Ironically named after the symbolic setting of the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport in Rome, a venue chosen to mark the beginning of a new chapter in Ferrari's storied history of engineering excellence and innovation, the Luce marks the first time a Ferrari was designed outside of its home country. If it looks somewhat like the iPhone car emoticon, well, it’s probably because former Apple designer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson penned it under their LoveFrom creative collective.

In terms of proportion, the Luce goes against every Ferrari before it. Fully embracing its bespoke all-electric architecture, it gets a cab forward design with surfaces which are all smooth, continuous, and uninterrupted.

Visually, the defining aspect is the two-part form where the lower part is made to look like a homogeneous shell and the upper part being a largely glass area. The front and rear black panels housing the lights are transparent with the rear taking a nod from the 360 Modena and 458 Italia. It rides on the largest staggered wheel setup in a production Ferrari with forged alloys measuring 23 inches at the front and 24 inches at the back.

The doors, including rear “suicide” doors, open up to reveal a surprisingly simple and straightforward cabin filled with mechanical buttons, dials, toggles, and switches. As always, all the essential controls are located directly in front of the driver with the steering wheel, paddle shifters, and instrument cluster binnacle moving as one when adjusted. The central control panel itself which houses the infotainment, climate control, and vehicle settings can be pivoted to face the driver or front passenger. A handle and palm rest make it easier, at least in principle, to hit the various functions buried underneath. An overhead console houses the “Launch Mode” as well as the lighting and defrosters. Finally, the center console contains the shifter, armrest, and controls for the rear cabin. This is also where the key docks to start the Luce. The three rear passengers, meanwhile, are treated to a rear control panel that not only operates the rear climate control, but also displays real-time drive information.

While the design was outsourced, the Luce is engineered completely by Ferrari. The electric motors—four of them—use a radial-flow permanent magnet synchronous motors—derived from the Ferrari F80 and drawing on expertise gained in both Formula 1 and the WEC. In total, it generates 1,050 horsepower and 990 Nm of torque. This allows the 2,260-kilogram five-seater to hit 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds, 200 km/h in 6.8 seconds, and reach a top speed of 310 km/h. The 800-volt system is juiced up by a 120-kWh battery enough for 530 kilometers of range.

It offers three drive modes (e‑Manettino). It defines power, torque curve, type of traction, and maximum performance, while keeping the level of regeneration unchanged in all ‘Drive’ positions. In ‘Range’ mode, power is limited to 435 horsepower (320 kW), operation is predominantly rear‑wheel drive, top speed is 260 km/h. In ‘Tour’ mode, available power rises to 625 horsepower (460 kW), all‑wheel drive is always active, and top speed remains 260 km/h. In ‘Performance’ mode, maximum power reaches 986 horsepower (725 kW), all‑wheel drive is permanent, and the car reaches a top speed of 310 km/h, along with the strongest response intensity. And like every modern Ferrari, the Luce is also adaptable thanks to its Manettino system with five positions. It introduces a new “Dry” mode for everyday driving.

Despite not having a traditional combustion engine, Ferrari engineers still opted to create a trademark sound for the Luce. Instead of going with a virtual or simulated soundtrack, engineers captured the sound that the electric axles produce and transmit through the metal. Acquired by an accelerometer installed in the rear axle housing, it captures the rotating components, gears, and electric machines on both the left and right sides.

The Luce rides on a dedicated platform taking into account its battery and electric powertrain. This means that the battery becomes an integral part of the chassis lowering weight (somewhat) and optimizing its weight distribution (47 front, 53 rear). It also helps eliminate the central tunnel for added space for rear passengers. An elastically-mounted rear subframe helps reduces unwanted NVH. Finally, a new Vehicle Control Unit makes its debut in a Ferrari operating the engine, active suspension, and auxiliary systems.

Apart from its 7-year warranty and once a year (or 20,000-kilometer service) requirement, the Luce has an 8-year warranty covering its key electric powertrain components such as the axles, battery, and charging system. As for the price? It’s estimated to start at around USD 640,000 or roughly P 40 million, not counting local duties and taxes.

What do you think of the design and the price?