Best Luxury Electric SUVs For 2023

The Rivian R1S (like its R1T pickup truck older cousin) has become an instant benchmark among electric SUVs targeting adventurous, eco-conscious and affluent customers who need EVs (with three rows) that can handle off-roading adventures. On-road or off, the R1S is sensational, including handling that feels closer to a sports sedan than an SUV that weighs about 7,000 pounds. Here’s the review.

Few vehicles will split opinions on style more sharply than the 2023 BMW iX, but its radical Star-Wars-meets-Bimmer aesthetic is undeniably bold. Beneath that unmistakable exterior lurks an all-star electric SUV that delivers lengthy range, convenient comfort and satisfying performance. Speaking of speed, this year a 610-horsepower M60 version joins the initial iX xDrive50. Despite their nearly three-ton heft, both are a delight to drive and in keeping with BMW’s performance traditions. They also offer up to 324 miles of EPA-rated range and a hugely roomy interior that looks almost concept-car modern. Read the full review. 

The Tesla Model X has always been a unique SUV, not just because it’s electric, but also because of its (gimmicky) gullwing doors, dramatic roofline, limited production and dubious Tesla automated driving features. A Tesla-wide price reduction significantly opened up access to the X’s Plaid variant with 1,020 horsepower and 2.5-second zero-to-60 acceleration. The range drops slightly with the extra performance abilities, but at 330 miles it outperforms other luxury electric SUVs while still offering a fairly spacious third row. The standard dual-motor is one of the best electric three-rowers for battery range, and also dropped in price. Here’s the review.

Built on the same platform as its sedan sister, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is an opulent, roomy all-electric luxury SUV. It’s more luxurious than the Tesla Model X or Rivian R1S, and less odd than BMW’s iX. Plus, it can be equipped with three-row seating, a rarity among EVs. It offers three drivetrain configurations, single and dual motor, with up to 536 horsepower and 285 to 305 miles of range. It bristles with tech features, including the wild 56-inch-wide Hyperscreen and loads of active safety gear, but it’s not quite as fast as its rivals and lags on cargo space. Read the review.

Both trims of the AWD Genesis GV60have some Dr. Jekyll-and-Mr. Hyde in their DNA, happy to cruise among the citizenry in impeccably quiet fashion or unleash murderous acceleration. The Performance model will knock off 60 mph in well under 4 seconds. Despite Michelin tires that prioritize energy savings, the GV60 will romp through curves at a pace that can match many high-performance luxury SUVs, then fly past them the minute the road straightens. As with other Tesla rivals, range is the biggest letdown at a modest 248 miles for the Advanced model and 235 miles for the Performance edition. Read the review.

Back after its debut year, the 2023 Volvo C40 Recharge stands out with its unique SUV shape amongst a growing collection of electric utes. But its 226-mile range isn’t up to snuff with Tesla and other competitors offering more miles on similarly sized EVs. The Google-based infotainment system from other Volvo and Polestar vehicles continues to make easy work of navigation and media displays. While the C40 Recharge’s premium pricing can be discouraging, it now offers two lower trim levels for a lower starting price—and its South Carolina roots mean potential tax credits. Read the full review.

The handsome 2023 Audi e-tron belongs on any luxury electric SUV shopper’s must-see list, but while it is packed with goodies and a lovely cabin, it is entering its fifth year without significant updates beyond some ornamental changes (and a $900 price increase on the base). The world of electric vehicles has changed a great deal since the e-tron arrived in 2019, and by 2023 standards its sub-250 mile range doesn’t keep up with newer competitors. Several of those newer machines also offer more speed, more space and sometimes lower prices. Read the review.

The all-new Audi Q4 e-tron may not be as quick as other EVs, but it should attract new EV drivers with its familiar look and driving characteristics based on both the Audi e-tron and Volkswagen ID.4. With decent range estimates, a stylish and comfortable cabin and modern technology, this luxury SUV is also sure to please more experienced EV drivers. Here’s the review.

The 2023 Cadillac Lyriq launches General Motors’ luxury brand into what it says will be an all-electric future. If early enthusiasm keeps up, it should erase the sting of Cadillac’s poor showing with plug-in hybrids such as the ELR coupe. The Lyriq’s exterior is strikingly modern, but not over the top; the interior and on-board technology are first-class. The Lyriq is a large midsize crossover better suited for cruising than corner-carving. It delivers a comfortable, quiet ride in luxurious, roomy surroundings. The icing on the cake is its sub-$65,000 starting price, thousands of dollars less than competing luxury electric crossovers. Read the review.

The Mercedes-Benz EQB is a re-engineered, electrified version of the German automaker’s gas-powered GLB SUV. That might seem like a compromise, but practical and posh tall crossover brings range and performance similar to some clean-sheet electric designs while offering more conventional styling and controls, minimizing the EV adoption learning curve. Like the GLB, its roomy, useful and family-friendly, with a tiny optional third row. It’s decently lively to drive and fairly quick to charge, too. The main drawbacks? It costs a whole lot more than the GLB and doesn’t necessarily feel as luxurious as some electric alternatives. Here’s the review.

The Volvo XC40 Recharge enters its third year on the market with a light visual freshening, largely confined to the front end. Its claim to fame is still its potent 402 horsepower twin electric motor setup, which lets the XC40 Recharge run with some muscle cars in the stop light drags. But the downside is limited range per charge compared to its electric SUV competitors. And while its upright, boxy shape suggests you should be able to carry a lot of cargo, that’s not the case with the rear seats in place. Finally, Volvo betrays its safety heritage by making a common and essential active safety feature—adaptive cruise control–available only on its highest-priced XC40 Recharge trim level. Read the review.

The Jaguar I-Pace returns for 2023 looking much like it did for its big return in 2022. With the formerly top-spec HSE still as the only trim, it’s an easy selection process if opting for an all-electric Jaguar. The 2024 model will have more performance options and a smoothed over front end, but for now it’s sporting the same redesigns from 2022 (namely improved infotainment and navigation features, faster at-home charging and standard driver-assist gear). No matter how you slice it, the I-Pace is very much how it was at its 2019 debut. It still looks and feels genuinely Jag with an electric flair, but it’s still a pricy, luxury option as more affordable and capable EVs take over the scene. Here’s more in the review.