Exploring The World’s Best Luxury Electric Cars

• by Kris Cook
• July 4, 2021
• 13 min read

Defining luxury in the electric vehicle game can be a difficult task indeed; thankfully, we’ve gathered the best luxury electric cars out right now (or coming soon) so that you don’t have to.

Understand that luxury doesn’t always come with an expensive price tag.

Most electric vehicles you come across could be considered luxurious as most are kitted out in the latest features/tech — the kind that makes owning a standard combustion type somewhat outdated.

Whenever luxury electric cars are mentioned, people immediately think of Tesla and Audi, which is a natural response to have if you consider yourself an avid fan of the eco-friendly car market.

That being said, there are other brands out there creating unique models tailored for luxury; you just need to know where to look.

Below you’ll find a mix of luxury electric SUVs alongside vehicles like the Model S and Lucid Air.

Now, let’s take a look at some rides.

Disclaimer: We’ve gone to the liberty of assigning countries to each vehicle in the name of competition.

It’s like the World Cup, only electric.

And with cars.

© Credit to Lucid Motors

Lucid Air: Electric Luxury Defined

Representing: America (Lucid Motors)

To live a life of luxury, you need the right EV by your side.

This is where the Lucid Air comes into play — a luxury sedan that has the entire industry hooked as it could prove a worthy adversary to vehicles from the Tesla lineup.

A little background check on the American startup:

Formerly known as Atieva, Lucid has gone from developing battery technologies to working on a fully-optimised electric luxury car.

Lucid Motors has been working on its Air Sedan for quite some time now, after announcing its intent to develop a high-performance/luxury vehicle back in 2016.

Multiple iterations of the Lucid Air have come and gone with us landing on its current version — expected to launch this year, according to sources.

It doesn’t matter which version of this electric car you choose; each fit that electric luxury car archetype and features a refined interior, complete with multiple colour options for your showboating pleasure.

The Air Pure is the cheapest of the lot, starting from $77,400 (or $69,900 after the US Federal Tax Credit) capable of travelling up to 406 miles on a single charge.

If you want something with slightly better range, choose the Grand Touring version (517 miles on a single charge). Cost-wise, this 800 hp version is on the higher end of the scale, costing $131,500 before additions.

Lucid also plans to release a Dream Edition of the Air.

Unlike other versions, the Air Dream Edition comes with 1,080 horsepower alongside some additional tweaks to the exterior in the way of a platinum polish finish with a titanium C-pillar flag.

Unfortunately, reservations for the Dream are currently closed and are unlikely to re-open.

© Credit to Audi

Audi e-tron: Performance For Days

Representing: Germany (Audi)

Audi, now there’s an automaker you might have heard before.

This automaker has had a stellar reputation for years, harkening back to the days of the Audi TT.

We’d like to divert your attention to the Audi e-tron, the automakers first electric production car and easily one of the best luxury electric cars out there.

Audi was clearly going for something different yet familiar at the same time, which would explain why it shares a similar vibe to the existing Q5 and Q7 SUVs.

Just looking at this EV screams luxury, from its bespoke LED headlights to its 20” alloys.

In terms of performance, the Audi e-tron can compete with the best of them.

Four-wheel drive and 302bhp give this EV unbelievable acceleration from the jump. Speed-wise, the e-tron has a top speed of 125mph and can go from 0-62mph in under six seconds.

It’s not as speedy as, say, most Teslas, but not many are.

If you’re looking for a sportier version, check out the Audi e-tron GT. It might share a name with other Audi vehicles, but this EV runs in its own lane.

The e-tron is identified as a four-door coupe with emphasis on maximum performance.

If we were to put both the e-tron and e-tron GT side by side, you’d instantly point to the latter when we asked which you think is the more luxurious of the two (not to take anything away from the former).

Like other reputable automakers, most of the vehicles in the current e-tron range could fit that luxury electric cars group.

Tesla Model S: A Range Beast Through And Through

Representing: America (Tesla)

We just had to mention at least one Tesla on our list of the best luxury electric cars.

Typically, expectation rarely meets reality, but with a Tesla, you are guaranteed quality each time. Be it through range, or just exceptionally performance whenever you’re behind the wheel.

How else could you explain the American automakers rise to the top?

Tesla is a household name, and it’s because of luxe rides like the Model S.

The Tesla Model S has been around for a while now. Still, it continues to shine, especially when it comes to distance-covered per charge.

Buying the Model S Long Range fives you an incredibly 400-plus-mile-range, which is just absurd for an EV when you compare it to other vehicles out there.

According to Tesla, there’s a better version out there (Plaid+) that can travel over 500 miles and go from 0 to 60mph in less than two seconds.

Just another day in the office for Tesla, given its track record.

Every vehicle from the Tesla catalogue fits the electric luxury car mould. We’ve simply chosen the Model S here as it’s an all-around range beast, yet it balances it nicely with its sleek shape and performance.

The cheaper Model 3 is still one of the best luxury electric cars, despite it having a lower price.

Remember, an expensive EV doesn’t always equate to luxury these days.

© Credit to Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-EQS: The Luxury Electric Saloon

Representing: Germany (Mercedes)

Looking for something slightly more futuristic when chasing the best luxury electric cars?

Feast your eyes on Mercedes’ first all-electric saloon in the EQS.

Its long flat bonnet and rounded roofline separate it from other Mercedes vehicles; some images we’ve seen make the car look completely horizontal — not to mention smooth — which automatically tells us it’s a performance machine (and it’s not even out yet).

If you look at the read of this luxury electric car, you’ll see that the brake lights stretch from one side to the other.

It’s one of many unique design choices that makes the EQS stand out.

There’s only one way to describe the interior: like heaven.

You obviously get to design the interior as you see fit, but choosing the white seats, accompanied by the blue lighting/steering wheel, only adds to the appeal.

Did we mention the interior ‘Hyperscreen’ too?

Mercedes EQS pricing does differ depending on the version you choose. The base model sits at the £80,000 mark and is due to go on sale this summer.

© Credit to Jaguar

Jaguar I-Pace: The Benchmark Of Luxury Electric Cars

Representing: England (Jaguar)

Like Audi’s, Jag’s are synonymous with luxury.

So it should come as no surprise that we’ve got the Jaguar I-Pace electric SUV on our list here.

As is the case with most EVs, the I-Pace has tremendous acceleration (0-62mph in 4.8 seconds). Each axle sports an electric motor capable of generating 396bhp.

Impressive, right?

The top speed of this vehicle is slightly lower than what you might expect (124mph). Still, it more than makes up for that with its official range of 292 miles.

As an electric luxury car, the I-Pace comes with all the finest features. Inside you’ll find a one-touch infotainment system and a clean/uncluttered approach to space.

Every decision has been made with comfort/functionality in mind, which is all you could ever ask for in a ride such as this.

Buyers have one of two choices to make: the standard I-Pace or the I-Pace Black.

The Jaguar I-Pace Black enhances the exterior with glossier details for a sportier look if you’re into that sort of thing.

So, which will it be?

© Credit to Porsche

Porsche Taycan: Luxury Sports-Cars Rejoice

Representing: Germany (Porsche)

There are hypercars, and there is the Porsche Taycan (pronounced: tie-kahn) EV.

Multiple electric car sites have reviewed this hypercar, and they all say the same thing: it’s a powerhouse regardless of the version you choose, albeit expensive.

The all-wheel driver version has a lot to offer if you’re someone who’s looking for a jack-of-all-trades luxury electric car.

Buyers have the option of increasing the performance of the Porsche Taycan by upgrading to the Performance Battery Plus. Doing so will increase the size of the pack itself and the horsepower of the ride (up to 562).

Fast charging appears to be another hallmark of this EV. With the right charging unit/model, you can fill the Taycan’s battery by 80% in around 23 minutes; lightning-quick and easily one of the major selling points of an EV like this.

Porsche owners want to be out and about as fast as possible, and the company knows that.

This is a Porsche, and a luxury vehicle to boot, so expect to pay a hefty premium for this sort of EV (starting from $79,900).

Is it worth it?

We’d say so. We don’t actually own one ourselves but have spent many nights picturing ourselves in the Taycan, preferably on an open road where we can really put it through its paces.

Moreover, an interior infotainment system is as detailed as it is helpful.

© Credit to Volvo

Volvo XC40: Small Yet Mighty

Representing: Sweden (Volvo)

When style and substance meet as one, you get the Volvo XC40.

Trust us.

Yes, this is a small luxury electric car, an SUV even, but it has all the attributes needed to get you places and look the part in doing so.

Furthermore, it’s a lot cheaper than some of the other EVs mentioned already ($34,795), which is what most would call: a steal.

Now, know that multiple versions of the XC40 exist. You have a mild-hybrid version, or you can go with the Volvo XC40 Recharge for the full electric experience.

The latter comes with the tagline: “Unplug and play” and play you will, in an EV capable of going from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds, according to Volvo.

As far as pure electric range goes, drivers should get around 259 miles out of each charge before needing some juice.

Volvo also states that, through a fast charger, owners of the XC40 can charge this vehicle from zero to 80% in around 40 minutes, making this a fantastic option for those in a constant rush — those who don’t want to fork out close to $80,000 for the Taycan.

It is a compact SUV, which might be a bit snug for taller drivers/passengers, but this is but a blemish on an otherwise flawless vehicle.

The Volvo XC40 falls under the ‘bet you weren’t expecting this ride in our list of the world’s best luxury electric cars’ category.

It’s always the ones you least expect that surprise you.

© Credit to BMW

BMW i3: The Luxury Commuter

Representing: Germany (BMW)

Cube-like is one of the many ways you can describe the look of our final luxury electric car — that being the BMW i3.

As a BMW, you should already have a general idea of what this EV offers; robust in almost every way and fit for every avid driver no matter where they find themselves in the world.

According to BMW, the i3 can take you from London to Brighton and back again on a single charge, courtesy of up to 190 miles of electric range.

The i3 has a signature look that helps separate it from other BMWs. It’s angular styling and defined details are what initially grabbed our attention, but we stayed when we learned more about the spec:

• 0-62mph: 7.3 Seconds
• Top Speed: 93mph
• Battery Capacity: 42.2kWH
• Fast Charging Time: 42 Mins

It’s the ultimate luxury commuter!

Furthermore, this luxury electric car comes with optimised Dynamic Traction Control (DTC), giving you a better grip of the road. We should also mention the SPORT driving mode that simulates the life and times of a Formula-E driver at times.

Needless to say, it’s an agile vehicle build for urban travel.

What’s not to love?

In Short: Exploring The World’s Best Luxury Electric Cars

As you can see, electric luxury is not bound to one specific type of vehicle, but many.

Some of the best luxury electric cars aren’t always tied to brands like Tesla — despite them having a foothold over the market with rides like the Model S and the updated Roadster on the horizon.

Gone are the days of old, where only a select few could afford luxury electric cars. The playing field is even, allowing every buyer to drive like royalty.

Did you find our picks for the best luxury electric cars helpful?

We hope so because everyone will soon have an EV and have access to cheaper/better rides.

The EVs mentioned above are just what’s available now.

Can you imagine what sort of electric luxury cars we’ll see in the next, say, fifteen years?

We might have flying cars by then, which would be the pinnacle of luxury.

So, which country/carmaker takes the trophy home, in your opinion?

Best Luxury Electric Cars FAQs

How much is the Lucid Air?

Like most EVs, the cost of the Lucid Air will depend on the version you go with. The standard Air Pure will set you back $69,900, the Air Touring: $87,500, the Air Grand Touring: $131,500, and finally the Air Dream Edition: $161,500.

What is the most luxurious electric car?

It’s such a cop-out answer, but luxury is a matter of perspective. Our personal pick for the best luxury electric car would have to be the Jaguar I-Pace, given its appearance and overall performance. What do you think?

Is the Tesla Model 3 a luxury car?

Yes, 100%. E4TP and millions of people around the world would consider the Model 3 a luxury electric car. The EV is a technical masterclass and one of the best vehicles for pure electric range. You’d be stupid not to call it a luxury EV.

Kris Cook

Hey, I’m Kris, a Junior Content Strategist at E4TP. At the moment I live in the world of EVs, keeping up on current trends in the space, and delivering quality content. I’m a creative type both inside and outside of work, in that I write poetry in my spare time, design independent zines, and paint. When I’m not knee deep in any of that, I collect vinyl (my collection has around 150 LPs in it), and enjoy spending time with pals outdoors, mostly on a bike — or in another country.

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