The electric Ferrari Luce with the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel, a prize for courage!
In the article:
Ferrari Luce won the 2026 Golden Steering Wheel in the “Best Innovation” category
John Elkann received the award in Berlin along with representatives of the team that developed the car
The decision was made by a jury of 23 people, including prominent figures from the media and entertainment world
Luce features a dedicated electric platform, four electric motors, and over 60 new patents
The Golden Steering Wheel is celebrating its 50th edition in 2026 – the award was established by Axel Springer in 1976.
The electric Ferrari Luce – an award for courage
The electric Ferrari Luce, Maranello’s first fully electric model, received the 2026 Goldenes Lenkrad award in the “Best Innovation” category. The prize was presented on November 10, 2026, in Berlin during a ceremony organized by the German magazine Auto Bild. It was received by John Elkann, Ferrari’s president. The jury praised not only the technology but especially the brand’s courage in breaking away from its own traditions.
2026 Goldenes Lenkrad – what is this award?
The Golden Steering Wheel is one of the most prestigious automotive awards in Europe. The award was established by the Axel Springer publishing group in 1976, and it is now given out by two titles within this group: Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag. The award goes to the most interesting new cars and technical solutions that have emerged in the industry that year.
The 2026 edition is special because it is a jubilee edition — the fiftieth. The “Best Innovation” category, won by Ferrari Luce, is intended, according to the organizers, to honor groundbreaking solutions that challenge established conventions, change expectations regarding cars, and show the courage to steer the automotive industry in a new direction.
Why the jury awarded Ferrari Luce
According to Ferrari, the jury appreciated the comprehensive approach to innovation in the Luce model. It considered the entire package: the fully electric architecture, driving dynamics, energy management, as well as design and the way drivers use the car in everyday life. The team of 23 jurors concluded that Ferrari demonstrated that “true innovation begins where convention ends.”
In an official statement, Auto Bild reads: “Ferrari took a risk with the Luce model by challenging expectations about what Ferrari should look like, what should power it, and how it should feel in the new digital era. Making such a decision requires courage, especially for a brand that still achieves strong business results. The reactions were intense, but the customer response speaks for itself.” The editorial team adds: “Innovation means having the confidence to take a great brand to new places. It is this courage that we appreciate by awarding the Golden Steering Wheel for innovation.”
It is worth noting the phrase “the reactions were intense.” This is not by chance—the jury explicitly refers to the storm that erupted following the car’s debut.
Debut in Rome and a Cool Reception for the Design
The Ferrari Luce made its debut on May 26, 2026, in Rome, at the Vela di Calatrava – Città dello Sport complex. For Ferrari, this represents the culmination of its so-called multi-energy strategy, which involves developing combustion engines, hybrids, and fully electric vehicles in parallel.
The reception, to put it mildly, was mixed. As Wikipedia notes, citing the British newspaper “The Guardian,” the car’s design proved highly polarizing, with some analysts questioning whether a silhouette closer to a limousine suited a brand associated with classic sports cars. Many Ferrari fans and automotive enthusiasts harshly criticized the styling, considering it unworthy of the brand known as the “black horse.”
The Golden Steering Wheel in the innovation category is therefore an important signal for Ferrari. The German jury deemed that breaking away from expectations was the greatest strength of this project, rather than its weakness.
Ferrari Luce – Platform, Powertrain, and Battery
The electric Ferrari Luce is built on a dedicated platform developed by Ferrari itself. This is a significant difference compared to many other brands that use shared electric architectures within larger conglomerates. According to the manufacturer, over 60 new patents were created during the development of this model.
The key technical elements are:
800 V architecture – the higher system voltage allows for faster battery charging and reduces energy loss as well as wire heating
Four independent electric motors – one for each wheel, enabling precise control over torque distribution
Structural battery pack – the battery is integrated directly into the vehicle’s structure rather than being placed in a separate enclosure
Five-seater layout with four doors – a completely new body style in Ferrari’s lineup
A structural battery is a solution in which the battery also serves as a component supporting the vehicle’s body. As industry sources explain, this allows for the elimination of a separate battery enclosure, reducing the vehicle’s weight and increasing the body’s stiffness. In a car with sports-oriented goals, both of these factors have a direct impact on driving performance.
Price and delivery of the electric Ferrari
The Ferrari Luce costs 550,000 euros in Europe, with deliveries to customers set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2026. This means the vehicle was finalized just before the first units started reaching buyers.
John Elkann on tradition and courage
Upon receiving the award, John Elkann emphasized that Luce is not a departure from the brand’s heritage but rather its continuation in a new form. “At Ferrari, tradition and innovation coexist. The Ferrari Luce embodies this ambition: a completely new expression of Ferrari, rooted in our history and leading us toward a future where pioneering technology, design, and the emotions associated with driving come together. This award celebrates the courage to reinvent. But above all, it belongs to our people, whose extraordinary talent and determination turn ambition into reality,” said the Ferrari president.
What the award means for Ferrari and the electric vehicle market
It’s undeniable that the Golden Steering Wheel won’t change the minds of those who dislike the appearance of the Luce. Design is a matter of taste, and Ferrari fans have very specific expectations for the brand. However, the award from Auto Bild strengthens Ferrari’s argument that its first electric car from Maranello is a thoroughly conceived design from the ground up, rather than an electric conversion of an existing vehicle.
The electric Ferrari Luce also reflects a broader trend. Even manufacturers of the most emotive sports cars are now taking electrification seriously and investing in their own technologies rather than relying on off-the-shelf solutions. A proprietary platform, 800 V systems, structural batteries, and over 60 patents indicate that Ferrari aims to establish a competitive edge in this area, not just meet regulatory requirements.
In summary, the Luce divided public opinion but impressed the jury of one of Europe’s most prestigious automotive awards. However, the ultimate test will not be the trophies but the customers who will receive the first units by the end of 2026.
Cyprian Nowak