Get ready to be blown away by the Ferrari Luce, the electric vehicle that’s set to redefine luxury and innovation. But here’s where it gets controversial: while it’s designed by none other than the creator of the iPhone, Jony Ive, this Ferrari isn’t just a touchscreen extravaganza. In fact, it masterfully blends analog charm with cutting-edge technology, sparking debates about the future of automotive design. And this is the part most people miss—it’s not just about looking futuristic; it’s about enhancing the driving experience.
Take the 12.5-inch instrument binnacle, for instance. Instead of a single, overwhelming screen, it features three individual dials—speed, power, and more—created by layering two ultra-thin Samsung OLED screens and convex glass. The result? A digital display that feels almost analog, complete with a physical needle for the odometer. Ive himself emphasized that the car’s focus is ‘about driving,’ with every element designed to elevate that connection between driver and machine.
One of the most captivating features is Ferrari’s ‘key ceremony.’ The driver inserts a chunky, square key made of aluminum and glass into its holder. As it clicks into place, the key’s yellow hue shifts to black, while the drive selector glows yellow—a symbolic ‘transfer of power’ from key to car. Ive revealed this sequence alone took nearly a year to perfect. Is this a genius blend of ritual and technology, or an unnecessary flourish? We’ll let you decide.
Despite nods to Ferrari’s heritage, like the iconic three-spoke, thin-rimmed steering wheel inspired by the 1950s 250 Europa, Ive insists this isn’t nostalgia. Instead, he aimed for ‘gravitas and weight for the future.’ Ferrari chairman John Elkann called it ‘timeless,’ but does it truly strike the right balance between past and future?
The steering wheel itself is a marvel, packed with physical buttons, a manettino for electric modes, and torque-managing paddles. At launch, it’s wrapped in smooth leather, a departure from Ferrari’s traditional Alcantara. But here’s the question: In an EV world, does leather still feel premium, or is it a missed opportunity for sustainable innovation?
The cabin’s centerpiece is a 10-inch iPad-like touchscreen, movable via a chunky grab bar that doubles as a palm rest. Below it, physical switches control climate and media, each designed to feel distinct so drivers can operate them without looking. Ferrari claims this fosters a ‘compelling connection’ between driver and car, but is it enough to satisfy tech-savvy enthusiasts?
Above the screen sits a clock that’s a masterpiece of engineering—physical dials with a digital face that can switch to a compass or lap timer. Each hand is controlled by its own three gears, making it the most time-consuming piece to develop. Is this level of detail overkill, or the epitome of luxury?
The instrument binnacle is equally impressive, with eight layers, including two bespoke Samsung OLED screens. These create a customizable three-dial view, showing speed, regenerative braking, or g-forces. The surrounding surface, which looks like black plastic, is actually another OLED screen displaying warnings and navigation. Ive argues that using two screens adds depth, but is it practical or just a design flex?
The center console, designed to appear floating, combines leather and glass—matte for high-touch areas and glossy elsewhere. It’s functional, with separate storage for driver and passenger, cupholders, and physical controls for windows and locking. Rear passengers get their own touchscreen for telemetry, but does this clutter the experience or enhance it?
The key, made of the same materials as the cabin, has its own holder, and the glass-made shifter is an inverted L-shape. Launch control is activated by pulling a grip above the driver’s head, flanked by exterior lighting switches. Is this a cockpit of the future, or a design that tries too hard to be different?
As Ferrari pushes boundaries with the Luce, it leaves us with more questions than answers. Is this the EV we’ve been waiting for, or a bold experiment that misses the mark? Join the conversation and let us know what you think in the comments below. And don’t forget to join our WhatsApp community for exclusive updates on the latest automotive innovations!
