Ferrari Luce

Original Article ↗ Hacker News Discussion ↗

Ferrari’s first fully electric car, the $600k+ Ferrari Luce designed with Jony Ive’s LoveFrom studio, is drawing sharp criticism for looking more like a generic premium EV (or even a Kia/Prius/Tesla) than a traditional Ferrari. Commenters argue that while the interior and some driving-tech ideas (like torque control and axle‑derived sound) are interesting, the exterior styling, form factor and price undermine the brand’s heritage of dramatic, aspirational sports cars. Many see it instead as a status-oriented family EV aimed at wealthy buyers or a loyalty filter for access to future halo models, with some predicting it will sell despite widespread aesthetic backlash.

Overall sentiment

  • Thread is overwhelmingly negative on the car as a Ferrari, with some pockets of enthusiasm for specific ideas and the interior.
  • Many distinguish between “nice EV” and “appropriate Ferrari”; they see a mismatch between brand heritage and this product.

Exterior design & brand identity

  • Frequent claim: it “doesn’t look like a Ferrari.” Lacks traditional Ferrari proportions, drama, and visual cues.
  • Compared unfavorably to mass‑market or mid‑market EVs: Kia, Hyundai, Polestar, Tesla, Nissan Leaf, Prius, BYD, generic Chinese EVs.
  • Styling likened to an Apple Magic Mouse, smartphone, Pixar car, sneaker, or “vape cartridge on wheels.” Some call it Fiat Multipla / Pontiac Aztek‑level misstep.
  • Front end and overall “blob” aero shape heavily criticized; rear lights and truncated rear also widely disliked.
  • A minority find the exterior attractive or at least interesting and think it may age into an icon, but often still say it’s not “Ferrari enough.”

Interior, UX, and controls

  • Interior generally receives far more praise:
    • Appreciated: physical knobs and switches, analog‑digital blend, passenger display, hand‑rest for climate controls.
    • Seen as a good direction away from pure touchscreens, with better ergonomics and tactile feedback.
  • Critiques:
    • Large central “tablet” still disliked as distracting and trend‑driven.
    • Steering‑wheel knobs, touch buttons for indicators, and some layout choices seen as gimmicky or ergonomically dubious.
    • Piano‑black plastics and persistent reliance on screens still irritate some.

Powertrain, performance, and sound

  • Specs noted: 1050 hp, large battery (122 kWh), ~280 mi EPA range, ~5100 lb, four‑wheel steering, active suspension.
  • Many argue efficiency is poor relative to Teslas and other EVs; others respond that Ferraris have never prioritized efficiency.
  • “Torque language” paddles (multiple power and regen levels) are viewed either as a clever way to add engagement or as marketing fluff.
  • Sound system using axle vibrations instead of synthesized engine noise divides opinion:
    • Supporters see it as a more authentic alternative to fake sound.
    • Critics think it’s pointless complexity and would prefer near‑silence.

Target market, pricing, and strategy

  • Price (~$600–650k) widely seen as shocking given the family‑car silhouette and “generic EV” look.
  • Many think it’s aimed at wealthy buyers who want a practical 4–5‑seat status EV (e.g., Cayenne/Urus‑type use, “school run” car, tech‑wealth crowd).
  • Strong belief that Ferrari will use it as a “loyalty test”: customers may be pushed to buy it to secure allocations for future halo models.
  • Deep concern that this dilutes Ferrari’s visual and emotional identity; some fear a “Jaguar‑style” brand misstep, others frame it as a necessary, high‑risk transition into EVs.