FERRARI LUCE
The Dawn of Maranello’s Electric Era
Images © FERRARI
The Ferrari Luce represents a pivotal shift as Maranello’s first fully electric vehicle. Developed in partnership with the external creative collective LoveFrom and refined by Ferrari’s Design Studio under Flavio Manzoni, it embraces radical simplification through pure forms, smooth, uninterrupted surfaces, and a minimalist aesthetic.
This four-door, five-seat GT features a pioneering glasshouse architecture with floating aerodynamic wings, creating a spacious, light-filled cabin. The luxurious yet restrained interior incorporates advanced Corning glass, custom Samsung OLED displays, precise mechanical controls, a unique E-Ink key, and a 21-speaker audio system that reproduces authentic powertrain vibrations to maintain Ferrari’s sonic heritage. The car rides on striking 23/24″ wheels.
Performance, although formidable, is not class-leading. Quad independent electric motors deliver up to 765 kW peak power, enabling zero to 100 km/h in 2.5 seconds and a 310 km/h top speed in Performance mode. Advanced systems, including active suspension and SSC X torque vectoring, support its dynamic credentials. The massive 122 kWh battery, double the size of a standard EV’s battery, paired with an 800V architecture, provides a WLTP range of 530 km. It supports 350 kW DC fast charging, achieving a 10-80% charge in about 25 minutes.
Despite Ferrari hailing it as a “disruptive yet coherent” milestone, the Luce has triggered widespread uproar on social media. Critics have savaged its smooth, minimalist design as generic and soulless – more Apple appliance than passionate Italian supercar. Many argue it lacks the sensual drama and emotional theatre central to Ferrari’s heritage. The perceived disconnect between its restrained visual identity and the brand’s visceral legacy continues to dominate online discourse, with reactions ranging from disappointment to mockery.
Priced from an eyewatering €550,000 (approximately R11 million before South African duties and taxes), the Luce’s exclusivity comes at a steep cost.
Ferrari’s electric era has undeniably begun, albeit amid fascination and fierce controversy. Whether it becomes a visionary reinvention or an overly sanitised detour for the Prancing Horse remains to be seen.
LEXUS TZ
New Electric Horizon for Premium Mobility
Image © LEXUS
Lexus has officially unveiled the all-new TZ, a bold three-row battery-electric SUV that signals the brand’s ambitious push into the future of luxury electrification.
Built on a dedicated BEV platform, the TZ embodies the “Discover Limetless” philosophy. At the heart of the TZ lies the “Driving Lounge” concept, a serene, spacious cabin designed as a mobile sanctuary. A wide panoramic roof, minimalist architecture, exceptional noise insulation, ambient lighting, and premium audio create an environment of calm and comfort for all occupants. The interior showcases sustainable luxury with “Forged Bamboo” trim from Shikoku, recycled aluminium, and other responsibly sourced materials.
Externally, the TZ introduces a striking new design language. Its sculpted spindle body, sleek geometric lighting, and aerodynamic detailing deliver a commanding presence while achieving class-leading drag efficiency for the brand’s SUV lineup.
Performance blends with refinement as the dual-motor all-wheel-drive system produces 300 kW, propelling this large SUV from 0–100 km/h in 5.4 seconds. It offers an impressive estimated range of up to 640 km, and rapid DC charging for a 10–80% charge in approximately 35 minutes.
Measuring more than five metres in length and more than three metres in width, it has practical credentials including a 1,500 kg braked towing capacity and versatile cargo space ranging from 290 to 2,017 litres. Driving engagement remains central thanks to features like Rear Comfort mode and Interactive Manual Drive.
For South Africa, the TZ is currently under study for local introduction. If realised, it promises to offer discerning buyers a compelling blend of performance, serenity, and sustainable sophistication.
MUTHER XPERIENCE HUB
SA’s First EV-Only Showroom & Smart Home Concept Store
Image © DONGFENG
Announcing the arrival of mUther (pronounced “Mother”), South Africa’s premier Smart Home xperience HUB, an immersive destination where advanced technology, renewable energy, and future mobility converge. Originally established as a digital platform two years ago, the brand has rapidly evolved in response to sustained consumer demand for a physical presence, with enthusiasts frequently inquiring about opening a brick-and-mortar flagship.
Driven by this burgeoning interest and the strategic inauguration of Dongfeng Boksburg, the mUther xperience HUB was conceived, with its official debut scheduled for the conclusion of winter 2026.
Distinguished as the nation’s inaugural showroom dedicated exclusively to electric mobility and smart living, the mUther xperience HUB transcends the conventional retail model to offer a curated lifestyle journey. Within its walls, patrons navigate fully integrated environments that demonstrate the seamless utility of intelligent systems, spanning from sophisticated home automation and energy-efficient appliances to smart irrigation, advanced pool maintenance, and robust photovoltaic solutions.
At its core, the brand prioritises demystifying intelligent living, ensuring it remains intuitive, accessible, and cost-effective for the local market. A significant portion of the curated selection featured at mUther focuses on DIY-compatible solutions, empowering South Africans to build sophisticated, interconnected homes without the burden of intricate installations or prohibitive upfront capital investment.
Furthermore, mUther serves as the strategic base for Dongfeng Boksburg, integrating a comprehensive array of mobility options, including REVOO and Vmoto electric motorcycles and scooters, as well as Xiaomi’s personal transport solutions. This synergy establishes the HUB as a definitive, all-encompassing destination where future-forward lifestyle and advanced electric mobility seamlessly intersect.
For further details, visit www.dongfengboksburg.co.za
Report by WILHELM LOOTS
