You likely already know about the rising popularity of electric vehicles (EVs). Global automakers have committed over $500 billion to electrification investments this decade. Falling battery prices mean capable EVs now launch at economy car price points. Owning an electric vehicle makes sense for an increasing swath of buyers today.
At the opposite extreme sits a rarefied echelon – luxury EVs with sticker prices crossing into six figures. I‘ve evaluated these exclusive electric flagships firsthand – experiencing the technology and performance justifying their astronomical cost. This report spotlights five standouts defining the emerging high-end EV segment.
Beyond practical transportation, these electrified elite communicate future-forward styling cues and capabilities percolating throughout the industry. They provide a sneak peek at innovations migrating mainstream through annual model updates. Let‘s examine the state of the art in ambitious electric luxury today by profiling these premier models.
Segment Overview – Pushing Possibilities Over Practicality
In an industry engulfed by smartphone-on-wheels comparisons, luxury EVs double down on displays, sensors and processing muscle. Giant touch surfaces enable new human-machine interfaces inside minimalist cabins. Low-slung battery packs drop center of gravity improving dynamics. Weight saving compounds acceleration gains from instant electric torque.
Until recently electric drivetrains primarily appeared in compliance cars or eco-conscious niche models. But innovations fostered while chasing maximum range now funnel into ultra-high performance applications.
The resulting vehicles highlighted below bridge the gap between futuristic styling concepts and on-sale customer deliveries. They blend boundary pushing design with genuine long-distance credibility. Their creators leverage Formula E racing innovation and boundary-pushing prototyping onto elite limited editions advancing EV capabilities further.
Though still emerging from internal combustion‘s conventions through familiar brands and model lineages, make no mistake – these electric flagships represent unprecedented transportation appliances. Experiencing their warp speed traction shift and cabin tech firsthand proves traditional autos already appear primitive contemporaries rather than direct competitors.
| Model | Base Price | Range | 0-60 mph | Power | Charge Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Porsche Taycan Turbo S | $185,000 | 201 mi | 2.6 s | 750 hp | 270 kW |
| Audi e-tron Sportback 55 | $79,000 | 218 mi | 4.5 s | 402 hp | 150 kW |
| Mercedes EQS 450+ | $103,360 | 350 mi | 5.5 s | 329 hp | 200 kW |
| Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum | $92,669 | 300 mi | Mid 4 s | 563 hp | 150 kW |
| Lucid Air Grand Touring | $139,000 | 516 mi | 3 s | 819 hp | 300 kW |
Now let‘s examine what distinguishes each of these electrified flagships.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S – Pure Electric Performance
Porsche‘s first dedicated production EV, the Taycan unveiled in 2019, shook the segment with pulse-quickening acceleration and crisp handling. The range-topping Turbo S sets an intimidating pace showcasing Porsche‘s electric capabilities.
With up to 750 horsepower in overboost mode enabling 0-60mph in just 2.6 seconds, the Taycan Turbo S is among the quickest-accelerating production cars ever built. This straight-line speed comes courtesy of advanced permanent magnet synchronous electric motors, mated to a 93kWh battery.
Its 800-volt architecture means 270kW fast charging can add over 60 miles of range in just 5 minutes. Raising the stakes further, Porsche fits carbon ceramic brakes as standard equipment to harness the vehicle‘s intense performance.
Inside the Taycan cabin melds digital interfaces with traditional driver-focused ergonomics. A fully digital instrument cluster pairs with touch sliders and physical switchgear. Handling benefits from standard rear-wheel steering while multiple drive modes tailor responses. Latest over-the-air updates add Roon sound system integration and Apple Music.
Make no mistake – despite its pursuant sedan shape echoing the legendary Panamera, the Taycan Turbo S embodies Porsche performance ethos for an electric age.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Base Price: $185,000
Range (EPA): 201 mi
0-60 mph: 2.6 s
Horsepower: 750 hp
Max Charging Speed: 270 kWAudi e-tron Sportback 55 Quattro – Electric Style & Substance
Despite pioneering work on EVs last decade, Audi only recently introduced its first dedicated battery-electric vehicle lines. The e-tron SUV and Sportback rebel against familiar crossover visuals, while maintaining trademark Audi luxury and innovation inside.
The $79,000 e-tron Sportback 55 Quattro couples rakish four-door coupe styling with ample passenger and cargo space. Quattro all-wheel drive comes courtesy of a 95 kWh battery feeding dual asynchronous electric motors outputting 355 hp, or 402 hp boosted. An adjustable air suspension optimizes ride and handling across conditions.
Inside Audi‘s dual touchscreen MMI infotainment interface is among the industry‘s best, with natural voice control and sharp graphics. Available upgrades like massaging front seats, quad-zone climate control and Bang & Olufsen sound immerse occupants in premier accommodations.
Exterior details like HD Matrix LED headlamps showcase Audi‘s cutting-edge lighting advancements, while Augmented Reality incorporated into the optional head-up display highlights the brand‘s future vision. Add brisk 4.5 second 0-60 acceleration with an EPA-rated 218 mile range, and the Sportback makes a well-rounded luxury statement at the leading edge of eco-performance.
Audi e-tron Sportback 55 Quattro
Base Price: $79,000
Range (EPA): 218 mi
0-60 mph: 4.5 s
Horsepower: 402 hp
Max Charging Speed: 150 kWMercedes-Benz EQS 450+ – Redefining Luxury EVs
Mercedes-Benz rules the luxury sphere, with a long heritage culminating in the benchmark S-Class sedan. With the 2023 EQS, Mercedes brings a dedicated EV drivetrain and bespoke sustainable architecture into their technological flagship for the first time.
The EQS debuts Mercedes-Benz‘s new Electric Vehicle Architecture (EVA) – optimized from inception for battery-electric propulsion. The skateboard-style platform mounts batteries fully below the cabin, enabling vast interior space on a vehicle actually shorter than a S-Class. The low center of gravity inherent in this design combines with standard rear-wheel steering for exemplary road manners belying its 5,500lb curb weight.
