Ferrari’s Electric Revolution: A Tactile Return to Buttons in the New ‘Luce’
Ferrari is charting a bold new course with its first-ever all-electric vehicle, the ‘Luce’. Moving away from the touch-screen dominance that has characterised recent automotive interiors, the Italian marque is embracing a sophisticated blend of physical buttons and premium materials, a design philosophy heavily influenced by a collaboration with none other than Sir Jony Ive, the visionary behind Apple’s most iconic devices, and Australian industrial design luminary Marc Newson.
The name ‘Luce’, meaning ‘light’ or ‘window’ in Italian, aptly reflects the interior’s emphasis on clarity and intuitive interaction. This new cabin layout dramatically scales back screen real estate, prioritising tactile metal switches and elegant glass surfaces. This deliberate shift comes as a direct response to criticisms regarding the usability of touch controls in some of Ferrari’s earlier models, aiming to deliver a more engaging and less distracting driving experience.
The design direction was entrusted to LoveFrom, an independent firm established by Sir Jony Ive, who was instrumental in shaping the aesthetic of Macs, iPhones, iPads, and Apple Watches from the late 1990s until his departure in 2019. Partnering with him is Marc Newson, an Australian designer with an extensive portfolio spanning furniture, cameras, appliances, and even the groundbreaking 1999 Ford 021C concept car. This formidable design duo has been given significant creative latitude to redefine the project’s aesthetic from its inception, injecting a fresh perspective into the heart of Ferrari’s electric future.
While the exterior of the Luce – a four-seat, four-door hatchback-style vehicle – remains under wraps until its full reveal in May, it is also widely believed to have benefited from the LoveFrom design partnership.
A Nod to Heritage, Reimagined for the Electric Age
The steering wheel of the Luce is a particularly striking example of this design philosophy. Drawing inspiration from the classic wood-rimmed Nardi steering wheels of 1950s and 1960s Ferraris, it features a slim leather rim and three slender spokes crafted from 100 per cent recycled aluminium. This modern interpretation is not only aesthetically pleasing but also functionally advanced, weighing approximately 400 grams less than a conventional Ferrari steering wheel. In a move that prioritises driver focus, the wheel itself is minimalist, housing only the indicator buttons on its spokes. The iconic Manettino mode dials, along with controls for wipers and lights, have been strategically relocated to ‘satellite’ pods, allowing the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and their eyes on the road.
Ferrari has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure a superior sensory experience with every interaction. The brand claims to have meticulously tuned the sound and feel of each button through extensive testing, conducting over 20 evaluation sessions with Ferrari test drivers to achieve the “most harmonious combination of mechanical and acoustic feedback.”
Analogue Charm Meets Digital Prowess
The instrument cluster is a masterful blend of classic watchmaking inspiration and modern display technology. Mounted directly to the steering column, it features an OLED display subtly positioned behind three circular cutouts. These cutouts, framed by aluminium rings, are designed to evoke the analogue gauges found in traditional luxury timepieces, offering a familiar yet sophisticated visual cue.
Between the front occupants, a central control panel serves as the command centre for the infotainment system. However, this is complemented by a suite of physical toggles for essential climate functions such as air temperature and fan speed, as well as controls for heated and ventilated seats. A rotary dial manages audio volume, and dedicated buttons provide access to other key vehicle functions. Integrated within the main display is a digital ‘multigraph’ that can seamlessly switch between four distinct functions: a clock, a chronograph (stopwatch), a compass, and a launch control indicator. This analogue-inspired display features three anodised aluminium hands and a durable Corning glass face.
Adding to the ergonomic sophistication, the central panel is mounted on a ball-and-socket joint, allowing it to be tilted towards either the driver or the front passenger for optimal viewing and operation. A built-in palm rest further enhances comfort during extended use. The deliberate inclusion of physical buttons, which Ferrari asserts can be operated “effortlessly and intuitively without looking,” marks a significant departure from previous models and addresses the usability concerns that arose with over-reliance on touch-sensitive controls.
A New Era of Ignition and Shifting
The process of starting the Luce is designed to be a unique and engaging ritual. Drivers will place a small, high-strength glass key into its dedicated dock on the centre console. This action triggers a visual transformation on the Ferrari key fob, changing the logo from black to yellow, and simultaneously illuminates the car’s various screens, signalling readiness.
The gear shifter is another area where innovation and artistry converge. Ferrari claims a first-of-its-kind manufacturing process has been employed to laser-cut intricate holes into Corning Fusion5 glass – the same material used elsewhere in the cabin. These holes are precisely half the width of a human hair. Ink is then meticulously inserted into these microscopic apertures to achieve an “perfect level of uniformity,” as detailed in the brand’s media release.
Electrifying Performance
Beyond the revolutionary interior design, the Luce is set to deliver the blistering performance expected of a Ferrari. Technical specifications previously confirmed by the brand reveal a powertrain featuring four electric motors, one driving each wheel. This configuration will generate an impressive output of over 1000 metric horsepower (735kW) in ‘boost’ mode.
Acceleration is projected to be ferocious, with a claimed 0 to 100km/h time of just 2.5 seconds, and a top speed reaching a formidable 310km/h. The battery pack will boast a substantial 122kWh capacity, operating at 880 volts, and is expected to provide a driving range of approximately 530km. For rapid replenishment, the Luce will support 350kW DC fast charging.
Further details regarding the highly anticipated Ferrari Luce are expected to be unveiled at its full public debut, scheduled for May.
