Ferrari, the legendary Italian automaker synonymous with roaring V12 engines, screaming exhaust notes, and timeless exotic styling, has unveiled its first-ever all-electric vehicle — and the internet is not holding back.
The model, dubbed the "Luce," was revealed to much fanfare from the company but immediate backlash online, with critics slamming its polarizing design as a far cry from the sleek, aggressive Ferraris that have dominated racetracks and driveways for decades. Social media users have compared the EV to a "generic crossover" or even a "Prius on steroids," accusing the brand of abandoning its heritage in the rush toward electrification.
According to details shared widely on X, the Luce boasts impressive performance specs on paper: more than 1,000 horsepower from four electric motors, a blistering 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) sprint in just 2.5 seconds, and a five-seat layout with unique center-opening doors. It also features simulated gear shifts to mimic the driving experience of traditional Ferraris. Pricing starts at an eye-watering €550,000 (roughly $620,000 USD), positioning it as an ultra-luxury offering. The interior was reportedly designed with input from Jony Ive's LoveFrom firm, the creative force behind many Apple products.
But specs alone aren't winning over purists. Replies to the announcement thread were flooded with disappointment, with many calling the design "soulless" and warning it could damage the Ferrari brand long-term. "This is what happens when you cave to the green agenda," one typical commenter remarked, echoing broader frustrations among automotive enthusiasts who argue electric vehicles struggle to capture the emotion and identity of gas-powered supercars.
The launch comes as Ferrari joins other luxury marques in pivoting toward EVs amid tightening global emissions regulations and pressure from governments pushing net-zero targets. Critics have long argued that such mandates force brands to compromise on the very characteristics thunderous engines, visceral sound, and distinctive styling that define them.
While some praised the Luce's raw acceleration and tech-forward features, the overwhelming sentiment online reflects a growing cultural divide: Can an electric Ferrari truly be a Ferrari? Traditionalists say the silence of an EV motor and the crossover-like silhouette signal a deeper erosion of automotive passion in favor of Silicon Valley aesthetics and bureaucratic climate goals.
Ferrari has not yet released full official commentary on the backlash, but the company has previously signaled its commitment to electrification while promising to preserve performance DNA. Whether the Luce wins over buyers in the ultra-wealthy segment or becomes a cautionary tale for heritage brands remains to be seen.
