2012 Fisker Karma
As we make our way to an electric-powered driving future, there are many different methods for getting us there - from hybrids, to plug-ins, to even a few full-electrics. And, while most of us are familiar with the concept of karma, most people are not familiar with the Fisker Karma. The Fisker Karma is the world’s first EV luxury sports sedan with extended range. And, as they say, what goes around comes around; so let’s find out what comes from our first go-round.
So what exactly does it mean to be the world’s first EV luxury sport sedan with extended range? Well, for the 2012 Fisker Karma it means driving up to 50 miles on electric power alone, before shifting to gas power, which comes from a turbocharged inline-4, increasing your range to up to 300-miles; but as always, your results may vary. More on that later.
The drive system is similar to Chevrolet’s Volt, but one-ups it by sending power to the rear wheels, and allowing drivers to manually select all-electric or hybrid-electric drive. And the Karma “ups” just about every other car when in comes to style, as the look is far more “sport-luxury” than “eco” with smooth lines wrapping around standard 22-inch wheels and an aluminum space frame.
Sheet “metal” is actually a mix of aluminum and composite body panels, and the sleek roof is comprised of a solar panel that not only looks cool, but sends power directly to the batteries to aid in charging. Those batteries are located in the central “spine” of the car, and are mounted as low as possible.
Exhaust tips sit just behind the front wheels, expelling spent gas from the GM Ecotec 2.0-liter turbocharged I4 engine. It sends its 260-horsepower through a Rear Differential Module and two rear-mounted electric traction motors, so there’s no direct engine connection to the wheels. There’s also no traditional transmission, but drivers can choose whether to run in EV “Stealth” mode or full-power “Sport” mode with steering wheel mounted paddles.
All combined, the system puts out 403-horsepower and almost 1,000 pound feet of torque, and that’s where the “sport” part of the equation comes in. There’s instant throttle response when the battery is full, and the Karma zips to 60 in 6.3-seconds. But even when the battery is drained and you’re running on just engine, it’s still very impressive; top speed is 125 miles-per-hour. Batteries are lithium-ion and have been a problem, causing a Karma to stop dead while being tested by Consumer Reports. All 2500 Karmas on the road will get new battery packs under warranty. That battery pack pushes curb weight to a hefty 5,300 pounds, and that calls for serious brakes. Fortunately, the standard Brembo’s are up to the task and include regenerative braking.
The power-train might be all about the environment, but the interior environment is all about high-tech, yet it remains clean and simple. Unique items include the funky push button drive selector and a 10-inch Fisker Command Center touch-screen that manages just about every interior function. Gauges are designed with both an eye towards high-end time pieces and classic sports car dials. Real wood trim is used throughout - all certified reclaimed as sunken, fallen, or rescued. Rear seat passengers get big bucket seats with a substantial center console between them. And there’s a real, but small trunk with 6.9 cubic-feet of space.
The driving experience of the Karma is unique, but not foreign. There is a distinct hum from the power-train when in Stealth mode. The gas-engine kicks in fairly smoothly, but still noticeably. The suspension is a Short-Long Arm design with load-leveling monotube coil-overs and stabilizer bars, giving a surprisingly supple ride, even with the giant wheels. A 3.3 kWh battery charger is onboard and can charge the Karma on household 120 or 240-volt circuit, taking as little as 6-hours.
As for the Government Fuel Economy Ratings, they didn’t come out quite as good as Fisker had wished. The MPG equivalent is 52 miles-per-gallon combined in electric mode and 20 miles-per-gallon from the gasoline engine. The EPA also estimates only 32-miles of electric only range. The Chevrolet Volt is rated higher.
As for more shocking numbers, Karma pricing begins at a lofty $96,850 for the EcoStandard, the mid-level EcoSport comes in at $104,580, while the top level EcoChic tips the scales at $109,850. But then, early adopters always pay a price penalty.
The 2012 Fisker Karma is certainly one beautiful ride, and we’d probably buy it based on looks alone; but we think it is also a very significant vehicle. It has taken a premium-step up in the auto industry’s slow climb towards an electrified future, and done it without looking or acting like an “eco-mobile.” So, come for the styling, stay for the progress, and enjoy the ride.
Specifications
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged I4
- Horsepower: 260
- 0-60 mph: 6.3 seconds
- EPA: 32 mpg electric/ 20 mpg gasoline
2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE
AMG EQE SUV OMG TSNF YOLO LOL
We all know that cranking up the performance in a battery-electric vehicle is a much different and much simpler process than the methods used over the last 100 years of internal-combustion powertrains. So, let’s see how AMG has adapted to this brave and very fast new world with the Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV.
This 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE is the first all-electric performance SUV from the motoring masterminds at AMG. Starting with the same EQ platform that underpins the brand’s S- and E-class based all-electric sedans and utilities, AMG replaces the EQE 500 4MATIC SUV’s motors with AMG specific units both up front and in back. These specially built motors have unique windings, adapted inverters, and upgraded cooling; all so more current can flow, producing a new total of 617 horsepower and 701 lb-ft of torque.
While the midsize EQE SUV doesn’t feel overly large to drive, it does have an incredibly solid, almost tank-like presence to it, weighing in at just shy of 6,000 lbs. Yet, standard rear-axle steering helps it behave quite nimbly, and it accelerates like a vehicle half that weight, pushing you back in the seat with authority whenever you go all in on the accelerator pedal. An extended period of Mid-Atlantic rain kept us from getting track numbers, but Mercedes claims 0-60 in 3.4 seconds. We’d say that’s conservative given Race Start with Boost Function unlocks an additional 60 horsepower.
Likewise, as in previous Mercedes EVs we’ve tested, it overachieved when it came to battery range as well. With the official rating of the AMG EQE SUV at 235 miles, we plotted a 200-mile road trip, and still had 21% of battery remaining at the end of it, putting our range estimate closer to 254 miles. Max DC fast charging for the 90.6-kWh battery, which is the same battery used in the EQE 500, is perhaps not as high-performance as the rest of the vehicle. At 170 kW, it takes about 15 minutes to add 100 miles of range. Though when driving, the regen braking setup can feed power back at a rate of 260 kW. Our tester’s optional ceramic brakes were plenty strong, if a little touchy around town. There’s also active braking that likes to initiate regen before you actually touch the pedal when you’re coming up on another vehicle or approaching an intersection.
Nobody does interiors like Mercedes-Benz, and we’re not just talking about the luxurious quality of the leather and carbon fiber materials. There’s the wow factor of the dash-wide Hyperscreen, and cool aspects too, such as the turbine-like air vents. That’s before you even get to looking around at the AMG specifics like the Performance Steering Wheel, Dynamic Select Drive Modes, and even the unique AMG Sound Experience coming through the Dolby Atmos surround sound system with speakers seemingly everywhere.
It’s not all glitz and glamour though, as there are multiple thoughtful storage locations throughout the cabin, and good cargo hauling abilities too. The 18.4 cu-ft of space in back and max capacity of 59.2 cu-ft with rear seatbacks folded might just be the ticket to convincing your significant other into letting you make this oh so sensible purchase. Rear seat passengers of this five-seater will appreciate their own luxurious space, with comfortable seating, adequate leg and headroom, and multiple charging ports.
There’s nothing that screams high-performance on the outside of this EQE SUV, as AMG details are mostly subtle, though stacking both of the available AMG Night Packages adds lots of gloss black trim and dark chrome accents. There are three different 21-inch wheel patterns to choose from, as well as available 22s.
Most of the AMG goodness lies deep within, like performance-tuned fully variable 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive that adjusts torque distribution 160 times per second based on drive mode and chassis sensor info. Likewise, AMG Ride Control+ air suspension with adaptive damping and active roll stabilization is constantly monitoring road and driving conditions, along with driver input, adjusting the suspension accordingly, and delivering vastly different driving experiences spread across multiple drive settings from Comfort to Sport+.
Using 46 kWh of electricity per 100 miles, the AMG EQE SUV earns a fair efficiency rating. Pricing starts at $110,750; certainly not out of line for any high-performance vehicle these days, much less one with a Mercedes Star plus an AMG badge.
You could argue that when Mercedes-Benz made the EQ leap into full battery-electric vehicles, they prioritized precision over passion. Well, there’s a healthy dose of both here in this 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV. Now, we may just be a little lightheaded from experiencing all of the performance that’s packed into this midsize utility, but this is easily our favorite Mercedes EV we’ve driven yet; and that kind of makes sense considering AMG had a big hand in creating it.
Specifications
As Tested
- Motor Setup: Dual Motor
- Battery Size: 90.6-kWh
- Horsepower: 617
- Torque: 701 lb-ft
- EPA Range: 235 miles
- MW Test Loop: ~254 miles
- Peak Charging Rate: 170-kW