Ferrari is poised to make a dramatic entry into the electric vehicle market with the Luce, its first fully electric car designed in collaboration with LoveFrom, the firm led by Apple’s former design chief, Jony Ive. Despite initial scaling back of EV ambitions, the reveal of the Luce’s interior marks a pivotal moment for the Italian automaker.
A New Era for Ferrari
CEO Benedetto Vigna unveiled the Luce’s interior at an event in San Francisco, emphasizing a shift in direction. The vehicle, formerly nicknamed “Elettrica,” has been rebranded to “Luce”—Italian for “light”—to underscore Ferrari’s focus on design and experience rather than solely its electric powertrain. This renaming signals a deliberate move to maintain the brand’s identity beyond electrification.
Tactile Excellence: Inside the Luce
The interior, crafted by Ive’s team, prioritizes physical controls and premium materials. The cockpit features glass and brushed aluminum components, including a steering wheel with tactile buttons, a center-dash display, and a glass gear shifter.
Ferrari intentionally displayed the interior elements disembodied—steering wheels, disassembled vents, and lone seats—to highlight the obsessive attention to detail in each piece.
“Cars are very complicated,” Ive commented, “But I hope that it will be obvious and clear the amount of care that has gone into every little piece.”
Premium Materials & Advanced Tech
The design draws heavily from Ive’s signature style, evident in the rounded corners, glass knobs reminiscent of the Apple Watch, and an iPad-like central control panel. Ferrari is partnering with Corning for glass components, leveraging Gorilla Glass for durability and safety. Samsung supplies the OLED screens, including the binnacle’s display, which features analog needles floating in a black void when the car is off.
The key fob is another standout feature, resembling a miniature iPhone with a glass back and a Ferrari logo illuminated by yellow E Ink. The fob activates the car with a magnetic snap, awakening the interior lights and dials.
A Deliberate Design Philosophy
The emphasis on physical buttons, according to Ive, is to keep drivers focused on the road. Ferrari employees repeatedly emphasized the use of only aluminum, glass, or leather, with minimal plastic. The tactile experience is central: buttons click satisfyingly, knobs twist smoothly, and vents open with precision.
The Future of Ferrari
The Luce represents a bold step forward for Ferrari. The company is not simply building an electric car; it’s redefining the luxury automotive experience through meticulous design and premium materials. The reveal of the exterior in May will complete the unveiling, but the interior already signals a new era for the iconic Italian brand.
