Ferrari Luce: Electric Interior Unveiled by Jony Ive

Ferrari finally crosses the Rubicon with the Luce, a name meaning “light” in Italian, illuminating a new era for Maranello. On February 9, 2026, the Prancing Horse manufacturer unveiled the first details of its first electric vehicle’s interior. As a Tesla owner, I observe with curious excitement how traditional manufacturers are approaching electrification: will they preserve their DNA or reinvent everything?

Five years of development alongside Jony Ive, an unprecedented triple OLED screen, a revisited iconic steering wheel… Ferrari does nothing by halves. Let’s delve into the heart of this electric supercar that could redefine automotive luxury.

Luce, the name that illuminates Ferrari’s electric strategy

The choice of the name Ferrari Luce is not insignificant. “Light” in Italian marks a clear break from traditional internal combustion nomenclatures (F8, 296, SF90). This is not “just another electric car,” but the announcement of a new era for Maranello.

When I bought my Tesla, the Model S/3/X names seemed cold, almost industrial. Ferrari takes the opposite approach: charged with emotion, symbolic, almost poetic. It’s a strong positioning marker that says: “We embrace electric without denying our Italian soul.”

This electric strategy aims to maintain the manufacturer’s performance DNA while embracing sustainable mobility. The name Luce embodies this duality: technological modernity and emotional heritage.

Five years of design with Apple legends

Ferrari collaborated with LoveFrom, the studio of Jony Ive (former Apple design director) and Marc Newson, to design the Luce. A five-year development, comparable to the Tesla Model S → Tesla Model 3 cycle, which demonstrates the project’s ambition.

The philosophy adopted? “Refinement rather than reinvention.” No clean slate for Ferrari’s heritage, but a measured evolution. At Tesla, we’ve seen radical minimalism: removal of controls, a single central screen. Ferrari chooses the balance between heritage and modernity.

The stakes are colossal: getting purists of the Prancing Horse, customers accustomed to roaring V12s and metallic gear levers, to accept electric. Electric car design must here reconcile two seemingly irreconcilable worlds.

An approach opposite to Tesla’s minimalism

Tesla imposed the single central screen and the almost total elimination of physical controls. Ferrari Luce takes the opposite approach with a triple OLED screen and F1-inspired control modules.

The targets are different: the mechanical enthusiast attached to analog feeling versus the tech-enthusiast seduced by the minimalist interface. Ferrari bets on tactile and visual richness rather than radical simplification.

Two configurations to dominate road and track

Ferrari offers two versions of the Luce to meet distinct uses.

Standard Version:

• Driving range: 325 miles (523 km)
• Energy consumption: 1.7 kWh/mile, comparable to a Tesla Model S Plaid
• Positioning: daily use and track days

Long Range Version:

• Driving range: 500 miles (805 km)
• Weight: approximately 2,430 kg (a challenge for dynamics)
• Target: electric grand touring

Electric vehicle driving range remains the core challenge, even for a supercar. My Tesla Supercharger sessions last 20-25 minutes to reach 80%. Ferrari announces 60% battery in 30 minutes with its fast charging, a similar usage.

Moreover, driving range in winter conditions remains a challenge for all electric vehicles, even for Italian supercars. The Long Range version should better handle these seasonal variations.

The interior cabin deciphered: when heritage meets OLED

It is in the premium electric vehicle interior cabin that Ferrari has concentrated its efforts. An assumed strategy: to convince through the driving experience before revealing the exterior.

The Nardi steering wheel reinvented for the electric era

The Nardi steering wheel, iconic in Ferrari cars of the 50s-60s, is reborn in the Luce. Made from 100% recycled aluminum, it is 400 grams lighter than previous versions while preserving that “analog” feeling dear to purists.

My Tesla steering wheel is perfect for Autopilot, but it lacks that artisanal soul, that tactile dialogue between the road and my hands. Ferrari relies on this emotional dimension, even in an electric vehicle.

Triple Samsung OLED screen: a world first

The Luce features three Samsung OLED screens with a unique cutting technology allowing flush integration into the dashboard. Supposed configuration: driver, central, and passenger.

This is more sophisticated than the single Tesla screen, but what about ergonomics in dynamic driving? Ferrari has planned F1-inspired control modules: physical buttons for critical functions, an intelligent compromise between tech and tactility.

Moreover, other premium manufacturers like Lucid are also trying to compete with ultra-tech interiors, but Ferrari brings its unique artisanal touch.

An entry price of €500,000: justified or excessive?

The Ferrari Luce price is estimated at at least €500,000 ($535,000) according to previous reports. That’s 5 to 10 times the price of a Tesla Model S Plaid (~€140,000).

Is this pricing justified? Five years of R&D with LoveFrom, premium materials (recycled aluminum, custom OLED), a Ferrari badge synonymous with absolute exclusivity… The arguments are not lacking.

Facing premium electric competition (Porsche Taycan Turbo S ~€200,000, Lotus Eletre ~€150,000), Ferrari positions itself in a separate category. Moreover, the price war in premium electric vehicles is intensifying with players like Xiaomi disrupting Porsche and Tesla.

My question: does electric technology justify such price differences or are we mainly paying for heritage and rarity? The release date remains unknown.

Ferrari proves with the Luce that electric does not mean abandoning identity. The gamble is audacious: combining heritage (Nardi steering wheel, Italian craftsmanship) and innovation (triple OLED, Jony Ive collaboration). As a Tesla owner, I am curious to test this “electric artisanal luxury” approach.

Will Ferrari purists follow this shift? The coming months will reveal if the Luce truly illuminates Maranello’s future. The exterior remains secret, the real-world range to be confirmed on the road, but the intention is clear: to reinvent the electric supercar without betraying Modena’s red soul. To delve deeper into the heritage of iconic steering wheels, specialized automotive sources detail the fascinating history of Nardi in the automotive industry.