It wasn't long ago that luxury electric cars were a rarity.
The landscape changed with the 2012 arrival of the Tesla Model S, demonstrating the potential of combining pace, comfort, and elegance in an EV.
Since then, many premium luxury EVs from familiar European manufacturers like Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz have emerged, making the luxury EV class well-furnished with options.
Today's luxury EVs offer a diverse range, with some prioritising refinement and opulence, others focusing on performance, and some incorporating utility with SUV bodystyles.
Competition is intense, and standards are constantly rising, especially considering the significant investment these vehicles represent.
This list showcases some of the world's most long-legged and usable electric cars, featuring a battleground where Teslas compete with Mercedes EQs, BMW i cars, Audi E-trons, and even new-groove Porsches.
15. Lotus Eletre
The Lotus Eletre is huge, measuring 5.1 metres long. That makes it slightly larger than the Kia EV9 and Volvo EX90 and not far off the colossal, eight-seat Land Rover Defender 130.
On paper, the Electre’s figures are just as impressive. It gets a 112kWh battery with 373 miles of range, while power starts from 603bhp.
For an additional £15,000, the S model offers a wheel and brake upgrade, active aero features, and a premium audio system.
The range-topping R, priced at £130,000, boosts the total output to an astonishing 906bhp. This significant power increase, equivalent to a Volkswagen Golf R, comes from an uprated rear motor paired with a two-speed automatic gearbox.
Distinguishing features of the R model include lightweight carbonfibre body trim and standard four-wheel steering.
14. BMW i5
The BMW i5 is the next-generation offering of the German car maker’s venerable 5 Series.
Go for the i5 eDrive4 and you will get a single, rear-mounted motor with 335bhp. Opt for the i5 M60 instead, and there’s an additional 257bhp motor for the front axle.
Both cars use the same battery with 81.2kWh of usable capacity. Range can reach as high as 370 miles on a single charge.
The i5 gets bonus points for being available in both estate and saloon bodystyles, too - something no other car on this list can offer.
13. Dodge Charger Daytona EV
The Dodge Charger Daytona EV, with its electric powertrain delivering up to 670 horsepower, sets the standard for modern muscle cars - but you could also consider it a luxury car.
Power comes from a 93.3kWh battery, which offers a range of over 300 miles. Power can reach as high as 670bhp with certain performance packages equipped.
Impressively, this 2.6-tonne muscle car can hit 0-62mph as quickly as 3.3seconds, which is faster than the petrol-powered Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat.
12. Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
The EQS SUV uses the same platform as the EQS saloon and the various versions of the EQE.
For this Mercedes range-topper, everything is supersized. As such, the EQS SUV is powered by a gargantuan battery: it was 108.4kWh at launch but was quickly upgraded to 118.0kWh.
It’s easily one of the most spacious cars on sale, and is one of few electric SUVs offered with seven seats. The firm’s 56-inch hyperscreen system is also included as standard.
The EQS SUV is a big, heavy luxury car, rather than a performance car, but it is still more than quick enough in standard 355bhp form. If you pay more, you get 536bhp, and you will hit 0-62 mph in 4.6 seconds.
The EQS SUV is a super-expensive, super-luxurious seven-seat electric SUV that appears to be targeting a very niche market. As was the case with the R-Class, there's a strong possibility that there won't be enough buyers for it in the UK.
11. Polestar 3
The Polestar 3 stands out among luxury SUVs due to its distinctive body profile.
While its overall length (4900mm) and wheelbase (2985mm) are comparable to a Range Rover Sport, measuring within an inch or two, its roofline is lower than even an Audi Q3 (1614mm).
Just one battery is available, measuring a huge 107kWh, with a claimed range of 380 miles. However, several motors can be selected. Power ranges from 295bhp to 510bhp in high-performance models.
The Polestar 3 is a car that features a plush interior with lots of technology. There’s a large 14.5-inch infotainment system with comfortable seats and lots of space.
10. Lotus Emeya
The Lotus Emeya marks the fourth phase in Lotus's transformation from a niche, but cherished, sports car manufacturer into a global luxury car brand.
The saloon uses a very large battery and is available with an armoury of dynamics-enhancing tech, including air suspension and four-wheel steering.
With two powertrains available, the Emeya 600 has dual 302bhp permanent magnet synchronous motors, while the Emeya 900 replaces the rear motor with a 604bhp unit and a two-speed gearbox, for a total of 906bhp. The range can reach as high as 379 miles.
The Emeya’s interior is remarkably impressive. Soft, smooth leather or Alcantara covers most surfaces, while real metal or carbon fibre accents the remaining areas.
Despite a minimal number of physical controls, the dashboard and door panels feature intricate curves and shapes, creating a distinctive and recognisable aesthetic.
9. Genesis G80 Electrified
In just a couple of years, Genesis has rapidly expanded its presence in Europe, challenging established premium brands. Starting with a single model, it now offers six, including several electric vehicles like the Electrified G80.
This model is a battery-powered variant of the G80 large saloon. While the internal combustion engine G80 boasts a distinctive design and a luxurious, tech-rich interior, its limited choice of four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines doesn't quite align with its premium ambitions.
However, the Electrified G80 addresses these shortcomings by incorporating elements of the Korean firm's E-GMP architecture. It features a dual-motor setup delivering a robust 365bhp and an 87.2 kWh battery, providing an estimated range of 323 miles. A key advantage is its 800V circuitry, enabling charging speeds up to 350kW and vehicle-to-load functionality, allowing the battery to power various electrical devices from e-bikes to portable fridges.
The Electrified G80 offers strong performance thanks to its smooth and powerful electric motors, while its interior maintains the brand's reputation for beautiful finishes and comfort.
8. Lucid Air
Few cars have created quite such a stir or kept us waiting quite so long as the Lucid Air. Built in the US and engineered by the man behind the Tesla Model S, the jaw-droppingly sleek saloon boasts some crazy numbers.
For instance, the range-topping Dream Edition packs 1111bhp and 1025lb ft of torque (yes, really) and will explode from standstill to 60mph in a claimed 2.4sec.
Then there's the giant 118kWh battery that promises a range of 520 miles between charges. And when you do need to top up, 300kW rapid charging means you should be able to add 300 miles in just 20 minutes.
Its design is neat, and it comes lavishly equipped with a fit and finish that surpasses the Model S, though it falls short of established European rivals.
7. Audi E-tron GT
The Audi RS E-tron GT, Audi's first electric car to bear the RS badge, shares its core engineering with the Taycan.
It utilises the same powerful electric motors (one per axle), three-chamber air suspension, and underlying architecture, including the battery pack. This results in a WLTP range of up to 285 miles and ultra-rapid charging capabilities of 350kW.
Consequently, the RS E-tron GT is exceptionally fast. The flagship model delivers 612lb ft of torque and 637bhp, accelerating to 62mph in under 3.5 seconds.
While it handles well, its steering and overall engagement don't quite match the level of its Porsche cousin. However, it's very close, and the Audi offers a more relaxed ride than the Taycan during everyday driving.
This, combined with the inherent refinement benefits of an EV, makes the Audi an equally compelling choice.
6. Mercedes-Benz G-Class EV
The electric G-Class, launched earlier this year to much anticipation, maintains its iconic identity. Aside from subtle differences such as blue body trim, its design largely mirrors that of its combustion-engine counterpart.
Underneath, the G580 gets a 116kWh battery with a range of 294 miles. With 579bhp and 859lb ft of torque, the G580 is only slightly less powerful than the V8-engined G63.
The G580 has Mercedes’ MBUX infotainment system, comprising twin 12.3in screens: a display behind the steering wheel and an infotainment touchscreen.
The quality is perceived as high, and the luxurious materials used would make one feel somewhat guilty entering the car in a wet Barbour jacket and muddy wellies.
5. Mercedes-Benz EQS
The EQS, built on a new platform, is Mercedes-Benz's answer to the market share lost by the conventionally powered S-Class to the Tesla Model S, particularly in North America. This luxury electric vehicle makes no compromises.
While expensive, with prices in the UK starting from £102,000 for the 325bhp, single-motor, rear-driven EQS 450+ and exceeding £150,000 for the Mercedes-AMG EQS 53, the EQS showcases true engineering commitment and is packed with advanced technology.
Despite headlines focusing on the optional Hyperscreen, which transforms the entire dashboard into a touchscreen, this is arguably the least impressive feature. Although functional and visually appealing, it ultimately consists of three contiguous screens.
More notably, the EQS excels in its aerodynamic design, which, combined with its massive 120kWh battery, helps it achieve a real-world range of 400 miles. It also offers an excellent driving experience.
Four-wheel steering allows this 5.2-meter-long car to manoeuvre with surprising agility, akin to a black cab, while air suspension ensures exceptional isolation, comfort, and refinement.
4. Porsche Taycan
The Taycan maintains Porsche's signature feel, even as an EV.
It offers precise body control and exceptional cornering feedback, with forces building and receding linearly. It's also incredibly fast in a straight line; the Turbo S officially clocks 0-62mph in just 2.4 seconds.
While range varies by model, the largest battery option boasts an impressive 422 miles (WLTP combined). Our tests showed a real-world range of approximately 360 miles (3.7mpkWh), which is outstanding for a high-performance vehicle.
Despite its luxury GT status, rear passenger space is somewhat limited. However, the driving ergonomics are truly superb.
3. Rolls-Royce Spectre Black Badge
The new Rolls-Royce Black Badge Spectre is the British car maker’s most powerful model yet, packing up to 650bhp and 793lb ft.
The Black Badge brand, introduced in 2016, now enters the electric era. This branding signifies more powerful and distinct versions of Rolls-Royce's luxury vehicles, aiming to appeal to a younger clientele.
The new Spectre model from Rolls-Royce features a "Spirited mode" launch control setting. This mode increases torque from 660lb ft to 793lb ft, enabling the car to achieve 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.
Overall, the powerful Spectre surpasses the 2016 Wraith Black Badge, which produced 623bhp and 642lb ft from its twin-turbocharged V12.
2. BMW iX
BMW, long associated with the "The ultimate driving machine" tagline, is adapting its definition of "ultimate" for an evolving automotive landscape of busier and more speed-restricted roads. With its electric vehicles (EVs), the brand has gravitated towards specialising in comfort.
The iX exemplifies this shift, offering world-class rolling refinement and drivability, along with instant and effortless performance and a strong real-world range. Its interior diverges from BMW's traditional sports saloons, presenting a more lounge-like environment with open spaces, soft shapes, and, in certain specifications, unique and appealing materials, akin to a large, ultra-luxurious i3.
The iX 45, the most affordable model, is highly recommended. It can be optioned with superb air suspension and features a usable 94.8kWh battery, providing a lab-tested (WLTP) range of 374 miles. A twin-motor, 402bhp, four-wheel-drive setup ensures ample pace.
1. BMW i7
It's a measure of the increasing preeminence of EVs that the first version of BMW's all-new 7 Series flagship to hit showrooms was the electric i7.
It gets a dual-motor set-up that provides 536bhp for ample performance, while a 102kWh battery promises 367 miles between charges. If you do happen to run low, you can charge at up to 195kW for 106 miles of range in just 10 minutes.
The interior of the vehicle is remarkably impressive, showcasing exquisite craftsmanship and cutting-edge technology without any hint of ostentatiousness. Premium materials are used throughout, complemented by sleek dashboard screens controlled by an iDrive rotary.
Rear passengers can enjoy an extraordinary 31.3-inch drop-down screen, which, combined with the Bowers & Wilkins sound system, transforms the experience into a private cinema.
Much like its predecessors, the i7 offers a commendable driving experience. Despite its substantial weight of nearly 2800kg (comparable to smaller cross-channel ferries), four-wheel steering and four-wheel drive make the large BMW surprisingly manageable. It boasts precise steering, accurate handling, and strong grip.
A new highlight is the saloon's exceptional ability to provide a smooth and comforting ride. This is a testament to the engineers' deliberate decision to dedicate as much effort to creating the ultimate soothing machine as they did to the ultimate driving machine.
