-only app Whispers helps you stay connected and ready to go at the drop of a hat.

The Rolls-Royce Spectre is ready to transport you to any destination while being wrapped in an elegant shroud of nothing but the best.

6. BMW i7

Much has been teased about the BMW i7 and its release proves that it was all worth it: a tease worth savoring in a car definitely worth all of the hype. Designed to compete with the Mercedes EQS and Lucid Air, it became a top contender in 2023 for garnering some of the most media attention when tested in Arjeplog, Sweden. All that attention was absolutely justified as the brand waited patiently for 2023 to arrive.

The i7 is pretty similar to the BMW iX, the brands first electric SUV. But the i7 is smaller, sleeker, and faster. Its more conventional shape than other electric vehicles on the market ensures it appeals to a large number of BMWs existing audience, but with an on-trend, 21st-century boost of electricity.

7. Ford F-150 Lightning

The Ford F-150 Lightning simultaneously manages to tick all the boxes of a successful electric car while remaining pretty similar to its gas counterpart. With an impressive range and a sleek, smooth look both inside and out, its fair to say that the Ford F-150 Lightning redefines any previous notion of what a Ford car should look like in one easy maneuver.

While some cars have been kept under wraps before their 2022 release, this one certainly wasnt one of them (remember the brands million-pound towing stunt from 2019?). And its easy to see why: the Standard-Range battery is thought to deliver up to 240 miles per charge, while the Extended-Range pack aims for 320 miles theres a lot to show off about.

The Ford F-150 Lightning is arguably one of the most important electric cars of the year, broadening the appeal of the technology to more consumers.

Mercedes-Benz EQE

The Mercedes-Benz EQE is nothing if not an especially plush car. Its built for comfort and style, with more luxury than its rivals in the form of a vehicle that genuinely feels more premium than many others on the market.

Its a stylish and curvaceous vehicle that doesnt look like a traditional electric car. There are no gimmicks or rogue features included; its a perfect example of Mercedes doing what it knows best. It isnt the fastest electric vehicle available for 2024, but its one that promises an enjoyable drive with plenty of usable features.

The EQE seats five and offers a driving range of around 280 miles. Itll do 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, recharging up to 80% in 32 minutes.

As with all Mercedes cars, its produced using only high-quality materials and tasteful brushes of color on the interiors. It has an up-to-date navigation system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a Wi-Fi hotspot all available. Its a premium car that comes with everything thats expected of the brand.

9. Volvo C40 Recharge

The Volvo C40 Recharge is Volvos first fully electric vehicle with no gas-powered counterpart, which means plenty of freedom when it comes to, well, every element of this vehicle. As the brand says itself, the C40 Recharge doesnt force you to choose between power and responsible driving. Tick, tick, tick: it does it all.

Keeping the brands staple safety measurements but delivered in something far more environmentally friendly, the C40 Recharge promises to be a big hit. Its also a reliable car: you can fast charge while driving 80% in 28 minutes. The car should cover around 297 miles 478 km) on a single charge, making it great for day-to-day adventures.

10. Polestar 3

Minimalism doesnt have to mean sacrifice. The smooth Scandinavian design of the Polestar 3 makes that clear as day. It showcases an eye-catching future-forward style with clean looks free from distraction.

By leveraging Volvos premier safety features, this luxury electric SUV ensures that you and your loved ones avoid hazards along the way. It even goes as far as to protect the planet through the utilization of eco-friendly materials and incorporating carbon-neutral production as company targets.

The Polestar 3 SUV is ideal for those who want a sleek new crossover SUV that not only performs well behind the wheel but also makes a bold statement about the future of the world we live in.

11. Rivian R1S

The Tesla Model X isnt the only electric SUV that can seat seven passengers.

Rivians second production vehicle, the R1S, seeks to unseat Teslas all-electric SUV with this powerful off-road vehicle. Sharing many elements with Rivians other offering, a strong EV pickup, the R1S will come with three different battery sizes: 105, 135, and 149 kWh, respectively. With the largest battery, the R1S will have a claimed range of 410 miles perfect for your next (completely sustainable) offroading adventure.

0-60 mph (or 0-100 kph) in 3 seconds; 835 horsepower, and a top speed of 125mph (or just over 200 kilometers per hour). This SUV has a larger range than other similar vehicles.

All of that power, and an attractive price tag: The Rivian R1S will seek to undercut Teslas sticker price by just a little a direct hit at a huge competitor.

12. Audi e-tron GT

Premier executive sedans are uncompromising. An unparalleled driving experience must pair with top-tier styling and an interior that drips luxury amenities.

The Audi e-tron GT not only meets this demand, it drives the entire segment forward.

With up to 637 horsepower and a 0-60 mph of just 3.1 seconds, the fully-electric platform silently screams down the road. The incredible e-torque vectoring system instantly adjusts power delivery to match anything you can throw at it.

14-way adjustable seats and LED ambient lighting let you make the interior your own, while the Bang & Olufsen sound system fills your soul with the soundtrack of your dreams.

The Audi e-tron GT is the perfect embodiment of the executive sedan, now available with 21st-century technology.

13. Cadillac Lyriq

Another first for the brand, the Cadillac Lyriq is Cadillacs first venture into the electric vehicle market and one that it entered with a lot of prominence. Promising and providing a new era in luxury, technology, and electrification, this car promises more than 300 miles of range on a full charge and a relaxing experience while you journey from A to B.

Its also incredibly stylish, with good looks that fully match up to its powerful mechanisms. Expect open-pore Dark Ashwood dcor with backlit door panels combined with choreographed exterior LED lighting and a fixed-glass roof with power interior shade. It sounds great, too, with its own Cadillac-exclusive AKG Studio 19-speaker audio system.

14. Audi A6 e-tron

Audi likes to stay one step ahead when it comes to electric vehicles. And the Audi A6 e-tron, with its sleeker than ever design and beautiful interiors, is a brilliant example of everything the brand is capable of and more. Its fair to say the 2023 A6 looks far more like an A7 from its newly designed body, but it still features everything the A6 is known and loved best for.

Luxury designs go hand in hand in a car that promises to charge its battery from five percent to 80 percent in just 25 minutes. The Audi A6 e-tron also boasts a range of more than 700 kilometers (435 miles) and can also sprint from 0 to 60 mph in less than four seconds.

15. Genesis Electrified G80

Youve met the G80 sedan: now meet its electrified sibling, home to the same stylish design and sleek model but with a more environmentally friendly backdrop. The Electrified G80 is fairly similar to its existing counterpart we must say, although there are a few extra impressive benefits.

Were talking about a new standard of luxury from the Korean brand, complete with state-of-the-art technology designed to help keep you safe in whatever conditions you encounter and unique, suave color options both inside and out. Augmented reality, 3D elements, touch features, and voice technologies all come together in a vehicle thats most definitely driving towards the future.

16. GMC Hummer EV

Dont look backward when thinking about the classic Hummer, because the GMC Hummer EV absolutely looks straight ahead with only a whisper of its original features and we say that as a good thing. Known originally as a gas guzzler, the GMC Hummer EV promises an estimated range of 350 miles per charge and a quick jump from 0 to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds.

Thats definitely impressive from a beast of its size.

Its most unique feature? The crab design allows the Hummer EV to drive diagonally. Perhaps not something youd make use of on your daily commute, but definitely a cool and noteworthy feature especially when venturing off-road.

17. Lotus Evija

The Lotus Evija is the closest thing youll find to a day-to-day-life-friendly supercar, with its incredible body and stop-you-in-the-streets shape. A truly beautiful car available in a range of eye-catching colors, the Lotus Evija is easily the quickest Lotus ever. The Lotus Evija is the next step in the brands 70 year tradition of producing iconic, game-changing road and racing cars.

Promising a huge leap in the world of future electric hypercars, only 130 of these cars have ever and will ever be made. The Evija can reach a top speed of more than 200 mph and it promises to hit 60 mph in a cool three seconds.

18. Chevrolet Silverado EV

Now that the Bollinger B1 and B2 are canceled, were turning our attention to Chevrolet and its yet to be released Silverado EV pick-up truck. Building on GMCs experience with the Hummer EV and SUV, Chevrolet will leverage the same Ultium battery pack to deliver up to 400 miles on a single charge.

Limited deliveries for the Chevrolet Silverado EV started in 2023, but more driveways should start to see this promising new electric pickup truck in 2024.

19. Fisker Ocean

There are car brands breaking into the electric vehicle market and then there are those one step ahead, like Fisker, an environmental and sustainability-led car brand. So its no surprise that its Fisker Ocean makes the list for one of the best electric cars for 2024.

The Ocean SUV comes in three price tiers with lots of unique features, like its full-length SolarSky roof, which harvests the suns rays to generate free energy to support the cars battery-powered motor. Or the beautifully crafted vegan interiors made with ethically sourced, upcycled materials throughout. We could keep talking about it, but we wouldnt quite know where to stop.

20. Lexus RX

The RX in Lexus RX stands for Radiant Crossover, designed to focus on the brands push forwards towards sustainability without losing its traditional values and designs. And the 2023 RX establishes just that, in one easy sweep with a vehicle with plenty of variations but consistency throughout. Designed for driving in the city, the RX might not be the fastest luxury electric car but its definitely up there with the most versatile.

Its innovative aerodynamic features enhance its performance, volume (or lack of), and range. Even when it comes to the sound of the doors closing: the team selected unique materials and adjusted the door shape by tenths of a millimeter to ensure a satisfying, reassuring, not too loud tone.

The Lexus RX was also selected on our ranking of the best luxury SUVs of the year, its that good.

21. Tesla Cybertruck

When you first see a picture of a Tesla Cybertruck, its hard to tell precisely what it is: A comic book version of a futuristic car? A vehicle moving so fast it looks strangely pixelated?

Teslas most avant-garde vehicle is built with myriad practical capabilities, making it a very usable pickup truck (as well as something that onlookers will definitely look twice at when passing). Its tough, its strong, and it can work for a long time this EV truck has an estimated driving range of over 340 miles (547 km). Its low center of gravity and powerful drivetrain give it some seriously impressive stats.

The Cybertruck can tow up to 11,000 lbs; it has an acceleration of just under 2.6 seconds to 60 mph and 0-100 kph, and its most expensive variant boasts a top speed of 130 mph (209 km/h).

22. BMW i4

With spirited driving capabilities, daily-driving comfort, and a sleek silhouette, the BMW i4 is attracting a lot of attention. The available 300+ mile (483 km) range and dual motors producing over 500 horsepower are merely a sample of the respectable numbers behind this electric car.

BMW stuck with its more typical styling for this next-gen powertrain option. The brand stays on point with classic design cues, while constantly incorporating modern looks. Overall, its a step forward in evolution that brings a lot to the table without shaking things up too much.

23. Hyundai Ioniq 6

This Korean car brand has pushed well beyond its roots. And with its next-generation electric vehicles, like the Hyundai Ioniq 6, its moving forward with poise and confidence.

Even if you didnt know of its award-winning reputation, the sweeping lines and luxurious cabin of the Ioniq 6 immediately open your eyes to its wonder. And while the performance figures arent as mind-blowing compared to others, it still has options with over 300 horsepower, 300 miles (483 km) of range, and all-wheel drive.

If you were waiting for the more practical yet still spectacular EV to arrive, here it is.

24. Genesis GV60

The worlds turn toward crossover SUVs has ignited a growing segment of fiery options. And now with electrified versions joining the lineup in spades, the competition is glowing red-hot.

The Genesis GV60 has reached upmarket into the luxury electric SUV segment and is putting on a show for all to see. Interior floating architecture provides a sophisticated look thats matched by the exteriors coupe crossover design. The drivetrain is plenty powerful for the needs of most, but we do hope to see the Genesis single-charge range grow in the near future.

25. Jaguar I-PACE

Jaguars first electric car offered has matured into its place as one of the best electric cars. Even though its only available in one trim level and hasnt had much of a redesign since the start, it hits all the right marks.

From the nearly 400 horsepower and over 500 lb-ft of torque, to its elegant interior that has the right balance of technology and comfort, the Jaguar I-PACE provides class without overindulgence.

Bonus: 2024 Upcoming models

2024 promises to be another exciting year for the luxury electric car market, with bold new models expected to be released.

Below are the six upcoming luxury electric cars that were most excited about for 2024.

Maserati Grecale Folgore

Theres no stopping the demand for compact crossover SUVs. Maserati has stepped up to the plate with the internal-combustion-engine Grecale for 2023, but in 2024, a battery-electric variant will roam the streets.

While the available details are limited, we know the Maserati Grecale Folgore will pack a 400-volt architecture and a 105 kWh battery pack. Maserati also reports it will have over 500 horsepower and a top speed of over 200 km/h (124 mph).

Lucid Gravity

Offering maximum utility in a nimble, high-performance package, the Lucid Gravity is another luxury electric car grabbing our attention. The model should be available to order in late 2024 as a 2025 model year, providing a seven-seater electric SUV that embodies everything Lucid aims for.

Sports-tuned suspension and exceptional range let you drive away without concern, while the next-generation Glass Cockpit provides ample visibility. Rumors of up to 1,200 horsepower make it clear that any power-hungry foot will be happy stepping on this accelerator.

Polestar 5

The Tesla Model S and Porsche Taycan better watch their back. This entry to the growing four-door GT segment is sure to be a top contender.

The Polestar 5, expected in 2024, combines aerodynamic styling with an 884-horsepower platform to deliver a package with wide appeal. The innovative company with deep ties to Volvo has also announced the production facility will be fully carbon-neutral, stepping up standards for every automaker across the globe.

Cadillac CELESTIQ

Breaking into new territory means taking risks, leveraging history, and shooting for the moon. The Cadillac CELESTIQ ticks all of these boxes in full, creating a dynamic new luxury electric vehicle to show the world it means business.

Four-zone climate control, hands-free cruise control, and advanced all-wheel drive systems are just the tip of the iceberg. Every single CELESTIQ will be personally commissioned, providing a level of exclusivity unrivaled by most competitors.

Lotus Eletre

If youve been waiting for a new hyper-SUV to rock your socks off, get ready to go barefoot. The Lotus Eletre brings exhilarating performance incorporated into a spacious SUV platform.

The available specs are out of this world, including a 373-mile (600 km) range, 905 horsepower, and a 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) time of just 2.95 seconds. The Lotus Eletre is also reported to be ready for fully autonomous driving, with LIDAR, millimeter-wave radar, and HD cameras pointing in every direction.

Rivian R1T

The latest Rivian model is ready to show the world that going electric doesnt mean you have to stick to the cities. Over 400 miles (644 km) of range and a towing capacity of 11,000 lbs. (4,990 kg) will be up for any adventure.

The Rivian R1T will have eight different driving modes, four for ideal on-road performance and four to tackle when the road gets rough.

Choosing the best type of luxury electric car for you

When youre looking for a top-tier electric car and, more importantly, the right car for you, your preferred aesthetic, and your unique lifestyle, there are many considerations to take into account. Just a few factors to take into account might include:

• The number of miles you drive per day
• How much room you need personally, or for passengers
• Your proximity to a suitable outlet or charging station
• Your storage needs
• How you plan to use the car (for commuting? For longer journeys?)
• Your budget

With an electric vehicle specifically, youll need to think about some of these points in a different way. For example, electric vehicles often make fantastic commuter cars, particularly if your company is among the growing number of employers who have invested in EV charging spots.

However, unless you have a plan for recharging easily, EVs might be difficult to dedicate for adventuring far away for now. (Well get back to you in a few years on that one auto manufacturers are introducing longer driving ranges all the time!)

Ultimately, its your choice and the choice to make a sustainable impact with your vehicle is certainly a commendable one. Luckily, the luxury auto market is making it easy for that choice to be a fun and comfortable one as well.

Methodology: How we select, test, and rank the best options on the market

Range and charging time: Although comfortable interiors and fast accelerations are nice, in terms of daily use, those two factors are going to be the most important. Theyre also factors unique to electric cars, which made them a prime focus as we put together our 2024 guide.

We spent time studying the websites and recent offerings of the best auto manufacturers the world over; we read reviews, watched videos, analyzed statistics, and took into consideration our previous rankings to see what has changed over the years. After putting together our shortlist of the best electric cars of 2024, we selected the unique value point for each vehicle and awarded each their title for our 2024 rankings.

Frequently asked questions about luxury electric cars

The Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S Plaid are the best fully-electric cars of 2024 based on our tests. They offer the best combination of driving pleasure, comfort, and range.

The best overall 2024 electric car to buy is the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV; it has a good amount of power, lightning-quick recharge time, and sophisticated styling.

The Cadillac Lyriq is the best budget electric car of 2024; weve found that its power and styling are, for its comparatively low price, a fantastic value for the money particularly when you factor in the American brands sustainable focus.