15 of the Best Luxury Electric Cars

There’s no question that electric cars are the future of transport. While EVs are still in their relative infancy – especially when compared to the rest of the automotive industry – EV manufacturers are not allowing the green tech to get in the way of luxury.

There’s now a huge catalogue of luxury electric cars available to eco-conscious consumers, offering fast, convenient, stylish and infotainment-packed cars. So, let’s take a look at what goes into a luxury EV, and our pick of 15 of the best EVs available for drivers looking for a little extra luxury.

What qualities go into a luxury electric car?

There are several factors that go into a car (not just an EV) and whether or not it’s classed as luxury. However, there is no official checklist or definition. If you’re on the lookout for a luxury EV, you’ll want to consider:

• Brand
• Interior quality
• Safety features
• Technological features
• Range (aka the miles on a single charge)
• Charge time
• Price

How long does it take a luxury EV to charge?

Charge time varies between manufacturers, but a lot of luxury electric vehicles have a rapid charge function, which means you’ll be able to charge from 10% to around 80% in less than 25 minutes. Perfect for short or long journeys.

How much does it cost to charge a luxury EV?

Again, this varies depending on the amount of time needed to charge your EV, and the electricity provider you have at home. However, it will be somewhere in the region of £7-12 to fully charge your EV.

At public charging stations, you’ll likely pay around £6-7 for a 30-minute charge, which will provide around 80-100 miles of driving.

15 top luxury electric cars

A lot goes into making a truly luxurious EV, and it was tough putting a list together which meant some of our favourites had to be cut. However, we’ve whittled it down to 15 of the best luxury electric cars:

1. Jaguar I-Pace

With twin 197bhp motors, the Jaguar I-Pace is powerful and offers rapid charge at 100kW, meaning you’ll get almost 80 miles of range in just 15 minutes. When you give it some welly, the I-Pace will go 0-60mph in 4.5 seconds, with a top speed of 124mph.

2. BMW iX

The iX deviates from BMW’s classic design style and offers a striking appearance. The xDrive50 offers a very decent 373 miles on a single charge, with each axle having a dedicated motor to provide it with plenty of power. The handling is super smooth and helps you forget that the iX has a fairly high kerbweight.

3. Polestar 2

The Polestar 2 offers luxury and connectivity, boasting one of the best infotainment systems of any luxury EV currently available. There’s a large touchscreen, a top-of-the-range sound system, and countless additional features that make it the closest car available to Knight Rider’s KITT (for 80s Tv fans!). On top of that, the Polestar 2 has a range of 273 miles and a top speed of 127mph.

4. Tesla Model S

There are plenty of Teslas we could include on this list (another one or two may crop up) – they’ve been producing EVs for more than a decade at this point, after all – but the Model S has to be included. It oozes luxury and claims to go from standing to 62mph in just 2.5 seconds. Sitting in a Model S feels like you’re in the cockpit of a spaceship, with touch screens, plenty of advanced features, and a sleek finish.

5. Audi e-tron 

The Audi e-tron ticks all the boxes you would be looking for in a luxury electric car. It offers exceptional handling, a slick interior, and state-of-the-art tech that provides you with the complete infotainment package. While acceleration is a little more sluggish than other EVs (if you can call 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds sluggish) it has a top speed of 125mph. The range is also not quite as high as some other EVs at 248 miles.

6. Audi e-tron GT

While the Audi e-tron ticks all the boxes for a luxury EV, the e-tron GT ticks them with a big fat permanent marker. It has all the luxury and modern tech you’re looking for while pushing a 300-mile range. And with a max charging speed of 270kW you’re also likely to charge from 10 to 80% in just 21 minutes. It’s also nippier than the e-tron, reaching 62mph from standing in just 4.1 seconds.

7. Tesla Model X

The Model X seats seven and is easily the biggest Tesla available. It may be heavy, weighing in at a whopping 2.5 tonnes, but that doesn’t slow it down thanks to 1,020 horsepower, which means it’ll hit 0-60mph in 2.5 seconds. And with a 333-mile range and a full infotainment centre, the Model X is a big, bold, family EV that is as luxurious as it is powerful.

8. Genesis Electrified G80 

The Electrified G80 is Genesis’ first fully electric car, and is a fantastic introduction to what they’re capable of. It has a 311-mile range, and 365bhp and 516lb ft of torque thanks to a twin-motor powertrain. And 350kW rapid charging means it’ll charge from 10 to 80% in less than 25 minutes. However, it’s unlikely the Electrified G80 will ever be made available to Brits.

9. Mercedes EQS

Mercedes introduced their first EV in 2019, and in the few short years since they’ve established themselves as one of the top EV manufacturers. In particular, the EQS is as luxurious as it is powerful and doesn’t compromise when it comes to state-of-the-art technology and features. It offers a ‘hyperscreen’ digital fascia and offers 400 miles on a single charge. Mercedes-Benz intends to offer ten EQ models by the end of 2022.

10. BMW i4

While the BMW i4 is a smaller electric vehicle, its lack of size isn’t reflected in a lack of luxury. It’s sleek and neat, and not quite as in your face as certain other EVs. It has a range of 372 miles and accelerates from 0-62mph in four seconds. Proof that the phrase ‘good things come in small packages’ also applies to the world of EVs.

11. Rivian R1S

Another seven-seater EV that works wonders off-road. Available in three different battery sizes, with the largest at 180kW, it boasts an impressive 410 miles, and accelerates from standing to 60mph in just three seconds.

12. Tesla Roadster

While the Tesla Roadster may boast a range of up to 620 miles, where it really shines is in its acceleration: 0-60 mph in an eye-watering 1.9 seconds. It may not be a big, family EV, but it is a luxurious and eye-catching vehicle that will get you where you need to go quickly (within legal speed limits, of course).

13. Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo

The beauty of Porsche’s Taycan is its versatility. Available with one or two drive motors, two or four-wheel drive, saloon, or estate – the selection available means the only difficulty drivers will have is which to choose. The Taycan Cross Turismo handles well, has plenty of room (seating four passengers comfortably), but doesn’t compromise any sort of power. While it is undoubtedly a luxurious car, it doesn’t offer a great range, at approximately 250 miles.

14. Mercedes EQE

When it arrives in 2022, the Mercedes EQE is set to offer a 340 mile range, which can go as high as 412. Fast charge up to 170kW will give you 150 miles in as little as a quarter of an hour. It has bags of space, providing plenty of space for luggage and passengers, and is 80mm roomier than an E-Class saloon. Luxury, space and speed is a winning EV combination.

15. BMW Electric i8 Roadster

If sporty and luxury is the combo you’re after, the BMW Electric i8 Roadster is exactly what you need. It has a top speed of 155 mph, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 4.2 seconds. Before you get too excited, however, the Electric i8 Roadster has a range of just 33 miles. Yes, unfortunately, that’s not a typo. As a result, you’re unlikely to take the Electric i8 Roadster on many road trips.

Luxury EVs to keep an eye out for

Rolls Royce Spectre

Image source: caranddriver.com

In 2023, Rolls Royce finally jumped into the electric car game with their very first electric vehicle called the Spectre. They’re calling it an “ultra-luxury electric super coupé”, and it packs quite a punch. With a power output of 577bhp and a torque of 900Nm, you can expect some serious performance. Plus, they estimate that it’ll have a range of around 320 miles on a single charge, which is pretty impressive.

When you step inside the Spectre and swing open the rear-hinged coach doors, you’ll be greeted by a lavish four-seat interior and a fully-digital dashboard. And of course, you’ll find all the top-notch features and customisation options that you’d expect from the British luxury brand. The catch? Prices are expected to start from £300,000!

Cadillac Celestiq

Image source: caranddriver.com

An all-electric sedan, the Cadillac Celestiq takes luxury mobility to a whole new level, combining sleek design and cutting-edge technology. The car has a sleek and aerodynamic silhouette, with a low roofline and a long wheelbase. And there’s a panoramic glass roof that spans the entire length of the car! 

Inside, the Celestiq’s cabin is decked out with high-quality materials and exquisite craftsmanship. Plus, there’s a massive curved OLED display that stretches across the entire dashboard. Cadillac has also introduced an entirely new four-quadrant smart glass technology. This means each passenger can personalise their own area of the car… so no more arguing over temperature or music!

The Celestiq is being offered through a reservation system, so each vehicle can be tailor-made to fit the customer’s preference and needs. This car is definitely set to be a little glimpse into the future when it comes to luxury EVs.

FAQs