Looking for the best luxury electric vehicle is a little like shopping for a penthouse with a rocket engine. Range and performance still matter, but now you’re also judging quilted leather, massage programs, ambient lighting, and whether the voice assistant understands you at 2 a.m. on the interstate. The good news: in 2025, there’s a luxury EV for almost every taste and budget, especially if you’re open to buying used.
About this guide
This guide focuses on real-world standouts in the U.S. market, models you can actually find new or pre-owned, rather than just six-figure unicorns. You’ll see clear picks for sedans, SUVs, and ultra-luxury flagships, plus practical buying advice, especially if you’re eyeing a used EV from a marketplace like Recharged.
What Makes a Luxury Electric Vehicle “the Best”?
Before you pick a winner, it helps to know what makes a luxury EV different from a regular electric car. The badge on the hood is only part of the story. The best luxury electric vehicles blend quiet power with the kind of comfort that makes a Tuesday commute feel like a chauffeured airport run.
- Refinement first, speed second. Instant torque is standard on almost any EV now. In luxury models, the way the car isolates noise, smooths out broken pavement, and glides through traffic is what you really notice after month three.
- Cabin quality that holds up. Real metal switchgear, high-grade leather or eco-materials, solid-feeling doors, and clean design matter more than a dozen flashy screens.
- Intuitive tech, not just more tech. Luxury means the interface gets out of your way. You shouldn’t need a YouTube tutorial to adjust the climate or change a drive mode.
- Charging and range that fit your life. It’s not about the biggest number on a brochure. It’s about how far you can drive at 75 mph, in winter, with the seat heater on, and how easy it is to top up.
- Ownership experience. Concierge services, over-the-air updates that actually improve the car, and support if something goes wrong, all of that separates the merely expensive from the truly luxurious.
New vs used luxury EV
Luxury EVs lose value faster than their gas counterparts. That’s bad news for the first owner, and terrific news if you’re shopping used. Platforms like Recharged lean into this by focusing on verified battery health and transparent pricing so you’re not guessing about the car’s most expensive component.
Quick Picks: Best Luxury Electric Vehicles of 2025
Editors’ Picks by Category
Best luxury electric vehicle, matched to how you actually drive.
Best All-Around Luxury EV
Lucid Air (any long-range dual-motor trim). Staggering range (up to ~500+ miles), huge cabin, and genuinely high-end ride and finish. If you want one EV that does almost everything, this is it.
Best Luxury Electric Sedan
BMW i7. A true flagship sedan with serene ride quality, serious power, and a back seat that feels like a private screening room when fully optioned.
Best Luxury Electric SUV
Rivian R1S. Three-row adventure luxury with up to ~410 miles of range, excellent off-road capability, and a cabin that feels modern without trying too hard.
Best Performance Luxury EV
Porsche Taycan (esp. GTS and Turbo trims). It’s the driver’s car of the EV luxury world, razor-sharp handling, superb brakes, and still comfortable enough for daily duty.
Best Relaxation Pod
Mercedes-Benz EQS. Think rolling spa: whisper-quiet cabin, elaborate ambient lighting, and available Hyperscreen that turns the dash into a glass wall of pixels.
Best Value Luxury EV (New or Used)
Cadillac Lyriq (new) and Tesla Model S or Model X (used). Both deliver big range and luxury features for surprisingly reasonable money on the pre-owned market.
Best Luxury Electric Sedans in 2025
If you grew up admiring S-Classes and 7 Series, the luxury EV sedan is their spiritual successor. The competition is fierce, but a few models stand out.
Luxury EV Sedans at a Glance
Lucid Air – Best Overall Luxury EV Sedan
The Lucid Air is still the poster child for what a modern luxury EV can be. Long before legacy brands found their footing, Lucid delivered a sedan with limo-like rear legroom, a minimalist but warm interior, and range numbers that make road-trip planning easy. Depending on the trim, you’re looking at well north of 400 miles of EPA-rated range, with flagship versions stretching beyond 500. That’s not just a bragging right; it means fewer stops, more flexibility, and less mental math on cold days.
- Gorgeous, airy cabin with big-car space in a relatively tidy footprint
- Segment-leading range and strong DC fast-charging performance
- Quiet, composed ride that still feels sharp when you push it
- Downside: brand-new company, so dealer/service network is still building out in some regions
BMW i7 – Best Chauffeur-Class EV
If you measure luxury in silence-per-mile and how relaxed you feel stepping out of the car, the BMW i7 is a benchmark. This is a true flagship: heavy, substantial, and unashamedly plush. The powertrains are stout, but the real story is how the i7 isolates you from the outside world. Air suspension, double-glazed glass, and careful sound tuning turn every drive into a rolling lounge experience. Option the available rear theater screen and reclining seats and the back row becomes business class on wheels.
Shopping tip: i7 vs 7 Series plug-in
If you’re cross-shopping a plug-in-hybrid 7 Series against an i7, think about your daily routine. If you mostly drive within 40–50 miles a day and want long-trip gas flexibility, the PHEV might appeal. If you have home charging and your trips are predictable, the i7’s full-electric smoothness is hard to beat.
Mercedes-Benz EQS – Quietest Cabin, Most Dazzle
The Mercedes-Benz EQS sedan isn’t perfect, its styling is polarizing, and the user interface can be busy, but step inside and close the door, and the world gets quieter. Think of it as an S-Class for the EV age: pillow-soft ride, extravagant ambient lighting, and optional Hyperscreen that stretches across the dash. Many buyers won’t use half the features, but that’s part of the appeal; the car always feels like it has more to give.
Note on availability
Mercedes has been adjusting its EV strategy and inventory in the U.S. As you shop, you may see aggressive deals on new EQS sedans or a healthy supply on the used market. That can be an opportunity, just be sure to get a clear picture of software update history and warranty coverage.
Porsche Taycan – Best Driver’s Luxury EV
Plenty of luxury EVs are quick in a straight line. The Porsche Taycan is the one that feels like a sports car from the first quarter turn of the steering wheel. Whether you choose a base model or a fire-breathing Turbo S, you get superb steering feel, strong brakes, and a chassis that seems to shrink around you. It’s not the range champion of this group, but if you prioritize driving pleasure over absolute efficiency, it’s in a class of its own.
Best Luxury Electric SUVs in 2025
Crossovers and SUVs are still where most buyers end up, and the luxury EV world is no exception. Here, the best models mix family practicality with the comfort and tech you’d expect from a high-end sedan.
Luxury Electric SUV Highlights (2025)
Key specs for some of the standout luxury electric SUVs you’ll encounter.
| Model | Rows / Seating | Max Range (approx) | Starting Price (new, est.) | Standout Trait | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rivian R1S | 3 rows / 7 | Up to ~410 mi | $77,000+ | Adventure-ready, luxury three-row SUV | |
| Cadillac Lyriq | 2 rows / 5 | Around 320–330 mi | $60,000+ | Quiet, stylish, excellent value | |
| BMW iX | 2 rows / 5 | Low 300s mi | $88,000+ | Futuristic cabin, strong performance | |
| Audi Q4 e-tron | 2 rows / 5 | High 200s mi | $51,000+ | Entry-level luxury with a friendly price | |
| Kia EV9 (top trims) | 3 rows / 6–7 | High 200s–300s mi | $60,000+ | Family-focused, feature-rich three-row EV |
Always confirm exact range, battery size, and charging speeds for the trim you’re considering.
Rivian R1S – Best Luxury Electric SUV Overall
The Rivian R1S is that rare thing: a three-row SUV that feels equally at home valet-parked downtown and coated in dust at a trailhead. Inside, you get a clean, modern cabin with real wood, big screens, and clever storage. On the road, it’s smooth and quick. Off-road, it has genuine capability, thanks to sophisticated all-wheel drive and adjustable air suspension. With up to about 410 miles of range in its most efficient configurations, you can cover serious distance between charges.
Cadillac Lyriq – Best Luxury EV SUV Value
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The Cadillac Lyriq has quietly become one of the smartest luxury EV buys. It looks like a concept car that made it to production, rides comfortably, and offers plenty of range for daily use and road trips. Pricing undercuts European rivals, and equipment levels are generous. If you’re willing to shop the used market, early Lyriqs are already showing up at compelling prices while still offering modern charging tech and GM’s sophisticated driver-assist features.
Where Recharged fits in
If you’re shopping pre-owned luxury SUVs like a Lyriq, Audi e-tron, or Tesla Model X, a Recharged Score report gives you verified battery health, pricing anchored to fair market data, and expert support, so you can focus on leather color and wheel design instead of sweating the pack’s past life.
BMW iX & Others – Futuristic Family Luxury
BMW’s iX looks like it dropped in from a design studio of the future, but behind the polarizing exterior is one of the most comfortable and refined electric SUVs you can buy. The ride is supple, the cabin feels like a high-end lounge, and high-spec models are seriously quick. If you want something a bit more compact or budget-friendly, the Audi Q4 e-tron and similar entrants give you a true luxury badge with less sticker shock and easier parking.
Ultra-Luxury Electric Flagships
At the very top of the food chain, a few EVs exist mostly to prove what’s possible when price is almost an afterthought. You don’t need these to enjoy the benefits of an electric powertrain, but they do set the tone for design and tech that will trickle down over time.
EVs That Redefine “Luxury”
Six-figure (and beyond) electric statements.
Rolls-Royce Spectre
Rolls-Royce’s first full EV, a massive coupe with a "magic carpet" ride, bespoke craftsmanship, and an options list that reads like a jewelry catalog.
Cadillac Celestiq
Hand-built in tiny numbers, the Celestiq is Cadillac’s moonshot: a long, low liftback packed with glass roof panels, screen-filled dash, and custom everything.
Rimac Nevera & Hypercar Crowd
Electric hypercars like the Rimac Nevera deliver 2,000+ horsepower and under-2-second 0–60 mph runs. They push tech forward, but they’re collectibles, not daily drivers.
Reality check
If your budget lives in the real world, you don’t need a Spectre or Celestiq. But these halo EVs matter because the suspension tech, cabin design language, and software approaches they introduce often find their way into the next generation of more attainable luxury EVs.
How to Choose the Best Luxury EV for You
Every buyer’s definition of the best luxury electric vehicle is slightly different. Instead of chasing one “winner,” start with how you actually live and drive. Then, pick the EV that makes those miles easier and more enjoyable.
1. Daily life & range reality
- List your typical weekday miles and your longest regular trip. Many luxury EVs can cover a week of commuting on one charge.
- If you frequently drive 250+ miles in a day, prioritize cars like Lucid Air, Rivian R1S, or EQS with 350+ miles of rated range.
- Live in a cold climate? Expect effective winter range to drop 20–30% and plan accordingly.
2. Home charging & parking
- If you have a garage or driveway, installing a Level 2 home charger turns any of these EVs into set‑and‑forget appliances.
- Apartment or street parking? Look for models with fast DC charging and strong public network support in your area.
- Short driveway or tight garage? Big luxury EVs like iX, EQS, and Lyriq can be wide and long, measure before you fall in love.
Luxury EV Test-Drive Checklist
1. Start with the seats and driving position
Can you get comfortable quickly? Do the seats still feel good after 30–40 minutes? Luxury is about how you feel at the end of a long day, not just the first five minutes at the showroom.
2. Try the infotainment while parked
Pair your phone, run navigation, adjust climate, and explore shortcuts. If you find yourself fighting the interface in the lot, it won’t magically get better later.
3. Drive on rough pavement
Find a lumpy side street or expansion-joint-heavy highway. Listen for rattles, feel how the suspension responds, and notice how much noise makes it into the cabin.
4. Test driver-assist calmly
Try adaptive cruise and lane centering on a stretch of highway. The best systems reduce fatigue. The worst ones feel like a nervous co-pilot tugging at the wheel.
5. Simulate your longest regular trip
If you routinely visit family 150 miles away, try a similar distance if possible or at least mentally map the charging stops. Check how the car routes you and how charging times fit your schedule.
6. Ask about updates and support
Which features are improved by over-the-air updates? Who services the car locally? For used EVs, tools like the Recharged Score can show how the battery has aged and flag any known issues.
Ownership Costs: Luxury EVs vs Gas Luxury Cars
Sticker price is only part of the story. Over a few years, the best luxury EVs can undercut gas-powered rivals on running costs, even if the initial MSRP is similar.
Where luxury EVs save you money
- Electricity vs premium gas: Even with higher power rates in some states, charging at home is usually far cheaper per mile than filling a tank with 91 octane.
- Maintenance: No oil changes, fewer moving parts, and less brake wear thanks to regen. You’ll still service tires, cabin filters, and coolant for the battery/drive units, but the list is shorter.
- Tax incentives and perks: Depending on timing and model, you may qualify for federal or state EV incentives, plus perks like HOV lane access or reduced tolls in some regions.
Where costs can surprise you
- Depreciation: Luxury EVs can drop in value quickly, especially when new models arrive with longer range. Buying used often lets you skip the steepest part of that curve.
- Insurance: High-tech EVs can be pricey to insure because repairs often involve sensors and aluminum or composite bodywork.
- Out-of-warranty repairs: Battery packs and power electronics are expensive out of pocket. This is why a detailed battery health report and transparent history are so important when buying used.
Don’t skip the battery health check
With a luxury EV, the battery is the heart of the car and a huge part of its value. A generic pre-purchase inspection isn’t enough. Look for cars with documented fast‑charging behavior and a quantified health score, Recharged’s diagnostic-driven Recharged Score is built specifically to take this guesswork off your plate.
Buying a Used Luxury Electric Vehicle
A lightly used luxury EV can be one of the best deals in the car world. For the price of a new mainstream crossover, you might land a two- or three-year‑old EQS, Taycan, or Model S, if you know what to look for.
- Start with the right models. Focus on EVs with solid reliability records and good support networks: Lucid Air, BMW i4/i5/i7, Taycan, older Tesla Model S/X, Cadillac Lyriq, and well-kept Audi e-trons are all worth a look.
- Check battery health, not just mileage. A high-mileage car that was mostly charged slowly at home can be healthier than a low-mileage car that fast-charged every day. Ask for a detailed battery report rather than vague reassurances.
- Review software and recall history. Luxury EVs are computers on wheels. Make sure major software updates and recall campaigns have been performed so you’re not inheriting old bugs.
- Inspect charging hardware. Cables, ports, and charge doors live a hard life. Confirm everything latches, locks, and releases properly, and that the car communicates reliably with public chargers.
- Factor in warranty time. Many brands offer 8-year battery warranties. Knowing exactly how much coverage is left can help you compare two otherwise similar used vehicles.
“A used luxury EV can feel more future-proof than a brand-new gas luxury car, as long as the battery and software are in good shape.”
Why shop a curated EV marketplace
Buying a used luxury EV from a marketplace built specifically for electric vehicles, like Recharged, means every car comes with a Recharged Score battery health diagnostic, fair market pricing analysis, and guidance from EV specialists. Instead of decoding a stack of service records yourself, you get a clear snapshot of how the car has lived so far.
FAQ: Best Luxury Electric Vehicle
Frequently Asked Questions About Luxury EVs
Bottom Line: What’s the Best Luxury EV Today?
If you forced us to crown one best luxury electric vehicle for 2025, the Lucid Air would take the prize for its blend of enormous range, refined ride, and modern cabin. But that doesn’t make it the right answer for everyone. If you want a traditional flagship experience, the BMW i7 is sublime. If your life is road trips, ski runs, and school pickups, the Rivian R1S or Cadillac Lyriq might make you happier every single day.
The real luxury is finding an EV that quietly handles the boring parts of ownership, charging, software updates, reliability, so you can enjoy the good stuff: effortless acceleration, silent cabins, and a sense that you’re driving something a half-step into the future. Whether you’re browsing new inventory or running the numbers on a used Lucid, Taycan, or EQS, pairing careful research with a solid battery health report, like the Recharged Score you’ll see on every vehicle at Recharged, is the smartest way to get there.
