Ferrari’s polarizing Luce electric sedan sparks fan backlash and stock dip

At a glance:

• Ferrari unveiled the Luce, its first all‑electric four‑door sedan, designed with Jony Ive’s LoveFrom studio.
• Fan reaction was overwhelmingly negative, with criticism focused on the car’s styling and departure from Ferrari heritage.
• Ferrari’s shares fell over 7% in Milan and 4% on the NYSE after the launch, a drop that persisted despite a papal appearance.

What happened

Ferrari introduced the Luce on Monday at the Vela di Calatrava complex on the outskirts of Rome. The model is the marque’s first fully electric vehicle, a five‑seat, four‑door sedan that marks a stark departure from the brand’s traditional two‑door, mid‑engine sports cars. Design work on both the exterior and interior was handed to LoveFrom, the design collective co‑founded by former Apple chief designer Jony Ive and industrial designer Marc Newson. The partnership was highlighted in the launch material, which stated that LoveFrom was allowed to “define the design direction of the project from the outset, inside and out.”

The unveiling was accompanied by a high‑profile presentation to Pope Leo XIV at Castel Gandolfo, a nod to the long‑standing relationship between the Vatican and Ferrari. Even the Pope’s presence could not soften the criticism that quickly flooded social media and automotive forums.

Design controversy

The Luce’s styling has been described as “more Volkswagen than Ferrari,” with many fans pointing to its bland, rectangular silhouette, lack of the iconic prancing horse badge, and a front end that resembles an all‑electric G‑Class popemobile. Critics argue that the vehicle’s design betrays the aggressive lines and sharp proportions that define Ferrari’s heritage. One fan wrote, “If I were to say what I think, I would be hurting Ferrari. I hope they take the prancing horse off that car, at least.”

Inside, the cabin showcases the minimalist aesthetic typical of Ive’s work at Apple—smooth surfaces, hidden buttons, and a focus on tactile experience. While some praised the premium feel, others felt the interior stripped away the driver‑centric cockpit that Ferrari owners expect. The contrast between the exterior’s “generic” look and the interior’s high‑tech minimalism has become a focal point of the debate.

Market reaction

Ferrari’s stock reacted sharply to the unveiling. In Milan, the RACE ticker slipped more than 7%, while the U.S.–listed shares dropped about 4%, according to CNBC. Analysts linked the decline to the disconnect between the brand’s core enthusiast base and the broader EV market that Ferrari appears to be courting. The dip persisted even after the papal appearance, suggesting that the negative sentiment is rooted in brand perception rather than short‑term hype.

The market’s response also reflects broader investor concerns about Ferrari’s timing. The company entered the EV arena after many rivals had already scaled back or cancelled pure‑electric projects, raising questions about whether the Luce can achieve the performance and pricing expectations that Ferrari’s name commands.

Industry context

Ferrari is not alone in wrestling with the EV transition. Lamborghini CEO Stephan Winkelmann told CNBC that his company will focus on plug‑in hybrids rather than full electric models, citing a “flat acceptance curve” among their ultra‑wealthy clientele. This sentiment underscores a broader industry debate: whether the traditional super‑car buyer is ready to embrace silent, instant‑torque electric powertrains.

The Luce also arrives at a time when luxury automakers are experimenting with high‑profile design collaborations. While Apple’s Project Titan remains secret, the Ive‑Ferrari partnership offers a glimpse of what an Apple‑influenced car might look like—though the market’s reaction suggests that brand DNA may outweigh design pedigree in the super‑car segment.

What’s next

Ferrari has not disclosed a production timeline or pricing for the Luce, but the company hinted that the model will sit alongside a future plug‑in hybrid strategy. Observers will watch upcoming test‑drive events and the eventual release of performance specifications, including the promised 1,000 hp powertrain that Ferrari showcased in a separate technical reveal.

Meanwhile, the brand faces a delicate balancing act: preserving the heritage that fuels its loyal fan base while meeting regulatory pressures and market demand for zero‑emission vehicles. How Ferrari navigates this transition could set a precedent for other niche performance manufacturers.