Exclusive Lineup of Five Premium Electric SUVs, Leaving China Out of the Equation
Five Electric Luxury SUVs by Western Automakers
After a series of electric vehicles dominating the market from the East, particularly China, the scene is set for some new entrants in the luxury electric SUV segment from established Western automakers. Here are five of the top contenders.
The Chinese have made their mark in the electric vehicle (EV) world, particularly in the economy and compact car segments. However, they have remained cautious when it comes to the luxury SUV segment. The emergence of cars like the Yangwang U8 and M Hero! has signaled a change, posing a challenge to iconic off-road vehicles like the Mercedes G-Class. Even Zeek gave a corner of the spotlight to the Rolls-Royce Cullinan at the Shanghai Motor Show with its 9X.
In response, the old guard of the automotive industry is showcasing new electric luxury SUVs to hold on to consumer interest. Although the target audiences and concepts differ, there's one common thread – they are all electric.
The Lucid Gravity: A Modern Twist on the Classic Mercedes R-Class
Calling it an SUV may be slightly misleading for the Lucid Gravity, as its flat silhouette, more dynamic styling, and spacious cabin share more similarities with a van – a nod to the late, great Mercedes R-Class. This electric SUV, making its way to Europe this summer, will sport three rows of seating and ample storage space, with the front trunk (frunk) holding an impressive 200 liters and the rear trunk accommodating up to 3,000 liters in optimal conditions.
When it comes to performance, the Gravity behaves more like a sports car than an SUV. Dual motors deliver up to 828 horsepower, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and achieve a top speed of 270 km/h effortlessly. Its 123 kWh battery pack ensures a range of over 700 kilometers, and its 900-volt system enables fast charging at up to 400 kW, adding 300 kilometers of range in just ten minutes. The Lucid is the only one capable of keeping pace with Chinese fast-charging stations.
The Porsche Cayenne: A Smooth Electric Ride
Porsche has faced some challenges with the electric Macan, but hopes to rectify the situation with the Electric Cayenne. This major model is set to go electric this year and debut in early 2026. Like its smaller brother, the Cayenne will feature an 800-volt architecture, allowing it to charge at over 300 kW. With large battery packs, ranges of over 600 kilometers may be possible. Porsche intends to boost performance, potentially reaching close to 1,000 horsepower. Initial estimates put the prices at well over €100,000.
The current Cayenne will continue to be available in gasoline and hybrid form, ensuring no mistakes are made in Zuffenhausen as the electric euphoria has somewhat waned.
The Range Rover: Stealth Mode
Land Rover is about to enter the electric fray with its first pure electric model soon. The luxury Range Rover will become the ultimate stealth vehicle, boasting two electric motors with a combined output of 550 PS and 850 Nm, as well as an 800-volt battery with 117 kWh usable capacity, providing "significantly more than 500 kilometers" of range. The British claim it will be charged at up to 22 kW on alternating current and up to 350 kW on direct current. Off-road capability remains unaffected, while on-road acceleration is expected to be even swifter than most combustion engines, thanks to quieter operation and improved comfort.
Whisper-quiet, effortless, and sovereign, the electric Range Rover is expected to uphold its traditional traits, complete with six-figure prices; the entry-level model currently lists at €140,200.
The Volvo EX90: Electric Luxury Suited for Sweden
Sweden’s Volvo enters the electric luxury car league with the EX90, priced starting at €83,700. This 5.04-meter-long vehicle, with the option for a third row of seats, has a frunk and offers up to 2,000 liters of trunk space when the third row is not in use. The base model is powered by a rear motor, delivering 279 PS, allowing speeds of up to 160 km/h and a range of 580 km with its 104 kWh battery. A more powerful version, offering two motors and over 500 PS, is also available. The EX90 can charge at up to 250 kW and can give back electricity at home.
By fall, Sweden’s electric luxury sedan, the ES90, will be built on the same platform.
The Mercedes GLC: A Second Chance at an Electric Model
Mercedes’ initial electric car, the EQC, was a disappointing effort. However, the GLC with EQ technology, set to debut after a gap of around two years, aims to make amends. Developers promise substantial improvements to ensure customers do not have to make any compromises on performance and utility in the electric model. A longer GLC, extending by around ten centimeters to approximately 4.85 meters, will provide more interior space for passengers and a roomy frunk, in addition to a solid battery in the floor. The battery can hold up to 94.5 kWh and is expected to provide ranges over 650 kilometers, while charging capacities of over 320 kW should add 400 kilometers in just 15 minutes. Choices between one or two motors depend on the model variant, with the rear motor tied to a two-speed transmission for swift acceleration and high top speeds in the most powerful configuration, nearly 500 PS. The current, three-year-old GLC with internal combustion engines will remain in production. -Sources: ntv.de, Benjamin Bessinger, sp-x
In contrast to the Chinese manufacturers who have primarily focused on economy and compact electric vehicles, Western automakers are diversifying their luxury electric SUV offerings. For instance, Lucid Manufactures the Gravity, which rivals the Mercedes R-Class in interior space, performance, and range, all while operating on materials of any heading, except that of the product itself.
With technological advancements in battery packs, charging systems, and motor efficiencies, cars such as the Porsche Cayenne, Range Rover, Volvo EX90, and even the second attempts at electric models like the Mercedes GLC, are poised to redefine the lifestyle expectations of electric-vehicle enthusiasts.
