Ferrari’s new Luce EV has arrived with the kind of attention only Maranello can generate.
The reaction has been anything but quiet, partly because this is a Ferrari that steps away from familiar supercar theatre and into a cleaner, more electric future.
Its most unexpected early moment came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV was shown the car by Ferrari Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna before taking it for a short drive.
At a glance
- Ferrari’s new Luce EV has been revealed and was shown to Pope Leo XIV at his Castel Gandolfo residence.
- The Luce uses four in-house electric motors producing a combined 1050 hp and is Ferrari’s first five-seat model.
- The electric Ferrari can reach 62 mph in 2.5 seconds and 124 mph in 6.8 seconds, putting family-friendly packaging inside serious performance territory.
A Ferrari debut with an unusual first drive
The Luce is already one of Ferrari’s most talked-about modern cars, and not only because it’s electric.
During a visit to Pope Leo XIV’s residence in Castel Gandolfo, John Elkann and Benedetto Vigna presented the car in person.
The Pontiff received a walkaround of the new model and then sampled it on a short drive, creating an early public moment that’s far removed from the usual launch stage or closed proving ground.
For Ferrari, the setting adds a curious human note to a car that has otherwise been discussed largely through the lens of design, brand identity and electrification.
Why the Luce is dividing Ferrari fans
The Luce represents a sharp turn for a company built on combustion noise, compact proportions and a deeply emotional relationship with mechanical performance.
Its design has already drawn criticism online, with much of the debate centred on whether the car looks sufficiently Italian or too much like a polished tech product.
That reaction is not surprising.
Ferrari has often evolved by upsetting expectations, but the Luce pushes into especially sensitive territory because it combines electric propulsion with five-seat practicality.
That alone makes it a significant departure from the typical Ferrari brief.
The electric hardware is still very Ferrari
Under the calmer surface, the Luce is not short of numbers.
It uses four electric motors developed in-house, with the motors said to spin at up to 30,000 rpm.
The front motors produce 141 hp each, while the rear motors deliver 476 hp each.
Combined output is listed at 1050 hp, enough for a 0-62 mph time of 2.5 seconds and a 0-124 mph run in 6.8 seconds.
Those figures place the Luce firmly in Ferrari performance territory, even if the delivery and soundtrack will be very different from the brand’s combustion-engined icons.
Five seats change the Ferrari conversation
The Luce is also notable for being the first five-seat model built by Ferrari.
That detail matters because it moves the car into a space where usability becomes part of the attraction, not an afterthought.
It won’t convince every traditionalist, and it clearly isn’t trying to be another mid-engined weekend machine.
Instead, the Luce looks aimed at buyers who want Ferrari performance, electric acceleration and enough cabin flexibility to make the car fit more naturally into daily life.
Whether the design wins people over may take longer to judge, especially once more drivers experience the car outside the noise of its launch reaction.
Details & Specifications
| Brand | Ferrari |
|---|---|
| Model | Luce EV |
| Seating | Five seats |
| Powertrain | Four in-house electric motors |
| Front motor output | 141 hp each |
| Rear motor output | 476 hp each |
| Total output | 1050 hp |
| Motor speed | Up to 30,000 rpm |
| 0-62 mph | 2.5 seconds |
| 0-124 mph | 6.8 seconds |
FAQ
What is the Pope Leo XIV?
Ferrari’s new Luce EV has already split opinion, but its most unusual early drive came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV sampled the marque’s first five-seat model. Its most unexpected early moment came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV was shown the car by Ferrari Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna before taking it for a short…
What does the acceleration mean for the car?
Pope Leo XIV Gets Behind the Wheel of Ferrari’s New Luce EV Ferrari’s new Luce EV has already split opinion, but its most unusual early drive came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope… Pope Leo XIV sampled Ferrari’s new Luce EV at Castel Gandolfo as Maranello revealed its first five-seat model with 1050 hp electric performance.
Is this car aimed at daily driving, luxury use or performance buyers?
Its most unexpected early moment came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV was shown the car by Ferrari Chairman John Elkann and CEO Benedetto Vigna before taking it for a short… Ferrari’s new Luce EV has already split opinion, but its most unusual early drive came at Castel Gandolfo, where Pope Leo XIV sampled the marque’s first five-seat model.
What performance details are confirmed?
Only details stated in the article should be treated as confirmed. Pricing, production numbers, legal outcomes, dates, specifications, booking details and availability should not be assumed unless they are explicitly included.
What should shoppers compare before choosing a car like this?
The safest comparisons are cars with similar body style, powertrain, performance, price positioning, range, cabin use and buyer intent. Direct rivals should not be assumed unless the article names them.
