The 17 Most Anticipated Cars of 2024 (And They’re All Electrified)
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Curious about the best cars in 2024? Well, the short answer is that we continue to charge into our vehicular future. While solar-powered cars and flying cars received a fair share of attention in 2023, the real story was electrification. Electric cars were the fastest-growing segment in the American automotive marketplace last year, increasing by 47% to around 9% of total vehicle sales, with over one million vehicles sold. This rate of growth is even more startling in the luxury market, where fully electric vehicles accounted for one third of all sales in 2023.
So it makes sense that, unlike last year, this year’s installment of the best cars in 2024 consists entirely of battery-powered options (this includes a few hybrid gasoline/electric offerings.) And because of the proliferation of EV offerings, we can say proudly that there isn’t any overlap between this list and our recent rundown of our 11 Favorite Electric Vehicles of 2024.
Though we may not get to drive every one of these vehicles this year, we have a pretty good track record of getting behind the wheel of the cars on these lists. So continue to check this space to see if our anticipation aligns with our affection. (Base prices are listed.)
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Photo: Courtesy of Acura1/17Acura ZDX Type S
Honda’s upscale brand has been dabbling in hybrids since the ILX and RLX of the 2010s. But this long, strong-shouldered SUV will debut as Acura’s first fully electric vehicle for the American market, and it seems aimed in the right direction. We’re particularly intrigued by the restrained menace in the 500 hp, dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Type S version, which should be luxurious, sure-footed, and pack a wallop. [$70,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Audi2/17Audi SQ8 E-tron Sportback
Audi has wowed us with some of its recent electric concept vehicles, and this latest forthcoming production offering sports many of the elements that have so impressed us in the brand’s show cars: creasy flanks, muscular flares, and fastback rooflines. The SQ prefix here means that this is the up-powered 496 hp version, which may limit total range but provide enhanced driving excitement. [$90,995]
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Photo: Courtesy of BMW3/17BMW i8 (Vision Next Concept)
We loved BMW’s luxurious full-size i7 enough to include it on our Favorite EVs list, and we expect its forthcoming i5 to be an equally compelling, if slightly smaller and sportier, iteration. But the electric BMW we’re most jazzed to hear more about this year is this low, broad two-seat supercar, inspired by the brilliant Giugiaro-designed M1 of the 1970s and a follow-up to the i8 of the 2010s. [$160,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Genesis4/17Genesis Electrified GV70
Hyundai’s upmarket marque continues its effective assault on existing global luxury automakers with its combination of distinctive styling and branding and top-tier engineering and build quality. The new Electrified GV70 mid-size SUV should bring all this to the brand’s third fully electric vehicle. We’re also enticed by rumors of a six-figure, full-size GV90 Electric SUV to top the brand’s product pyramid. [$67,645]
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Photo: Courtesy of Jeep5/17Jeep Recon
Jeep will release two fully electric vehicles this year, its initial foray into the category. And while the first, the Wagoneer EV, promises to be more refined, our heart is with this rugged bugger, which will be known as the Recon. With its boxy and upright stance, its retractable roof and removeable doors, and its go-anywhere four-wheel-drive system, it’s like a classic Wrangler, updated for the battery-powered era. [$60,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Range Rover6/17Range Rover EV
We have been waiting, impatiently, for the release of the electric version of our favorite luxury SUV since it was promised to us in 2022. This year it’s finally arriving. Sized like the current long wheelbase Range, it should accommodate three rows of plush seats and should offer the all-weather capabilities, Modernist rectilinear style, and sybaritic delights of its gas-powered sibling, with even more silent whoosh. [$120,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Lexus7/17Lexus GX Hybrid
Lexus’s GX has long been an SUV for the serious off-roader. This all-new iteration has fresh, robust styling to match its capabilities in sand, gravel, mud, and other messy terrain. Sneering headlamps, a bulging trapezoidal hood, box-flared fenders, and a right-angled rear give it a minatory presence. A twin-turbocharged V6 with a hybrid assist provides more power and efficiency than the outgoing V8. [$64,250]
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Photo: Courtesy of Lincoln8/17Lincoln Nautilus Hybrid
Lincoln continues to impress us with its all-SUV lineup. Its bulging land yachts are great for cross-country road trips, and admirable for their soothing, richly hued interiors, which harken back to the brand’s ’70s heyday. This all-new, mid-size SUV promises to continue this tradition, with colorful cockpits, infinitely adjustable massaging seats, a new hybrid power train, and a choice of three interior scents. [$53,310]
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Photo: Courtesy of Lucid9/17Lucid Gravity
Lucid has wowed us as much with its design sensibility as with its long-range battery technology. But it’s had just one product offering, the Air luxury sedan. This year, it introduces its second offering: the Gravity three-row luxury SUV. Attractive, slippery, shockingly commodious for its size, and full of clever features like fold-flat rear seats, superfast charging, and event seating in the front trunk, we expect it to be a hit. [$79,900 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Maserati/Davide De Martis10/17Maserati GranTurismo Folgore
Maserati is known for its mellifluous gas-powered engines. But the brand has vowed to ditch burning petroleum by 2030. The real test of its efficacy in this realm will be this: A devastatingly striking grand touring coupe, powered by a trio of electric motors, pumping out over 800 hp and capable of shooting it from 0-60 mph in just over 2.5 seconds. Sustainable interior materials complete the package. [$215,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Mercedes-Benz11/17Mercedes CLA
Mercedes’s proliferating range of electric luxury vehicles continue to impress us with their style and substance. Benz is now bringing that effort down-market with this stylish, entry-level EV. Sized like its current gas-powered CLA but with styling that is at once sharper, more futuristic, and more aerodynamic, its advanced battery pack and charging architecture should allow a maximum 400-mile range and quick re-juicing. [$49,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Polestar12/17Polestar 5
Volvo’s fancy EV marque continues branching off further from its parent brand with this sleek, missile-shaped five-door hatchback. A six-figure luxury sedan based on the stunning Polestar Precept concept of 2020, it takes aim squarely at indulgent contemporary EV offerings like the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes EQS, and Lucid Air. Expect 300+ miles of range and the recycled materials the brand is known for. [$100,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Porsche13/17Porsche 718 EV
We’ve long been smitten with the entry-level mid-engine Porsche Boxster convertible and Cayman coupe because of their combination of nimbleness, affordability, performance, and style (and their avoidance of the negative stereotypes associated with their big brother, the 911.) So we’re thrilled that the brand’s first electric sports car will be replacements for these models. Bring on the two-seat EVs! Note: Pictured, Porsche Mission R Concept, styling influence for 718 EV. [$78,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Rivian/Elliot Ross14/17Rivian R1T/R1S
American EV automaker Rivian has captured our affection with its splendid R1T truck and R1S SUV. Rumors suggest that a significant refresh will come to these vehicles in ’24, adding a combination of power, efficiency, and refinement. Facing new competition from the low (Kia EV9) and high (Mercedes EQG, Range Rover EV) ends of the electric SUV spectrum, updates should help keep these winners winning. [$75,000/$80,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Toyota15/17Toyota BZ4X
Though Toyota has been a leader in production and sales of popular hybrid gasoline/electric vehicles for decades, it has not released a pure battery-powered vehicle in the United States. Until this one. Aimed at the center of the American market, this mid-size electric SUV doesn’t have the greatest range or interior space, but it makes up for it in smooth faceted style and Toyota’s well-earned reputation for reliability. [$45,000 (estimate)]
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Photo: Courtesy of Volvo16/17Volvo EM90
We drove Volvo’s entry-level ($35,000) EX30 and liked it enough to put it on our Favorite EVs list. And we hoped to get behind the wheel of its full-size EX90 this year, but delays kept it from our greedy mitts. So we’re turning our attention to some forbidden fruit: this futuristic-looking, rectangular, six-passenger luxury minivan. It’s currently produced solely for the Chinese market, but we can dream. [$114,000]
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Photo: Courtesy of Volkswagen17/17Volkswagen ID.GTI
VW continues marching toward its goal of electrifying its whole product range by adding another battery-powered iteration of a venerable model. To complement its long-awaited ID Buzz electric bus, the peoples’ car has announced an electric version of its beloved, benchmark GTI hot hatchback. Promised to Europe in 2027 but not yet announced here, we are trying to prime VW’s pump by riling you up. [$33,000 (estimate)]