Ferrari revealed its first-ever electric vehicle on Monday, the Ferrari Luce, priced at approximately $640,000. The Italian luxury marque showcased the car in a video featuring its F1 drivers Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, and its design was led by former Apple designer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson.
The vehicle, which comes in three colors including light blue, yellow, and Ferrari red, is also the company's first five-seater. It features four electric engines and accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, with a body encased in glass. The launch marks a significant pivot for a brand synonymous with roaring combustion engines.
However, social media reaction was swift and largely negative. Critics on X compared the Luce's aesthetic to the Nissan Leaf, a mass-market EV that costs a fraction of the Luce's price. Users posted memes and sharp commentary, questioning the design's premium feel. Some noted the car's light blue paint job resembles the Leaf's signature color.
Industry observers argue the backlash may be superficial. Ferrari's customer base often values exclusivity and performance over mass appeal. The Luce's blistering acceleration and celebrity-designer pedigree could still attract buyers willing to pay a premium for the Prancing Horse's electric debut.
Detractors counter that a design controversy could tarnish Ferrari's image. The company has not responded to the online criticism, and orders have not yet been publicly disclosed.