Photography courtesy Ferrari
Ferrari has entered the production EV game. And in true Ferrari fashion, it has definitely not done it halfway.
Unveiled this week in Rome, the Ferrari Luce marks the company’s first fully electric production car and arguably one of the boldest pivots in the marque’s modern history. The Luce introduces a dramatically different visual identity and philosophy that has fans split. Take a look.
While Maranello’s latest export is clearly a horse of a different colour within the scuderia, the numbers are familiar. The 2,260-kg Luce (Italian for “light”) commands 1,035 hp to reach 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds. Top speed is 310 km/h.
A 122kWh battery with a 530 km estimated range powers the 5-seat grand tourer, with four motors driving wheels independently and enabling torque vectoring, four-wheel steering and active suspension.
The engine sound, meanwhile, is produced by real drivetrain vibrations rather than artificial synthesized noise. And inside, Ferrari has made an effort to keep things optionally analogue, with aluminum switches, toggles and dials within reach should you prefer them to the OLED displays and swiveling infotainment.
Paddles behind the aluminum steering wheel control the brand’s Torque Shift Engagement System—left paddle controlling brake input and right torque access.
It’s also the brand’s first use of suicide doors.
Designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, founded by former Apple design chief Sir Jony Ive and designer Marc Newson, the Luce introduces an entirely new aesthetic. Expansive glass surfaces, floating aerodynamic elements and more rounded forms replace some of the angular aggression that has defined much of the brand’s modern and classic lineup.
The car’s design is driving the conversation online, and that may indeed be part of the plan. Ferrari is no stranger to challenging the public’s expectations of what makes a beautiful car.
“I’ve owned 4 Ferrari’s so far, this will never be number 5,” one commenter posted on Ferrari’s Instagram. “Enzo Ferrari has left the group,” wrote another.
Even former longtime Ferrari chairman is sounding off on the new direction.
“If I were to say what I really think, I’d be doing Ferrari a disservice,” he told Italian agency askanews. “We risk destroying a legend, and I’m truly sorry about that. I hope they at least remove the prancing horse from that car.”
Ferrari says the Luce and its house-made electric power are part of the brand’s “multi energy” strategy that still includes hybrid and V12 powerplants.
The arrival of the Luce (starting at 550,000 Euros) has certainly diversified the Italian maker’s portfolio. It already feels like one of their most significant launches in years. But beyond the performance numbers and polarizing design, the Luce feels meaningful because Ferrari resisted the urge to build an electric version of an already proven model. And that’s a boldness we expect from Ferrari.
Let us know what you think of the Ferrari Luce and join the conversation on Instagram.
