The Tesla Model S has long been synonymous with luxury and innovation in the electric vehicle market, setting a high bar with its sleek design, impressive range, and cutting-edge technology. Yet, as the landscape of electric vehicles continues to evolve, a new wave of contenders is emerging, each offering unique blends of luxury, performance, and advanced features. These alternatives cater to discerning drivers who seek not just an electric vehicle but an extraordinary driving experience that rivals the sophistication of the Model S.
Whether you prioritize exceptional craftsmanship, groundbreaking innovation, or superior comfort, these vehicles offer something to satiate even the most refined tastes. These models are not just about turning heads with their stunning aesthetics, but they come equipped with state-of-the-art technology, sumptuous interiors, and powerful performance capabilities that push the envelope of modern luxury. Here are the crème de la crème of electric vehicles, each providing a compelling reason to look beyond the familiar allure of the Tesla Model S, which starts at $72,990.
The data used to compile this article was sourced from manufacturers' websites and other authoritative sources, including HotCars and CarBuzz, to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible. We have picked models that are priced close to the Model S base trim and listed them in terms of their starting price, lowest to highest.
The Polestar 2 Dual Motor doesn't yet dance like a German sports sedan, but it's just as quirky as the great Swedish performance machines of yore.
This sleek, minimalist fastback boasts a surprising amount of muscle under the hood. It's available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configurations. While the Tesla Model S prioritizes a minimalist, tech-heavy interior, the Polestar 2 leans into a more traditional luxury aesthetic. It uses high-quality, sustainable materials like vegan upholstery, creating a warm and inviting cabin.
Motor Setup | Single AC synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 299 hp |
Torque | 361 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 82.0-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 5.9 seconds |
Top Speed | 127 mph |
The Polestar 2 offers a more driver-focused layout, with a physical instrument cluster and an emphasis on ergonomics. Tesla's reliance on a single central touchscreen for many controls can feel less intuitive for some. With its Volvo heritage, Polestar brings European design sensibilities to the table. This translates to a focus on clean lines, soft-touch surfaces, and a feeling of solidity in the cabin.
The Cadillac Lyriq Tech offers a luxurious electric SUV experience in two variants: rear-wheel drive with a single motor or all-wheel drive with dual motors. The single motor delivers 340 horsepower and a range of around 312 miles, while the dual motor bumps horsepower to 500 and lowers the range slightly. Tech takes center stage with a massive curved display housing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system.
Motor Setup | Single AC synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 340 hp |
Torque | 325 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 102-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 4.8 seconds |
Top Speed | 118 mph |
Active noise cancellation and a head-up display further cocoon you in a tech-forward environment. Luxury isn't left behind in the Cadillac Lyriq. Features like a panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated massaging seats, and an AKG sound system create a comfortable and opulent atmosphere. Available driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control refine the Lyriq's luxurious experience.
Acura's first foray into electric vehicles, the ZDX, blends luxury and innovation in a spacious SUV package. A single electric motor delivers a smooth ride with 340 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of around 7.5 seconds. An estimated range of up to 300 miles on a single charge makes it suitable for most daily commutes.
Motor Setup | Single synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 342 hp |
Torque | 325 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 102-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 5.5 seconds |
Top Speed | N/A |
Tech-savvy drivers will appreciate the Acura's signature 11.3-inch HD Precision Cockpit digital instrument cluster keeping them informed. A large central touchscreen infotainment system handles entertainment and vehicle settings. Luxury isn't compromised in the base trim. High-quality materials are used throughout the cabin of the ZDX, and standard features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof ensure a comfortable ride.
The Lucid Air is one of the most impressive all-electric cars on the market and this comprehensive guide dives into every little detail.
The Lucid Air Pure carves a niche for itself as a compelling luxury electric sedan. With a single rear-mounted motor, it delivers a smooth and powerful ride with 430 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time in just 4.5 seconds. This rear-wheel-drive configuration prioritizes efficiency, offering an estimated range of up to 410 miles on a single charge.
Motor Setup | Single synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 430 hp |
Torque | 406 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 88.0-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 4.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 127 mph |
The spacious interior features a sleek driver-focused curved glass display showcasing information and entertainment systems. Luxury isn't left behind, featuring sustainable materials like sumptuous vegan leather upholstery to create a welcoming environment, while features like heated seats and a panoramic sunroof elevate comfort. The Lucid Air Pure focuses on offering a luxurious electric driving experience that blends efficiency with impressive range.
The BMW i5 enters the electric luxury sedan arena with the build quality and luxury you’d expect from a BMW. The base eDrive40 has a rear-wheel-drive layout with a single electric motor generating 335 horsepower and a range of 270 to 295 miles. This bimmer’s perfect blend of performance, range, and technology outshines the Model S.
Motor Setup | Single synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 335 hp |
Torque | 295 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 84.3-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 5.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 120 mph |
Tech-wise, the i5 boasts a curved widescreen display integrating the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. Luxury is evident throughout the cabin, and it features standard features like a panoramic sunroof, synthetic leather upholstery, and a Harman Kardon sound system. Optional upgrades include ventilated and heated seats, a head-up display, and a Bowers & Wilkins surround sound system for an even more opulent experience.
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The Genesis Electrified G80 enters the electric luxury sedan segment with a focus on power and comfort. Available in rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, it offers a choice between a single motor with 365 horsepower and a 282-mile range or a dual-motor setup with 429 horsepower and a slightly reduced range of 248 miles.
Motor Setup | Dual synchronous electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 365 hp |
Torque | 516 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Battery | 87.2-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 4.1 seconds |
Top Speed | 150 mph |
Tech-wise, a large curved display dominates the dashboard, housing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The Electrified G80 pampers passengers with luxurious touches like premium quilted leather upholstery, heated and ventilated massaging seats, and a Lexicon surround sound system. Advanced driver-assistance features like highway driving assist and automatic emergency braking add a layer of safety and sophistication to the Genesis Electrified G80 experience.
The Q8 e-tron is Audi's flagship all-electric SUV, and this complete guide includes everything you need to know about it before you buy one.
The Audi Q8 e-tron is an imposing luxury SUV in the electric SUV segment. With two electric motors, it delivers all-wheel-drive exhilaration and a serene driving experience. Its base model offers a 0-60 mph time of 5.4 seconds, while upgraded trims shave that time down even further. Thanks to a 114 kWh battery pack, the Q8 e-tron boasts an impressive range of up to 285 miles.
Motor Setup | Dual synchronous electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 402 hp |
Torque | 490 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Battery | 106-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 5.4 seconds |
Top Speed | 124 mph |
A virtual cockpit displays information directly in the driver's line of sight, while a central touchscreen controls infotainment. Luxury abounds with heated and ventilated seats, a panoramic sunroof, and high-quality materials throughout the cabin. Advanced driver-assistance features like adaptive cruise control and lane departure warning add more sophistication to the Q8 e-tron's luxurious electric driving experience.
As an electric SUV, the Jaguar I-Pace S is a sight to behold. This all-wheel-drive vehicle is a real thrill ride with a 0-60 mph pace of 4.5 seconds and a combined output of 394 horsepower. It is ideal for most daily journeys because of its projected 222-mile range on a single charge. In terms of technology, the I-Pace S has a Pivi Pro infotainment system with an 11.4-inch touchscreen for controlling the car, playing music, and navigating. Climate control and other operations are handled via a lower 5.5-inch touchscreen.
Motor Setup | Dual synchronous electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 394 hp |
Torque | 512 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Battery | 90.0-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 4.5 seconds |
Top Speed | 124 mph |
The cabin of the I-Pace oozes with luxury. Heated Windsor leather seats are a standard extra-comfort feature. Natural light streams in through the panoramic sunroof, and the Meridian sound system creates an immersive listening experience.
The all-electric Porsche Macan EV delivers exhilarating performance and innovation in a sleek design. The base trim, the Macan 4, boasts a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor with a two-speed transmission, generating 402 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque. This translates to a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.9 seconds.
Motor Setup | Two AC synchronous electric motors |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 402 hp |
Torque | 479 lb-ft |
Driveline | AWD |
Battery | 95-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 4.7 seconds |
Top Speed | 136 mph |
Luxury is standard in the Macan EV. Expect a panoramic glass roof, heated front seats with memory settings, a premium sound system, and advanced driver-assistance features. With a focus on both performance and comfort, the Porsche Macan EV sets a new standard for electric luxury SUVs.
The Mercedes EQE is a mid-size luxury all-electric sedan that's ready to take on the competition in a segment that's getting more and more crowded.
With an emphasis on performance and comfort, the Mercedes-Benz EQE sedan stands out among electric luxury vehicles. The standard rear-wheel-drive model has a range of about 300 miles and a single electric motor that produces 288 horsepower. On the technical side, the EQE has a breathtaking Hyperscreen dashboard that has a curved array of OLED screens. The infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, and even a display for increased enjoyment on the passenger side are all housed here.
Motor Setup | Single synchronous electric motor |
Transmission | Single-speed automatic |
Horsepower | 288 hp |
Torque | 391 lb-ft |
Driveline | RWD |
Battery | 90.6-kWh lithium-ion battery |
0-60 MPH | 5.6 seconds |
Top Speed | 130 mph |
The EQE's panoramic sunroof, heated and ventilated seats, and premium materials make for a luxurious interior. The opulent electric driving experience in the Mercedes-Benz EQE is elevated with the addition of advanced driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning and adaptive cruise control.
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