Love It or Hate It, the Ferrari Luce Is a Thrilling Drive
Wired has driven a preproduction version of the Ferrari Luce, the Italian marque's first fully electric car, ahead of its official Rome unveiling. Engineered in Maranello but designed by LoveFrom, the California-based agency founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, the Luce has proved divisive with Ferrari's fan base, who have objected both to the idea of an electric Ferrari and to its radical, un-Ferrari-like styling, which drops the traditional dopamine-hit design language and the Prancing Horse badge from its exterior.
The test drive took place at a track in northern Italy in May, with the car still under a camouflage wrap. Its cab-forward layout, raised seating position over a large underfloor battery pack, and spacious, limo-like rear cabin mark a clear departure from Ferrari's traditional low-slung sports car proportions. The Apple-inspired interior avoids a central touchscreen in favour of tactile controls, precision-engineered air vents and detailed dials, while chief test driver Raffaele de Simone insists the car still delivers a distinctly Ferrari driving experience despite the shift to electric power.
In short
- Ferrari's first electric car, the Luce, was tested ahead of its Rome reveal.
- Design by Jony Ive's LoveFrom has sparked backlash from Ferrari purists.
- Reviewer found the interior distinctive and the driving experience still thrilling.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Proponents argue that the Luce represents necessary evolution for Ferrari to remain relevant in an electrifying automotive landscape. With electric powertrains becoming industry standard and regulatory pressure mounting, Ferrari must adapt or risk obsolescence. They contend that Jony Ive's design thinking demonstrates innovation rather than betrayal, and that the car's performance and dynamics can deliver a genuine Ferrari experience through electric means, allowing the marque to extend its legacy into a new era without losing its core identity.
The case against
Critics maintain that the Luce abandons the visual and sensory language that has defined and emotionally resonated with Ferrari enthusiasts for decades. The removal of iconic design cues and the Prancing Horse badge represents a fundamental break with brand heritage that goes beyond technical evolution. They argue that Ferrari's essence rests on specific proportions, visceral design, and mechanical directness that cannot simply be transplanted into a tall, spacious electric saloon without losing what made the brand distinctive and desirable in the first place.
Explained simply
Ferrari has unveiled its first fully electric car, the Luce, marking a significant departure for a brand historically defined by petrol engines. The Italian luxury car maker partnered with LoveFrom, a design firm founded by former Apple designer Jony Ive, to create the vehicle. This shift reflects the automotive industry's broader move towards electric power.
The Luce has divided Ferrari's passionate fan base, who have raised objections on two fronts. Some enthusiasts worry that switching to electric propulsion will eliminate the engine sound and visceral driving feel that have defined Ferrari cars. Others object to the car's radical styling, which moves away from Ferrari's traditional design language and no longer displays the iconic Prancing Horse badge on its exterior.
The car's design departs significantly from Ferrari's low-slung sports car proportions, instead adopting a cab-forward layout with raised seating above a large battery pack. The interior reflects Apple-style minimalism, featuring precision-engineered details and tactile controls rather than the touchscreens common in modern vehicles. Despite these substantial changes, Ferrari's test drivers maintain that the Luce still delivers the driving experience the brand is known for.