Best Luxury Electric Vehicles

For 2025, Audi fills in a notable gap in its electric vehicle lineup with the all-new Q6 e-tron. It's a compact SUV, which is somewhat rare among luxury EVs. While the Q6 is an excellent choice for most drivers, those who desire more performance and excitement have their own variant: the 2025 Audi SQ6 e-tron. Both models sit between the smaller Q4 e-tron and the larger Q8 e-tron, but the SQ6 makes a stout 483 horsepower compared to the Q6's 422 hp, and its sporty suspension is tuned for athletic cornering. In the next year or so, a raucous RSQ6 e-tron is expected with even more performance.

Among the new SQ6 e-tron's few rivals, there is one that was developed alongside it. The new Porsche Macan Electric shares a lot of the Audi's underpinnings but costs quite a bit more and offers more sporty variants. The Genesis Electrified GV70 offers decent performance, but doesn't match the Germans when it comes to luxury and refinement. Other competitors are larger and pricier alternatives: the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV.

At least for now, the Audi SQ6 e-tron enjoys an advantageous position among luxury EVs. It returns a respectable amount of range, charges quicker than almost anything else, and is suitably practical for everyday use.

Cadillac continues pursuing General Motors’ EV agenda with its fourth all-electric model, the three-row, six- or seven-seat Vistiq SUV, slated to launch in the second quarter of 2025 as a ’26 model.

The powerful and spacious midsize vehicle is aimed at luxury buyers who prefer a domestic brand, or want to save a few dollars versus most competitive imports.

In Cadillac’s EV lineup, it follows the hulking Escalade IQ SUV and the built-to-order Celestiq ultra-luxury sedan, both arriving in late 2024, and the two-row Lyriq SUV, which launched in mid-2022.

Design-wise, the Vistiq is a fairly standard slab-sided two-box SUV, relieved with some interesting sculpting on the side panels and a slight rearward curve to the roofline. It has that familiar Cadillac face with thin vertical stacks of LED headlights flanking a shield-shaped grille that sports an illuminated Cadillac emblem.

Cadillac once again goes to its Ultium platform and battery for the Vistiq’s underpinnings and power pack. It uses a 12-module Ultium battery that Cadillac says will give it 300 miles of driving range despite its size. (Official numbers aren’t out yet). Caddy says all four trim levels will use the same dual-motor powertrain with electronic all-wheel drive, capable of delivering 615 horsepower and 650 pound-feet of torque when the red Velocity Max button on the steering wheel is engaged. Cadillac claims a zero-to-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds for the Vistiq in Velocity Max mode, dropping to 4.7 seconds when that red button is left alone.

The Vistiq’s closest cousin in the Caddy pantheon is the internal combustion XT6 SUV, which has about the same passenger space but 20% less cargo space. The Vistiq is 6 inches longer than the XT6, can tow more, and deliver more than twice the maximum horsepower.

The luxury three-row electric SUV segment is a pretty small one, so the Vistiq doesn't have much direct competition. Pricing for all trims hasn’t been announced, but Cadillac says the base price, including destination fees, will be $78,790. We expect pricing will soar into the high $80,000s or even the low $90,000s. Most of the Vistiq’s probable competitors start in the low $80,000s although the Rivian R1S is a few thousand less and offers actual off-road capability.

Likely competition in size and price includes the Lucid Gravity, Rivian R1S, Volvo EX90, and the aging Tesla Model X. While not a luxury brand, Kia fields a highly competitive three-row electric SUV with its EV9, and some shoppers might find a fully loaded version to be just as pleasing as the Vistiq at a lower cost. Likewise, the new three-row [Volkswagen ID.

Buzz](/overview/volkswagen/id-buzz/) doesn’t offer the luxury or power of the Vistiq, but the modern version of the iconic microbus makes a statement that shoppers might find hard to ignore. Mercedes-Benz offers a pair of three-row electrics in the EQB SUV and EQS SUV. But they bracket the Cadillac in size and pricing, so neither is directly competitive.

Cadillac’s come a long way in recent years and its EVs can compete with the best in the luxury and near-luxury segments. We’ve not yet been able to spend any time on the road with the Vistiq and will have to come back with driving and overall competitiveness impressions closer to its launch date.

The Vistiq is a global model. In the U.S., it will be available at Cadillac dealerships in all 50 states.

Audi gained an advantage over its German rivals when it introduced the original e-tron SUV in 2019, beating the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE to market by almost three years. In the time since, Audi has kept its momentum strong. That initial e-tron, recently renamed the Q8 e-tron, is the largest all-electric SUV in Audi's lineup. It was joined in 2022 by the smaller Q4 e-tron, which is closely related to the Volkswagen ID.4. Audi uses even numbers in its EV names and odd numbers for its internal-combustion vehicles).

The newest all-electric addition, the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron, fills the size and price gap between the Q4 e-tron and Q8 e-tron. It's worth noting that the size differences between Audi's e-tron SUVs are more like half-steps than the typical jump from a compact to midsize SUV. The Q6 is built on an all-new platform shared with the Porsche Macan Electric.

Based on the specs, things are looking up for the 2025 Audi Q6 e-tron. It's estimated to return 307 miles on a single charge and is capable of some of the industry's quickest DC fast-charge rates. Audi's main competitors don't currently offer a direct rival; the BMW iX and Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV are closer in size to the Q8 e-tron.

Cadillac’s entry-level luxury EV, the 2025 Optiq compact crossover, is designed to attract new customers who might otherwise turn to Audi or Volvo for an upscale, all-wheel-drive EV.

The five-seat Optiq will occupy the bottom row of Cadillac’s EV pyramid, which ultimately will be topped by the $300,000-plus Celestiq sedan. Slotting between the two models are the Lyriq two-row crossover, upcoming Vistiq three-row SUV, and the super-sized Escalade IQ.

A starting price near $54,000 puts the Optiq in the same range as similarly sized entry-luxe all-wheel-drive electric crossovers such as the Audi Q4 e-tron, Volvo EX40 and its EC40 Sportback sibling, and the three-row Mercedes-Benz EQB. The Genesis GV60 and upcoming Polestar 4 rear-wheel-drive models also are competitors in price, although moving up to the all-wheel-drive versions takes them out of the race.

Cadillac says the Lyriq will offer more cargo space than its rivals, along with more range and power than almost all likely competitors.

Though it sits slightly taller than all rivals except the EQB, the Qptiq is longer overall and has a longer wheelbase than the rest for a lean, sporty appearance.

The Lyriq won’t replace Caddy’s conventionally powered XT4 entry-level SUV, so buyers will still have a gasoline option in this segment.

Production of the 2025 Cadillac Optiq is scheduled to begin this fall.

The Mercedes-Benz G-Class has been an icon in the automotive world since its debut in 1979. It made a big impression with its all-terrain capabilities in the early years, only to be adopted by wealthy urbanites as a status symbol in recent decades. Its boxy shape, heavy curb weight, and thirsty engines are all part of the equation, but 2025 brings a whole new chapter.

The Mercedes-Benz EQG introduces a fully electric powertrain to the lineup, and although information is scarce, interest is high. It's a fair bet that it will have similar all-terrain capabilities as its internal combustion sibling, as well as comparable levels of performance, luxury, and technology. We also expect the EQG's cost will surpass the standard G-Class' $140,000-plus starting price.

The EQG won't have the emissions-free off-road class to itself, though. When it goes on sale, it will compete against the Rivian R1S, GMC Hummer EV SUV, and a forthcoming all-electric Land Rover Range Rover EV. If you're more interested in luxury than all-terrain prowess, the Cadillac Escalade IQ and Mercedes' own EQS SUV may be better alternatives.

We expect Mercedes to release more details regarding power, range, and pricing in early Spring.

Volvo is transitioning into an electric-only automaker, and the 2025 EX90 will be its new flagship. The three-row, seven-seat, full-size SUV sits on the company’s first EV-exclusive platform, and it is slightly bigger and has more technology than the present XC90 top model. The company plans to launch one new EV each year, with the goal of making all new Volvos electric by 2030. The EX90 can be pre-ordered now and goes on sale in early 2024. Next up will be the recently unveiled 2025 Volvo EX30, a subcompact crossover that will be Volvo’s smallest and least expensive SUV. It will hit dealerships in the last half of 2024.

The EX90, expected to start at just under $80,000, is truly a luxury SUV. It most likely will compete with other high-end, all-wheel-drive electric SUVs including the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, Rivian R1S, BMW iX, the upcoming Lucid Gravity, and three-row versions of the aging Tesla Model X.

The upcoming Polestar 3 SUV from Volvo’s sister all-EV company is smaller than the EX90, but it shares the same platform, albeit with different tuning and suspension set-up. The 2025 EX90 isn’t as big or powerful as most of its rivals, but it comes close and is priced lower than all but the Rivian. It also brings updated safety and driver-assist technologies, including software and hardware readiness for potential hands-free highway driving. Volvo says it will be the safest vehicle it has ever made.

A pair of dual-motor, all-wheel-drive systems will be available, and Volvo says the EX90 will be capable of 300 miles of range or more.

Inside it is somewhat Tesla-like, with a clean dashboard dominated by a large, vertically mounted touchscreen. Outside it is very Volvo-like, with signature Thor’s Hammer headlights, a big Volvo logo, vertical taillights, and slab-like sides with muscular rear haunches. One clue to its role as Volvo’s tech leader is in the bulge at the top center of the windshield. It holds an array of laser imaging, detection, and ranging (lidar) sensors that can “see” in total darkness and are used to improve the accuracy of the EX90’s lane and obstacle detection systems.

Deliveries begin in early 2024 and Volvo says pre-order customers can configure their cars later this year with priority delivery. We expect the EX90 to be available in all states but with initial supplies skewed toward EV-friendly areas such as Southern California, the Silicon Valley and San Francisco Bay areas, the Pacific Northwest, Eastern Seaboard, Colorado, and Texas. The EX90 will be built at Volvo’s South Carolina plant and those priced below $80,000 will be eligible for the federal clean vehicles tax credit of up to $7,500 — if their battery content meets requirements.

Volvo debuted the EX90 months before production starts, and has been vague about what features will be standard versus optional. It also hasn’t provided any models for driving evaluation. We’ll wait to evaluate the EX90's overall competitiveness until we drive it and get more details.

Acura’s first all-electric SUV, the 2024 ZDX is a competent and comfortable luxury crossover. Powering the ZDX is a 102 kWh battery that’s paired with one or two electric motors. With the single-motor setup, the ZDX optimizes range, offering an EPA-estimated 313 miles between charges. With the dual-motor configuration and in the high-performance Type S trim, the ZDX offers less range but much more power, faster acceleration, and a more dynamic driving experience. It’s the most powerful SUV Acura has ever produced. With sleek, modern styling, lots of room on the inside, and a comfortable ride, the ZDX has a lot to offer.

The ZDX has a quiet cabin and is enjoyable to drive, but its rivals have a significant advantage in some areas. The ZDX is pretty large, which means it easily holds five adults. But rival EV SUVs, such as the Kia EV9, have similar exterior dimensions and provide three rows of seating. Then there’s the issue of luxury, where the ZDX isn’t quite a class leader. Cabin materials, even on the top-trim ZDX Type S, are a bit underwhelming. There’s plenty of modern tech and a long list of standard safety features, but competitors like the BMW iX and Genesis Electrified GV70 feel a bit more upscale inside. Finally, range, especially on the high-performance Type S model, is below what we’d want in a big family SUV like the ZDX. None of these issues are deal-breakers, though, and we’d still advise shoppers to take a close look at the 2024 Acura ZDX.

All-electric models have been slow to materialize from Italy’s swanky auto brands, but Maserati is jumping into the game ahead of Ferrari and Lamborghini. The 2025 Maserati Grecale Folgore is its second EV and its first all-electric SUV. Folgore is Italian for lightning and Maserati-speak for battery electric. The 550-horsepower Grecale Folgore is a battery electric-powered version of the brand’s midsize Grecale SUV, which debuted in 2023, and it joins the 818-hp GranTurismo Folgore in Maserati showrooms. With its handsome Italian design, techy cabin, and standard all-wheel drive, the five-passenger Grecale Folgore is well-equipped to take on the Porsche Macan EV, BMW iX, Audi SQ8 e-tron, and Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. The Tesla Model X basically invented this class and still offers the most seating capacity, power, and driving range.

Maserati says the Grecale Folgore can hit 60 mph in 4 seconds, which is a bit quicker than the Audi and Mercedes. Maserati hasn’t released any estimated driving range numbers for the Grecale Folgore, but with its 105.0-kWh battery capacity, we expect its driving range to fall below the magic 300-mile mark. That's behind the class leaders, namely the less expensive BMW iX, Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, and Tesla Model X.

The 2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron sits near the very top of the electric SUV market. It’s the performance version of the Audi Q8 e-tron, and with a starting price just over $90,000 this SUV guarantees a level of exclusivity. The nearly 500-horsepower five-passenger EV comes in either a standard SUV body style or a more coupe-like Sportback model. How do you spot an SQ8 e-tron compared to the regular Q8 e-tron? Look for the slightly flared-out bodywork covering distinctive wheels and wider tires. The SQ8 e-tron looks muscular and performance-oriented, and has a number of significant upgrades over the standard model.

Most of that work is in the chassis. Audi has retuned the suspension with thicker sway bars and firmer dampers. They’ve made the steering more responsive, as well. But the biggest change is the addition of a second electric motor on the rear axle. When combined with the single front axle motor, it allows this three-motor Audi to instantly send power and torque to the wheels in need. The SQ8 e-tron also has an additional 94 hp and 228 pound-feet of torque over the standard Q8 e-tron. These upgrades help this large and heavy EV tackle sweeping roads and tight corners with the athleticism of a much smaller vehicle. The brake regen system, which helps charge the battery as you slow down, isn’t as aggressive as in some other EVs. For example there’s no “one-pedal” drive mode in which drag from the regen system lets the driver cruise around town, rarely touching the brake pedal. The driver can amp up the regen temporarily by pulling on one of the steering wheel-mounted paddles.

The SQ8 e-tron cabin is fitted with beautiful textured carbon accents, rich-looking (and comfortable) quilted Valcona leather sport seats, and a sport steering wheel.

The SQ8 e-tron has few true rivals. The Tesla Model X Plaid, which costs just over $94,000, offers longer range and way more speed but is less comfortable and luxurious. The new Mercedes-Benz AMG EQS SUV delivers more power, speed, and range, but at more than $140,000, it's almost in another league.

Lexus and parent company Toyota are cool on EVs. The automaker giant has so far resisted the urge to rush into an electric future like many of its competitors — a slightly ironic position given that Toyota set the stage for the current EV moment two decades ago with its gas-electric Prius hybrid.

The 2025 Lexus RZ reflects that hesitance, as it's built atop an electric platform shared with the Subaru Solterra and also used by the smaller Toyota bZ4X. Outside, the RZ looks like a bolder, more futuristic version of Lexus's mega-popular RX crossover, while inside it's all Lexus: High-quality synthetic and genuine leather upholstery, wide and comfortable seats, and ample leg- and headroom all around. And while the RZ may share its underpinnings with a Toyota and Subaru, its suspension tuning is all its own, and lives up to the brand's typically soft and hushed highway ride.

Unlike the RX though, which has earned a distinct place among luxury crossovers, the RZ doesn't do enough to stand out in a competitive electric SUV class. It's not as roomy or fast as its Tesla Model Y rival, nor as athletic as the Genesis GV60. It doesn't get the range of the Cadillac Lyriq or Volvo C40 Recharge and its cargo space is among the smallest in the segment.

The RZ doesn't qualify for federal clean vehicle credits, which also makes it one of the priciest picks in the class. For 2025, Lexus tries to ease that burden with new entry-level base trims starting for less than $45,000. It's a good start, and not a terrible deal if you're seeking a luxury EV with a relaxed ride and a reputation for reliability. But with so many other options, it pays to look around before settling on the RZ.

Cadillac brings the 2025 Lyriq to market with a slightly slimmed-down model range, a slight increase in standard equipment for some trims, and a growing reputation among luxury EV shoppers as a model that is helping restore some of Cadillac's luster. The two-row, midsize SUV is packed with luxury and technology features. Buyers are noticing and have made the Lyriq one of the top 10 best-selling EV models in a U.S. market dominated by Tesla.

Rivals include the all-wheel-drive Acura ZDX, a close cousin as it shares the same GM-developed Ultium platform and battery thanks to a joint development deal with Acura parent Honda Motor Co., as well as the Audi Q8 e-tron, Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, Jaguar I-Pace, BMW iX, Tesla Model X and Genesis Electrified GV70. The smaller Genesis GV60 crossover and the BMW i4 sports coupe also are likely to be cross-shopped by some, although they are not really in the same size class as the Lyriq.

Among its pluses, the Lyriq offers standard rear-wheel drive with an all-wheel-drive option for every trim level. Both drivetrains deliver slightly over 300 miles of range, better than all likely competitors but the Model X.

The 2025 Lyriq also boasts one of the segment's most spacious cabins, although its low roofline compromises its rear-seat headroom. Only the Model X has more rear legroom. Cargo capacity is mid-class, trailing the Model X and iX. Although half of the Lyriq trims are called Sport, that has more to do with appearance than performance. The Lyriq, in any version, is an extremely comfortable cruiser rather than a sporty canyon carver. It handles well, but its steering is fairly numb, and there's noticeable body roll when pushed into tight corners and sharp turns. Among competitors with rear-wheel drive, only the Mercedes EQE SUV has less horsepower than the 288-horsepower rear-wheel-drive Lyriq. The electric Caddy's all-wheel-drive version's 500 hp, though, beats every competitor except the two all-wheel-drive BMWs — the i4 M50 with 536 hp and the iX with 516 hp — and the AMG-tuned version of the Mercedes-Benz EQE SUV, which boasts 617 hp.

The Lyriq, however, is priced far below most competitors. It is one of just three midsize luxury electric SUVs with federal tax credit eligibility, making it even more attractive to luxury shoppers who pay attention to budgets.