SUVs continue to grab an even bigger US market share, accounting for 58% of new vehicles per SP Global. With luxury vehicle demand also increasing and EVs not going anywhere, a pertinent question arises: What should a buyer looking for a luxury electric SUV get? Many new models have been introduced in recent years, and separating the best from the rest is important if you want the finest ride.
I’m here to help that process with my list of the best luxury electric SUVs in every category, from subcompact to body-on-frame. By considering every possible factor, from power and range to infotainment technology and overall value, I’ve come up with six electric SUVs that let you feel like you’re on the EV A-list.
Best Subcompact: Volvo EX40
Originally known as the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, this subcompact luxury crossover was introduced in late 2020 and immediately set the standard for tremendous luxury in a small EV. It’s available with a single-motor RWD or twin-motor AWD setup. The twin-motor XC40 offers the most oomph with up to 402 hp and 494 lb-ft of torque, while the single-motor version offers the most range at an EPA-estimated 296 combined miles. It takes just 28 minutes to charge the battery from 10 to 80% capacity with a DC fast charger.
Inside and out, this machine defines elegance and comfort. The unexpectedly roomy interior towers over the subcompact competition with 39.1 inches of rear legroom and 57.5 cu.ft. of available cargo space. Owners get ergonomic heated seats with suede upholstery, a full driver assistance tech suite, a 360-degree camera, and a high-performance 250-watt or Harmon Kardon 600-watt sound system. This subcompact EV is so impressive that it has won awards outside its segment, being named the 2024 News UK Motor Awards Mid-Sized SUV of the Year.
Best Compact: Audi Q4 e-tron
Drivers who want a small luxury electric SUV with a sporty riding experience should consider this Audi. Debuting in 2022 and refreshed for 2024, the Q4 e-tron is a Green Car of the Year and Fleet News Award honoree that offers tremendous value in the luxury compact class. It’s offered as an entry-level 45 e-tron or upgraded 55 e-tron with a hatchback or sportback body. The former has a single-motor RWD powertrain with 282 hp and an EPA-estimated 288-mile range. With the latter, you get AWD with 335 hp, 258 miles of range, and a 175-kW charging rate. (Note the Sportback is only sold in AWD.)
Both versions are blessed with Audi’s trademark ride dynamics that utilize MacPherson front struts and a five-link rear suspension for pinpoint driving dynamics. It also has a towing capacity of 2,650 lbs and a cargo capacity of 53.1 cu.ft. (54.1 cu.ft. for the Sportback), rivaling the Q5 to merge luxury with adventure. Technology is state-of-the-art with an 11.6-inch MMI infotainment touchscreen, a Sonos sound system, generous driver assistance systems, and an available head-up display with augmented reality. It received a five-star NHTSA safety score and an IIHS Top Safety Pick for good measure.
Best Midsize Two-Row: BMW iX
BMW jumped headfirst into EVs in the early 2020s, and the iX shines above other midsize electric SUVs. As the second BMW all-electric vehicle, it debuted for the 2022 model year and has been recognized by major industry players like the UK Car of the Year Awards, Consumer Reports, Drive, and J.D. Power. With a major refresh set for 2026, it could rise even further above other midsize luxury SUVs, electric or not.
For starters, this crossover is ridiculously powerful. The current edition has two dual-motor powertrains, one making 516 hp and another sprinting to 610 hp. Reports are that the refreshed model will add a 402 hp entry-level powertrain to give buyers more options. Each uses a battery pack that can add 90 miles of range in only 10 minutes with DC fast charging.
The sports car-like power is paired with a refined suspension and an ultra-sophisticated interior featuring glass-covered controls, a panoramic roof with liquid crystal shading, multiple upscale upholstery choices, and almost 78 cu.ft. of cargo space. The cherry on top is cloud-based navigation that automatically finds charging stations when the battery gets low.
Best Midsize Three-Row: Volvo EX90
Although I’m reluctant to include an automaker twice on my “best” lists, the Volvo EX90 is too impressive to ignore. It’s the electric variant of the XC90 midsize luxury crossover, offering optional third-row seating so seven people can enjoy the ride. The dual-motor electric powertrain will give you 402 hp in the standard configuration or 510 hp in the Performance version. A 111-kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated 310 miles of range, and a NACS fast-charging adapter lets you connect the CCS port at Tesla SuperCharger public stations.
Technology is where the Volvo EX90 truly earns its luxury stripes. Standard tech features include a 14.5-inch touchscreen, Google Built-in, and a 5G Wi-Fi hotspot. Audiophiles will love the Bowers & Wilkins 25-speaker audio system with Dolby Atmos surround. The safety tech includes radar, a plethora of cameras, and a roof-mounted LiDAR system to detect objects. Add a Scandinavian-inspired interior with tailored detailing, a tinted panoramic roof, and massaging front seats with cushion extensions, and you can see how seriously Volvo takes its luxury electric SUVs.
Best Full-Size: Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV
Not all three-row SUVs are made equal, and that’s also true in the luxury EV segment. Although the Mercedes-Benz EQS can be ordered as a two-row SUV, the three-row setup stands above the rest. It offers 41.3 inches of second-row legroom, even more than the first row, while the third row fits kids and young adults. They’ll be riding in a vehicle that, as the SUV twin of the EQS sedan, has car-like driving manners and comfort. The interior has HEPA filtration, four-zone climate control, and multiple upholstery options so everyone feels good.
Performance-wise, you can get the EQS 450+ RWD with 355 hp or the EQS 580 4Matic with 536 hp. The 118-kWh battery provides an EPA-estimated range of up to 323 miles with access to more than 117,000 public charging stations. As you cruise, experience cutting-edge technology such as a 56-inch safety glass Hyperscreen, including infotainment and driver/passenger displays, a Burmester sound system, intelligent built-in navigation software, wireless charging, and biometric-paired memory settings. It provides up to 74 cu.ft. of cargo capacity to pack for vacations and big events.
Best Body-on-Frame: Cadillac Escalade IQ
What if you want an SUV with the sophistication of an iconic luxury brand, the modern power and eco-friendliness of an EV, and the ruggedness of traditional body-on-frame construction? The Cadillac Escalade IQ was introduced in 2025 to satisfy this craving for a simultaneously modern and retro vehicle.
Based on the Ultium platform shared with the Chevy Silverado and GMC Sierra EV, the Escalade IQ is North America’s most powerful luxury electric SUV. Under normal conditions, the dual-motor AWD makes 680 hp and 615 lb-ft of torque. Pressing the Velocity Max button on the steering wheel increases this to 750 hp and 785 lb-ft at the expense of range. This EV has an 8,000-lb towing capacity plus GM’s Air Ride Adaptive Suspension and Magnetic Ride Control so that you can take it on any terrain.
Along with incredible power, the Cadillac IQ has incredible range. The EPA hasn’t yet released official numbers, but GM is claiming a range of 460 miles, and the 200-kWh battery supports the maximum CCS charging rate of 350 kW. Every Escalade IQ includes a three-year Super Cruise subscription, up to 119.2 cu.ft. of cargo space, a 55-inch combined infotainment display with Google Built-In, two wireless chargers, and between 19 and 40 AKG audio speakers depending on the trim.
Electric Sport Utility Luxury
With so many great luxury SUVs now being offered as all-electric models, whether based on a gas-powered vehicle or as a unique creation, now is an excellent time to make the leap. The added power that electric SUVs can produce is obvious. With advanced design elements inside and out, plus advancements in range and charging speed, you’re getting a vehicle that hits the highest levels of opulence. Consider these luxury electric SUVs in your search for a vehicle that reduces your carbon footprint yet doesn’t give up performance and style.
