- 2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
- 2023 BMW 7 Series and i7
- 2024 Cadillac Celestiq
- 2023 Lexus RZ
- 2023 Maserati Grecale
- 2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG
- 2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
- Brian Harper
“Luxury must be comfortable, otherwise it is not luxury.” So said Coco Chanel, famed Parisian fashion designer. And what applies to haute couture also works for high-end vehicles. All cars will get you from point A to point B, but luxury cars will get you there relaxed — and in style.
For those who believe what they drive reflects who they are, here’re seven fashion statements to consider. The fact all of them have electrified powertrains either standard or as an option should not go unnoticed.
2024 Audi Q8 e-tron
2024 Audi SQ8 e-tron quattro Photo by Audi
The refreshed e-tron crossover, Audi’s first production electric vehicle, sees a complete makeover, starting with the addition of the Q8 nameplate and a significant increase to both battery capacity and charging performance. On top of that, improvements were made to the motors, steering, and chassis control systems.
The 2024 Q8 e-tron and Q8 Sportback e-tron will be offered in three variants — 50, 55, and S — with a choice of three drivetrains with electric all-wheel-drive (the base 50 version will not be sold in North America). With their two motors, the Q8 55 e-tron and Sportback e-tron will generate 402 hp in boost mode and 490 lb-ft of torque, with an anticipated range of 582 km for the SUV and 600 km for the Sportback. The top-end SQ8 e-tron is powered by three motors that put out a net 496 hp, and 718 lb-ft of torque. Range is up to 494 km for the SUV; and 513 km for the Sportback.
2024 Audi SQ8 Sportback e-tron Photo by Audi
The new Q8 e-tron comes standard with an air suspension. The height of the body can be adjusted by a total of 76 mm, depending on the driving situation.
Like all luxury-class Audi models, the Q8 e-tron uses the MMI touch response operating system. Its two large high-resolution displays — the 10.1-inch top one and the 8.6-inch bottom one — replace nearly all conventional switches and knobs. Beyond operation with the two touch displays, a lot of features can be activated through voice control.
The North American launch of the new Q8 e-tron is expected to be the end of April. Pricing has yet to be announced. The current 2023 model ranges from approximately $87,000 to $96,000.
2023 BMW 7 Series and i7
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 Photo by BMW Canada
With the new, seventh-generation 7 Series, BMW, proclaiming itself the world’s most successful manufacturer of premium vehicles, is creating “forward-looking ways” to enjoy pure driving satisfaction, unsurpassed long-distance comfort, and a first-class digital experience. Central to this reinterpretation is the i7, an all-electric luxury sedan integrated into the 7 Series line.
The two models available at launch are the 760i xDrive and the i7 xDrive60. The former combines the urge of the 4.4L TwinPower Turbo V8 with xDrive intelligent all-wheel-drive, gaining 48V mild hybrid technology, with the electric motor integrated into the new eight-speed Steptronic Sport transmission.
And for the first time, the 7 Series is now available fully electric. Featuring two electric motors with a combined output of 536 hp and 549 lb-ft of torque, the i7 xDrive60 will sprint to 100 km/h in less than five seconds while returning an estimated range of up to 498 kilometres in near silence and profound luxury.
2023 BMW i7 xDrive60 Photo by BMW
The new 7 Series grows in length, wheelbase, width and height, helping bring about greater rear seat comfort. Speaking of which, multifunction rear seats are standard on the i7 xDrive60 and optional on the 760, while active seat ventilation and a massage function for the rear seats is available. Here, the seats are adjusted from the digital touch-control panels integrated into the door trim. The standard speakers in the outer head restraints provide “particularly intense listening pleasure.” In the multifunction seats, the audio experience is further enhanced by bass shakers in the backrests in vehicles equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound system.
Starting price: $147,000 for either the 760i xDrive or i7 xDrive60.
2024 Cadillac Celestiq
2024 Cadillac Celestiq Photo by General Motors
Calling it the most advanced, most luxurious, and one of the most important vehicles it has ever produced, Cadillac‘s Celestiq is a handcrafted all-electric ultra-luxury four-door coupe that “re-establishes the brand as the Standard of the World.” No pressure, there.
Each Celestiq is personally commissioned — no two will be alike. Buyers, says Cadillac, will work directly with their selected dealer and Cadillac designers to realize their unique vision for the car, “with unprecedented levels of personalization tailored to reflect the owner’s tastes.”
The Ultium platform is the foundation for Celestiq’s performance and range. This dedicated EV propulsion architecture combines a 111-kWh battery pack and a two-motor all-wheel-drive propulsion system to offer a GM-estimated 600 hp and 640 lb-ft of torque, with an estimated driving range of 483 km on a full charge. Acceleration to 100 km/h is expected to take less than four seconds.
Regen on Demand Braking is standard and helps maximize driving range by converting kinetic energy into electricity that’s stored in the battery pack. It also includes One-Pedal Driving, which can slow the Celestiq to a stop using only the accelerator pedal.
The centerpiece of the interior is a pillar-to-pillar 55-inch-diagonal advanced HD display containing two separate screens under a single pane of glass. The driver-side display — with pixel density comparable to an 8K screen — shows driver and shared vehicle information, while the passenger side allows the occupants to play media, use the Internet capability, connect their smartphones, and more. Rear passengers have their own 12.6-inch-diagonal advanced displays in front of them, mounted on the front seatbacks.
Celestiq is expected to go into production in December 2023, with an MSRP to begin “north of $300,000,” rising with the level of personalization.
2023 Lexus RZ
2023 Lexus RZ 450e Photo by Lexus
The RZ 450e, Lexus’ first global battery EV (BEV) model, goes on sale in early 2023, sharing a platform with the Toyota bZ4X, as well as Subaru’s Solterra. The electrified RZ crossover embodies the brand’s persona and adds advanced, electrified technology. Although it shares its 65.6-kWh battery pack with the bZ4X, the Lexus’s setup features more powerful dual motors good for a combined 308 hp. With a projected range of up to 350 kilometres, and a new all-wheel-drive system called Direct4, the mid-sized RZ — looking very similar to the gas-powered RX — moves Lexus toward its stated goal of a sustainable global society.
Direct4 and the new high-output electronic axle (eAxle) motor use wheel vehicle speed, acceleration, and steering angle sensor information to control front-to-rear power distribution between 100-0 and 0-100, contributing to improved start-up acceleration, handling stability, and low power consumption. The cool aspect is that when the steering wheel is turned, power is biased to the front wheels (between 75-25 and 50-50) so the RZ responds more nimbly. When exiting a corner, power to the rear wheels is further increased (between 50-50 and 20-80) to ensure ample traction — everything computer-controlled.
Nor is Direct4 the RZ’s only computer-controlled function — the crossover features Lexus’s first Steer-by-Wire system. Claimed to both reduce driver effort while also improving feedback through the wheel, the designers also created a compact steering wheel and lowered the instrument panel to provide the driver a clear view of the road.
Lexus has yet to release a debut date or a price for the RZ.
2023 Maserati Grecale
The 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo Photo by Maserati
Maserati will tell you that the new Grecale SUV strikes the right balance between versatility, elegance, and innovation, guaranteeing performance, comfort, and safety, all at the same time. In other words, It’s the perfect vehicle for everybody, combining off-road capability with uncompromised driving pleasure.
But perhaps a little less bragging and a little more detail is needed. The compact-sized Grecale comes with a wide range of powerplants, gasoline-powered, hybrid, and, in another year, a full-electric model.
Three versions are being rolled out at launch: the GT, powered by a 296-hp turbo 2.0L four-cylinder mild hybrid engine; Modena, with a higher-output 325-hp version of the same engine; and the top-line Trofeo, equipped with a high-performance 523-hp twin-turbo 3.0L V6 based on the Nettuno engine found in the MC20 sports car. For the 2024 model year, Maserati will release the Grecale Folgore, the 100-per-cent electric version with 400-volt technology.
The 2023 Maserati Grecale Trofeo Photo by Maserati
Maserati’s Vehicle Dynamic Control module comes with multiple drive modes — Comfort, GT, Sport, Corsa (Trofeo only), and Off-Road.
Inside the cabin, everything becomes touch-based, the technology controlled from one of three displays — a large 12.3-inch central screen, the largest ever seen in a Maserati, and an 8.8-inch display for the extra controls, plus a third for the passengers in the rear seats. The in-car experience is managed from the Maserati Intelligent Assistant multimedia system, from the state-of-the-art infotainment and from Maserati Connect. The in-car sound is pushed to 11 courtesy of the Sonus faber 3D sound system, with either 14 speakers (Premium) or 21 (High Premium).
Pricing starts at $75,200 for the GT, climbs to $85,200 for the Modena, and tops out at $129,500 for the Trofeo.
2024 Mercedes-Benz EQG
New Mercedes-Benz EQG Photo by Mercedes-Benz
With the Concept EQG, Mercedes-Benz presents the near-production study, all-electric version of its utilitarian G-Wagen SUV, the off-road icon and surprising status symbol. Visually, the concept car combines the unmistakable look of the G-Class with selected design elements typical of Mercedes all-electric models, such as contrasting highlights. The superior 4×4 qualities of the G-Wagen, which have never been in doubt, will, says the company, “not only find their way into the age of electric mobility, but will be developed even further in some areas.”
Externally, the study adopts the G-Class’s squared-off silhouette. The EQG’s front view adopts the typical round headlights. Instead of a grille, as on the conventionally powered versions, the EV features a continuous black radiator grille with the star illuminated. Around it, the animated pattern of “round squares” (‘squircle’ pattern) in the familiar blue of the EQ models creates a visual link.
Here’re seven fashion statements to consider—the fact all have electrified powertrains should not go unnoticed
The chassis remains extremely off-road capable, as is typical of the G-Class. The front axle features an independent suspension with a rigid axle at the rear. With four electric motors close to the wheels that are individually controllable, the EQG will offer unique driving characteristics both on- and off-road. As with any real 4×4, the Concept EQG’s off-road reduction can be activated via a shiftable two-speed gearbox.
Power output details, interior amenities, and pricing have not yet been released. The production Mercedes-Benz EQG is scheduled for a 2024 debut.
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Photo by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Rolls-Royce has taken the wraps off Spectre, the full-size “ultra-luxury electric super coupé” demonstrating “how perfectly the [company] is suited to electrification.”
Although the final power, acceleration and range figures are still being worked out, preliminary data from Rolls-Royce shows that the stylistically stunning Spectre is expected to have an all-electric range of 520 kilometres and offer 664 pound-feet of torque from its 577-hp powertrain. It is anticipated to hit 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds.
Because Spectre is a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second, the company sweats the luxe details like nobody’s business. Take the aero-tuned Spirit of Ecstasy hood ornament — 830 combined hours of design modelling and wind-tunnel testing, which, along with the grille, enhances the two-door coupe’s ultra-low 0.25 drag coefficient, making Spectre Rolls-Royce’s most aerodynamic car ever.
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre Photo by Rolls-Royce Motor Cars
Inside, bespoke features include the available Starlight Doors, which incorporate 4,796 softly illuminated “stars.” The coach doors can also be commissioned with a “backdrop” of wood Canadel panelling, “which takes its name from the cove in the South of France where Sir Henry Royce and his design team spent their winters.” Ever so posh!
The night-time theme continues with Spectre’s Illuminated Fascia, which incorporates the Spectre nameplate surrounded by a cluster of more than 5,500 stars located on the passenger side of the dashboard.
As with all Rolls-Royce motor cars, Spectre’s interior suite offers near-infinite bespoke possibilities. The front seat design is inspired by British tailoring, with lapel sections that can be rendered in contrasting or matching colours to the main base.
First customer cars will be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2023. Spectre pricing will be positioned between the Cullinan and Phantom, which means somewhere between $400,000 and $560,000.
Brian Harper
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Keyword: 2023 Preview: 7 Luxury vehicles to revel in next year