From Porsche’s electrifying Taycan, to the opulently indulgent Rolls-Royce Spectre, we have rounded up some of the most sensational (in our opinion) electric vehicles of 2024 that prove going green doesn’t kill the spirit of driving
Once upon a time, electric vehicles (EVs) came with limitations and shortfalls–limited range, long charging times, performance sacrifices, and still much pricier compared to the traditional internal combustion engine (ICE)–today, however, we can safely say that’s no longer the case.
EVs have come a long way in just a matter of years. From eco-friendly, idealistic compromises, they have evolved into full-blown luxury road rockets that blend cutting-edge engineering with a dash of modern-day sorcery. Today, they deliver a seamless balance of ,jaw-dropping performance (in some), extended travel range, and impeccable design, among other advancements.
Designed and engineered to dominate both the tracks and the open roads, these vehicles are as serious about sustainable mobility as they are about showcasing the pinnacle of automotive engineering and craftsmanship. Whether you’re shopping for something that delivers lightning-fast acceleration, ultra-opulent interiors, or groundbreaking technology, here are some rides that deliver on all fronts.
Porsche Taycan Turbo S
Power: 700 kw/952 PS
Acceleration: 0-100 km/h in 2.4 seconds
Top speed: 260 km/h
Range: 630 km
Charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 18 minutes
The Taycan sits at the intersection of sports-car-worthy agility and luxury saloon comfort, and very few EVs can boast the same. From its outlook to its interior and under the hood, it’s a proper Porsche through and through, save for the fact that it runs on electricity. With improvements made to this latest generation this year (compared to its predecessor, it’s lighter, charges quicker, has more range, and is faster), this is a grand tourer with the soul of a sports car, one that’ll be just perfect for carving through mountain passes or cruising along highways. The South Koreans should know; the number of Taycans we saw on the streets of Seoul in a short six-day trip was more than we could count. A brand-new model should set you back about half a million dollars–that’s inclusive of its hefty price tag of S$392,007 and the current COE prices as of today, but excludes any optional add-ons for the car.
Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
Power: 560 kw/750 hp
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.7 seconds
Top speed: 325 km/h
Range: 450 km
Charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 19 minutes
As Maserati’s first all-electric sports car, the GranTurismo Folgore seamlessly integrates the marque’s iconic DNA with cutting-edge EV technology. The exterior retains the classic elegance and aerodynamic curves that have defined the GranTurismo lineage, but beneath the surface, it’s a revolution. The Folgore embodies Maserati’s push towards an electric future–a bold statement that sustainable mobility can be as thrilling as it is beautiful. For anyone who’s dreamed of an electric grand tourer that embodies speed, sophistication, and sustainability, this is the benchmark.
Lotus Eletre
Power: 675 kw/905 hp
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 2.95 seconds
Top speed: 265 km/h
Range: 600 km
Charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 20 minutes
This is a Lotus that flips the script. Mildly controversial within the purist circles of automotive fandom, the Lotus Eletre defies everything the brand has traditionally stood for–and does so unapologetically. Weighing in at 2.7 tonnes, the Eletre may seem like an antithesis to Lotus’s lightweight philosophy, but it redefines the brand’s principles for a new era. Lotus describes the Eletre as a “hyper-SUV”, and it lives up to the title by delivering sports-car-like performance in a family-friendly package that pushes boundaries and redefines what an electric luxury SUV can be.
Mercedes-Benz EQS 53 AMG
Power: 484 kw
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 220 km/h
Range: 57o km
Charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes
The Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 is the pinnacle of what happens when AMG performance meets cutting-edge electric propulsion. As the first all-electric AMG model, it blends the rich heritage of old-school luxury with forward-thinking innovation; what you get is a vehicle that is sophisticated, yet still exhilarating. The dual-motor setup delivers up to 751 hp in its most potent configuration, providing sports car acceleration in a whisper-quiet smooth drive. With utmost refinement, a near-silent cabin, smooth acceleration, and impeccable attention to detail, we think this flagship electric sedan can be equally delightful to drive or be driven in.
Audi RS e-tron GT
Power: 440 kw
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds
Range: 534 km
Charging time: 5 to 80 per cent in 22.5 minutes
The Audi RS e-tron GT is a shining example of how electric vehicles can combine stunning aesthetics with thrilling performance. With its muscular design and sweeping coupe silhouette, the RS e-tron GT immediately commands attention. At its core, the RS e-tron GT delivers an electrifying 844 hp from its dual-motor setup, but performance isn’t its only strength; it also offers a highly impressive range, as well as an interior that is as luxurious as it is futuristic. Premium materials, high-quality craftsmanship, packed with advanced technology and Audi’s state-of-the-art virtual cockpit create an environment that’s both driver-focused and indulgently comfortable.
BMW i5 M60 xDrive
Power: 601 hp
Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Range: 516 km
Charging time: 10 to 80 per cent in 28 minutes
Here we have the dynamism of a 3 series and the luxuriousness of a 7 series rolled into one. An electrifying sedan that’s equally comfortable on the racetrack and on weekend grocery runs, the i5 M60 xDrive is the range-topping and most athletic version of the BMW i5. With its xDrive all-wheel-drive system, it confidently handles a variety of road conditions while maintaining the sharp, agile handling BMW is celebrated for.
