The market for electric-powered luxury SUVs is getting increasingly crowded and competitive. Here's a look at which EV luxury SUVs are the best in our rankings.
Electric SUV buyers with a need for speed might put the Tesla Model X at the top of their shopping list. In range-topping Plaid trim, with its total of 1020 horsepower, the Model X needs an estimated 2.5 seconds to slingshot its way from zero to 60 mph. All-wheel drive is standard, and the base version of the Model X boasts the best EPA-estimated driving range in this ranking of luxury electric sport-utes. In our estimation, however, the Model X’s lofty base price of $126,490 and its sparse-looking cabin—including a gimmicky yoke-style steering wheel—don’t provide the degree of luxury and refinement we find in its electric rivals.
Car and Driver rating: 6.5/10Max. EPA-rated driving range: 348 miles
A new arrival for the 2022 model year, the Mercedes-Benz EQB is available with a choice of two electric powertrains. The EQB300 is motivated by an electric motor that produces 225 horsepower and 288 pound-feet of torque. Stepping up to the EQB350 nets a dual-motor setup that provides 288 horsepower and 324 pound-feet of torque. Each comes standard with all-wheel drive and a 66.5-kWh battery pack nestled in the floor of the chassis. Inside, the EQB has much the same classy cabin as its gas-powered sibling, the Mercedes-Benz GLB. While we have yet to get the EQB onto our test track, our first encounters have shown it to be quick and comfortable. Just don’t expect much from the available third-row seating, which is cramped even for kids or contortionists. While the official EPA-estimated range of the EQB has yet to be announced, we expect this electric Mercedes to offer around 225 miles per charge
Car and Driver rating: 7/10Max. EPA-rated driving range: TBD
Starting at $71,030 and with an EPA-estimated 253 miles of range, the Jaguar I-Pace has athletic reflexes that make it a delight to drive. From behind the wheel, this Jaguar feels like a fun-loving sports sedan thanks to its quickness and agility. A pair of electric motors sends 394 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels. Our primary complaint is with the I-Pace’s uneven brake feel at low speeds. For the 2022 model year, Jaguar upgraded the I-Pace’s onboard charger to decrease time spent recharging. When using a 240-volt outlet, the I-Pace requires 8.6 hours of charge time, versus approximately 13 hours needed previously.
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10
Max. EPA-rated driving range: 253 miles
Volvos are meant to be practical and sensible luxury conveyances with an emphasis on safety features for those moments when, say, an errant moose meanders onto the road ahead. This is what makes the C40 Recharge an outlier in Volvo’s range of electrified vehicles. Unlike its boxier kin, the XC40 Recharge, the CX40 has a sloping rear roofline to give it a sleeker and more stylish silhouette. Unfortunately, it creates huge blindspots and takes a bite out of the available cargo room. Two electric motors produce 402 horsepower and all-wheel drive is standard. Total driving range is an EPA-estimated 226 miles, which is low for this segment. On a positive note, the CX40 Recharge’s starting price of $59,845 makes it one of the more affordable EV luxury SUVs.
Car and Driver rating: 7.5/10Max. EPA-rated driving range: 226 miles
The Tesla Model Y shares the same platform and electric powertrain with its stablemate, the Model 3 sedan. But where the Model 3 slices and dices its way around curvy roads, the Model Y lacks anything close to the same dynamic poise. It does pack plenty of range, however. Starting at $67,440, the Model Y Long Range lives up to its name by offering 330 miles of range. Opting for the Performance trim drops range to 303 miles, with the tradeoff being speedier getaways. We’re talking around 3.5 seconds for the sprint to 60 mph, versus approximately 4.8 seconds in the Long Range model. An available third row is an intriguing though pricey option, costing an extra $3000. As with all Tesla vehicles, the minimalist cabin is dominated by a giant touchscreen panel in the center of the dashboard. It’s futuristic-looking but frustrating to use when driving.
Car and Driver rating: 8/10Max. EPA-rated driving range: 330 miles
With a bit more range the Audi e-tron could make a strong case for being the best of today’s EV luxury SUVs. Yet, the e-tron’s EPA-estimated range of 222 miles is the lowest of the electric SUVs ranked here, and this dips to 218 miles in the coupe-like e-tron Sportback model. Where the e-tron excels is how it coddles occupants in its luxurious cabin; touchscreens dominate the dash and the driver is greeted by Audi’s Virtual Cockpit digital gauge display. Its clarity and ease of use make it a perfect tech-based driving companion. All-wheel drive is standard and two electric motors deliver 355 horsepower and 414 pound-feet of torque. Clicking to Sport driving mode uncorks a short burst of 402 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. While its range leaves us lukewarm, the e-tron’s recharging times are impressive. Thanks to a 150-kW fast charger, the e-tron needs only 30 minutes to replenish 80 percent of its battery.
Car and Driver rating: 8/10Max. EPA-rated driving range: 222 miles
The Rivian R1S projects a denim and flannel image thanks to its unashamedly boxy shape and all-terrain capability. Don’t let its design fool you into thinking the R1S isn’t as technologically advanced as its EV luxury SUV rivals. Under the shoebox exterior is a quad-motor electric powertrain that delivers 835 horsepower to all four wheels. A 128.9-kWh battery ensures straight-line speed is nicely balanced by an impressive EPA-estimated 316 miles of range. We found the R1S to be surprisingly agile given its size, though even with its air suspension the ride is firm. Starting at $91,075, the base price of the R1S is steep and got significantly hiked when Rivian limited orders to the quad-motor and “Large” battery configuration. Less powerful and more affordable trims are promised for the 2023 model year.
Car and Driver rating: 8.5/10
Max. EPA-rated driving range: 316 miles
Our choice of top-ranking electric luxury SUV is the all-new BMW iX. If you can look beyond the bucktoothed-beaver front grille, the iX delivers a high degree of performance and range that rightly earned it our Editors’ Choice award. The cabin features a curved infotainment panel that’s complemented by a hexagonally shaped steering wheel. It looks and feels state of the art, but thankfully doesn’t require rewiring your brain to figure out how it all operates. Starting at $84,195, the iX in xDrive50 trim is equipped with all-wheel drive and two electric motors that produce 516 horsepower. In our testing, the iX provided the full package with its nimble handling, smooth ride, and outstanding comfort. If the only thing holding you back from ordering one is a thirst for power, stay tuned. A racier (and pricier) M60 trim is due to join the lineup for the 2023 model year.
Car and Driver rating: 9/10
Max. EPA-rated driving range: 324 miles
Keyword: Best EV Luxury SUVs