I think everyone knows I’m not a Tesla fan by now. The questionable quality of the build and the barely functional Full Self-Driving mode (when compared to Elon Musk’s claims) have left me pretty critical of Tesla’s vehicles.
But I’ve come across a scenario where the Tesla Model S Plaid is actually a good choice. And that’s if you’re considering the Ferrari Luce.
It’s no secret that the car community hates the Ferrari Luce. Even former Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo questioned if it was worthy of the prancing horse logo. Violently ugly beyond comprehension, the Luce carries none of the aesthetic, style, or intensity that the brand has become known for.
The thing has zero aura.
Ferrari claims that it’s hideous appearance is due to a focus on aerodynamics. Smoother cars with no sharp edges create better airflow. In theory. But I’m here to tell you that sacrificing looks, class, and prestige for aerodynamics has not paid off for Ferrari.
The Luce is $640,000, which means you’re probably expecting top-notch performance in every aspect. The issue? The Tesla Model S Plaid is only $110,000 and beats it.
Ferrari Luce vs. Tesla Model S Plaid performance
Ferrari is known for its luxury and performance, and that should carry over even when it comes to EVs. At least in my opinion. Well, and Ferrari’s as well, seeing as the brand made a big to-do about the vehicle’s focus on aerodynamics.
But who cares how aerodynamic a vehicle is if it doesn’t even do anything for the performance?
The Ferrari Luce has 1,035 horsepower, pretty standard for a luxury EV. This is 15 more hp than the Tesla Model S Plaid. But that didn’t really help the Luce. It has a 0-60 time of 2.4 seconds while the Plaid hits 60 mph in 1.99 seconds.
The Ferrari Luce reaches 124 mph in 6.8 seconds, but the Plaid can do that in 6.2 seconds. The Luce’s top speed is 193 mph, but the Plaid’s is 200 mph.
If you know me, you know that I am not really all that impressed with the 0-60 of electric vehicles. They’re all quick. Even the most boring family SUV. But let’s be real: the Luce should have incredible performance stats. It’s a Ferrari.
So… what was the point of being so round and ugly? It’s not like it really led to any significant stats. That makes this all the more infuriating, especially when you look at past Ferrari models and how sleek, sexy, and aggressive they are. The Luce should have been hotter and faster than the Plaid. Six times hotter and faster, if we’re factoring in price.
Ferrari Luce vs. Tesla Model S Plaid: range
Again, it’s not all about performance with EVs. But the Tesla Model S Plaid has the Ferrari Luce beat in other categories as well.
When it comes to the driving experience as a whole, the Plaid blends blistering fast acceleration with a plush, quiet, and comfortable cabin. It’s a daily driver that packs a bit of a punch. The Ferrari Luce has no reviews on its interior and experience just yet, but we do know the interior is classy and free of massive screens. However, I doubt that it would be touted as a reliable, practical daily driver.
Beyond that, the Luce has a 280-mile range. Being aerodynamic hasn’t helped here either, apparently. The Plaid has a range of 368 miles.
We don’t know much else about the Luce’s battery, charging, and other stuff like that. But we can guess it’s not so much better than the Plaid that it matters. Charging a Tesla Model S Plaid takes about 25 to 30 minutes to reach 80% using a 250 kW Tesla Supercharger. And while China keeps making faster and faster charging a thing, it’s not really all that necessary beyond setting a meaningless record.
I think it’s just clear at this point that the Tesla Model S Plaid is better. It’s way cheaper yet has better performance and range. In most instances, we’d be able to say, “Well, the Ferrari is more about looking amazing, so that’s all that matters.” But… Yeah… The Luce is gross.
Never thought I’d say this, but the Tesla Model S Plaid is worth buying.*
*When compared to the Luce.
