Shopping for the best luxury electric car is more exciting than ever. While some luxury EV brands offer models with prices well into the six-figure range, others cost less than $50K and still provide excellent performance and driving range estimates. Below, we’ll look at the top nine luxury EV models from the 2022 and 2023 model years.
The best luxury electric cars
A recent U.S. News review lists the top nine luxury electric cars for sale in 2022. Let’s look at each one going from best to worst while providing more details.
2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan
In its inaugural year, the 2022 Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan tops the U.S. News list of luxury electric cars for 2022. With starting prices ranging from $104,400 to $147,500, the EQS 450 Sedan provides an estimated 350-mile driving range on a full charge, while the EQS 580 follows closely with its 340-mile estimated range. Both versions feature a 107.8-kWh battery pack, but the EQS 450 uses a single electric drive motor with 329 horsepower, while the EQS 580 has dual electric drive motors with 516 horsepower total.
2022 Lucid Air
The second entrant on the list is another newly introduced model, the 2022 Lucid Air, with prices ranging from $77,400 to $169,000. The base model Air Pure features 480 horsepower from a single electric motor driving the rear wheels and up to 520 miles of driving range before needing to recharge. Higher trim levels feature more power, twin electric motors, and all-wheel drive.
2023 BMW i7
Third on the list is another all-new model, the 2023 BMW i7, with a starting price of $119,300. The i7 features all-wheel drive thanks to its dual-motor powertrain providing 536 horsepower and 549 lb-ft of torque. The BMW i7’s 101.7-kWh battery pack delivers up to 318 miles of driving range on a single charge, but that number drops with optional wheel and tire packages.
2022 Tesla Model 3
The 2022 Tesla Model 3 price ranges from $46,990 to $62,990, depending on trim level. The 271-horsepower entry-level Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive provides enough acceleration for daily driving and has an estimated 272 miles of battery range. Additionally, the 455-horsepower Model 3 Performance trim gets an estimated 315 miles on a full charge, and the Model 3 Long Range boasts an estimated 358 miles.
2022 Tesla Model S
While the 2022 Tesla Model S carries a price tag ranging from $104,990 to $135,990, it is one of the quickest production cars ever built. With horsepower ratings ranging from the base model’s 670 to 1020 in the Model S Plaid, the base model can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds while the Plaid dips under two seconds. Additionally, the most affordable Model S gets up to 405 miles on a charge, and the Model S Plaid gets a 396-mile rating.
2022 BMW i4
Prices for the all-new 2022 BMW i4 range from $55,400 to $65,900, and it boasts up to 300 miles of driving range. The base model eDrive40 features a single electric motor with 335 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, and the i4 M50 uses two electric motors to make 536 horsepower and 586 lb-ft of torque. Both models employ a single-speed transmission and a lithium-ion battery that stores up to 83.9 kWh when fully charged.
2022 Audi e-tron GT
The 2022 Audi e-tron GT costs between $102,400 and $142,400 and is another new model for 2022. Horsepower ratings range from 469 for the base trim to 590 hp in the RS e-tron GT, with both models featuring two electric motors and two-speed automatic transmissions. The driving range is respectable, with 238 miles for the base model and slightly less in the RS trim at 232 miles.
2023 Polestar 2
One of the more affordable entrants on the list is the 2023 Polestar 2, with prices ranging from $48,400 to $61,600. The Polestar 2 comes in two configurations with unimaginative yet descriptive names, Single Motor and Dual Motor. The Polestar 2 Single Motor features 231 horsepower driving only the front wheels, whereas the Dual Motor variant adds another electric motor to power the rear wheels bringing the horsepower to 408. Both models employ a 78-kWh lithium-ion battery pack to achieve up to 270 miles of range from the Single Motor model.
2023 Porsche Taycan
The 2023 Porsche Taycan offers several drivetrain choices, ranging from $86,700 to $190,000. The base powertrain features a 79-kWh lithium-ion battery and an electric motor that makes 321 horsepower and 254 lb-ft of torque. The most potent Taycan version makes 616 horsepower and 774 lb-ft of torque from a 93-kWh battery pack and two electric motors. Driving ranges vary, based on trim, from 208 miles up to a maximum of 246 miles in the GTS trim.
Which luxury electric car is the best buy?
Arguably, the best luxury electric car, based on performance, price, driving range, and overall luxury, is the 2022 Lucid Air. With an entry-level price of just over $77,000, 480 horsepower, and 520 miles of all-electric driving range, the Lucid Air Pure wins the numbers battle and provides a luxurious interior, spacious cargo areas, and an intuitive infotainment system.