The Ferrari Luce was bombarded with backlash worldwide during its global launch, with enthusiasts heavily mocking its looks and what it stood for. Despite that, the Chinese market appears to have embraced the divisive electric vehicle (EV), as all 88 allocations for China reportedly sold out at launch, according to CarNewsChina.
The Ferrari Luce isn’t entering the Chinese market without formidable rivals. Starting at RMB3,988,000 (around RM2.4 million), Maranello’s first EV is significantly more expensive than domestic high-performance five-door EV alternatives such as the Zeekr 007 GT, Denza Z9 GT, and the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra, which Ferrari famously used as a benchmark while developing its own EV.
Being a Ferrari, it also indirectly faces competition from China’s fiercest EV supercars, such as the Yangwang U9 and GAC Hyptec SSR.
Interestingly, the Ferrari Luce in China is cheaper than its European debut price. In the mainland, its RMB3,988,000 price converts to EUR514,533 — roughly 6.5% lower than its original EUR550,000 price tag. It’s the opposite of the Prancing Horse’s ICE models, like the Amalfi, which is priced significantly higher than its list price in Europe, no thanks to engine displacement and luxury taxes.
Ferrari isn’t the first European automaker to test China’s appetite for high-performance EVs. The Porsche Taycan entered the market years earlier, but failed to achieve strong sales as buyers gravitated towards increasingly capable domestic alternatives.
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But in Ferrari’s case, however, it seems China’s ultra-wealthy were after something different: exclusivity. While models like the Xiaomi SU7 Ultra and Zeekr 007 GT may offer better value, and the Yangwang U9 and GAC Hyptec SSR can rival or even surpass the Luce on outright performance, none carry the prestige or rarity of a Ferrari.
Despite the controversy surrounding its styling, the Luce is, after all, the company’s first EV and isn’t intended to look like the traditional mid-engined Ferrari. Instead, it takes on the role of a grand tourer, pairing everyday usability with the performance expected of a Prancing Horse.
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Visually, the Luce marks one of Ferrari’s biggest design departures in decades. Penned by creative collective LoveFrom, led by Sir Jony Ive — the designer behind iconic Apple products including the iPhone, iPad, iPod and MacBook — alongside Marc Newson, the EV adopts a minimalist and futuristic aesthetic that stands apart from the brand’s current line-up.
The Apple influence is even more apparent inside. The cabin features a uniquely curated layout with a clean dashboard, minimalist switchgear, thoughtfully integrated displays and an unconventional centre console, giving it a distinctly modern feel compared to previous Ferraris.
Of course, the Luce doesn’t forget its Ferrari roots. The car produces up to 1,050 hp from four electric motors, one driving each wheel, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 2.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 310 km/h. A 122 kWh battery pack also delivers a WLTP-rated driving range of up to 530 km, making it one of the longest-range performance EVs on the market.
READ MORE: Ferrari Luce: Maranello’s first EV is truly unlike anything before it
