Ferrari Unveils Interior of First All-Electric Masterpiece, Dubbed ‘Luce’
Ferrari, the iconic marque synonymous with roaring engines and breathtaking performance, is set to illuminate the automotive landscape with its first-ever fully electric vehicle (EV). Officially named ‘Luce’, an Italian word signifying ‘light’ or ‘illumination’, the forthcoming model is poised to “illuminate the path ahead” for the Prancing Horse brand. While the exterior remains under wraps until May 2026, Ferrari has provided an exclusive glimpse into the groundbreaking interior, showcasing a design philosophy that deftly blends minimalist aesthetics with a profound appreciation for tactile engagement and mechanical precision.
This significant departure in design is the result of a five-year collaboration with LoveFrom, a creative collective spearheaded by Sir Jony Ive, renowned for his transformative work on Apple’s iconic devices, and Australian industrial designer Marc Newson. Their collective expertise has been instrumental in shaping every facet of the Luce’s design, aiming to redefine expectations for electric vehicle interiors.
A Tactile Revolution: Defying the Touchscreen Domination
In a bold move that challenges the prevailing trend of all-encompassing touchscreens in EVs, Ferrari, in partnership with LoveFrom, has prioritised a more engaging and intuitive user experience. The interior of the Luce is a testament to this philosophy, featuring a sophisticated interplay of physical controls and elegantly integrated digital displays.
- Mechanical Precision Meets Intuitive Design: Ferrari asserts that many of the Luce’s controls are mechanical, meticulously engineered to be both satisfying to operate and inherently intuitive. This approach aims to simplify interactions, making them more direct and engaging. The design ethos is clearly inspired by the focused environments of classic sports cars and Formula One single-seaters, presenting a pared-down interface prioritising essential functions.
Materiality and Tactility: The selection of materials for the Luce’s interior has been guided by a commitment to durability and a rich sensory experience. Aluminium features prominently, chosen for its resilience and aesthetic appeal. Emphasis has been placed on creating a tactile environment where surfaces and controls invite interaction.
The Steering Wheel: A Nod to Heritage: The steering wheel itself is a captivating fusion of past and present. Its design draws inspiration from the classic three-spoke Nardi wheels of the 1950s and 1960s. The three spokes are constructed from recycled aluminium, intentionally left exposed to showcase their engineered form. This design choice not only pays homage to automotive history but also contributes to a significant weight saving of 400g compared to a conventional Ferrari steering wheel.
Formula 1-Inspired Controls: The steering wheel’s controls are directly influenced by the ergonomic layouts found in single-seat Formula 1 race cars. Dials are strategically placed for selecting drive modes and stability control, while buttons are dedicated to essential functions such as indicators. Ferrari has invested heavily in ensuring each button delivers an optimal blend of mechanical and acoustic feedback, refined through over 20 evaluation tests with their professional test drivers.
An Entrance of Elegance: The Key and Gear Shifter
The ritual of starting the Luce is designed to be an experience in itself. The vehicle’s key is crafted from Corning Fusion5 Glass and features an E Ink display. Upon insertion into its dock on the centre console, the key undergoes a visual transformation, changing colour from yellow to black, signalling the car’s readiness.
The gear shifter continues this theme of refined material use, also finished in Corning Fusion5 Glass. Intricate laser etching, finer than the width of a human hair, creates tiny perforations in the glass to precisely deposit the ink for the graphics, resulting in a seamless and sophisticated aesthetic.
The Driver’s Command Centre: A Symbiosis of Analogue and Digital
Positioned directly in front of the driver is an instrument cluster mounted on the steering column, moving in unison with the steering wheel. This cluster features three circular displays that artfully mimic the appearance of traditional analogue dials. The graphical design of these displays is deeply rooted in automotive heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic instrument dials from brands like Veglia and Jaeger, prominent in the 1950s and 60s.
Working in conjunction with Samsung Display engineers, Ferrari has developed an ultra-light and ultra-thin OLED panel for the instrument cluster. This panel offers a captivating visual experience, with strategically placed cutouts revealing information generated by a secondary display positioned behind the top layer. This creates a remarkable sense of visual depth. Each of these cutouts is framed by a clear glass lens and a surrounding anodised aluminium ring, adding a touch of premium finish.
The Centre Console: A Hub of Customisation and Control
The centre control panel is a marvel of ergonomic design, mounted on a ball-and-socket joint. This allows it to be easily oriented towards either the driver or the passenger, enhancing usability for all occupants. A thoughtfully integrated palm rest further improves the ease of operation.
A unique multigraph element is embedded within the central display. Three anodised aluminium hands glide elegantly over a dial protected by Corning Fusion5 Glass. This versatile display can function as a clock, a chronograph, a compass, or even be used to activate the launch control system, showcasing its multifaceted utility.
Ferrari’s meticulous attention to detail extends to even the typography used within the interior. A new, custom typeface has been developed, drawing inspiration from historical Ferrari lettering and classic Italian engineering script, further enhancing the car’s unique identity.
Powertrain and Performance: Electrifying Power, Uncompromising Sound
Ferrari previously revealed details about the Luce’s potent powertrain in late 2025. Power is delivered by two Ferrari-developed e-axles: one positioned at the front, generating 210kW, and a more powerful unit at the rear, producing 620kW. In boost mode, this configuration delivers a combined output exceeding 1000cv (735kW).
The Luce will be equipped with a substantial 122kWh battery, supported by an 800V electrical system that enables DC fast-charging at speeds of up to 350kW. Ferrari’s third-generation 48-volt active suspension system will be a key feature, allowing for independent adjustment at each wheel. This advanced system is designed to optimise body control and ride comfort, with Ferrari promising an ideal front-rear weight balance of 47-53 per cent.
A unique auditory experience is also promised, with a high-sensitivity accelerometer mounted to the inverter casing designed to capture natural vibrations from the powertrain. These vibrations will then be amplified and channelled through the car’s structure, creating a distinctive Ferrari EV sound.
The Luce is expected to feature a four-seat configuration and, while test mules and heavily camouflaged prototypes have been spotted, it is anticipated to have four doors.
It is understood that the Luce will sit lower to the ground than the Purosangue SUV, hinting at a more performance-oriented stance.
Interestingly, Ferrari is not the first automotive manufacturer to utilise the name ‘Luce’. Mazda produced a vehicle named Luce from 1966 to 1991. For the Australian market, this model was known as the Mazda 1500 and 1800, and later as the Mazda 929.
