Electric vehicles (EVs) have steadily reshaped the automotive industry in recent years, moving from niche environmental curiosities to mainstream contenders on par with traditional gasoline-powered cars. Among these electric vehicles, SUVs have garnered significant attention.
Their spacious interiors, commanding presence, and blend of utility with style make them particularly popular. As the world shifts toward sustainable transportation, many early and innovative electric SUVs have begun to capture the imagination of enthusiasts and collectors alike. These vehicles are not just means of transportation but potential icons that could appreciate and cultural significance over time.
The rise of electric SUVs signals a pivotal moment in automotive history. They represent the merging of advanced technology with everyday practicality, challenging long-held assumptions about performance, luxury, and environmental responsibility. With advancements in battery technology, driving range, and charging infrastructure, these SUVs have become viable choices for diverse lifestyles.
Moreover, certain models stand out due to their design, technological breakthroughs, limited production, or brand prestige. As the EV market expands, discerning collectors are already eyeing early models that capture unique aspects of this evolution, believing that these cars may become prized possessions in the decades to come.
This article highlights 12 electric SUVs that might eventually be considered collector cars. These vehicles possess distinctive qualities, whether it is their innovation, rarity, cultural impact, or groundbreaking performance, that make them noteworthy candidates for future automotive legends.
While it’s impossible to predict with absolute certainty which cars will become classics, understanding the factors that contribute to collectability offers insight into why some electric SUVs are worth watching.
From established luxury brands to upstarts that shook the market, these vehicles showcase the potential and promise of electric SUVs as more than just transportation tools; they could be treasured pieces of automotive history.
The models discussed here illustrate a spectrum of what electric SUVs have achieved and where they might be headed. Some are early adopters who proved electric powertrains could work in larger vehicles, while others pushed the boundaries of design and technology.
Collectors may value these SUVs not only for their performance and innovation but also for their role in shaping a cleaner, more sustainable future. Whether it’s their limited availability, advanced features, or cultural cachet, these 12 electric SUVs deserve a closer look as potential collector cars. Let’s examine each one in detail, understanding what sets them apart and why they may become sought-after treasures down the road.
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1. Tesla Model X
Tesla’s Model X has played a pivotal role in popularizing electric SUVs worldwide. Released in 2015, it broke many preconceived notions about electric vehicles by combining performance, practicality, and unique features. The Model X features Falcon-wing rear doors that instantly set it apart visually.
Its all-electric powertrain delivers impressive acceleration, with some versions hitting 0 to 60 mph in under 3 seconds, a feat that rivaled many sports cars of its time. Beyond speed, the Model X offers long-range capabilities, making it suitable for family trips and daily commutes alike.
Tesla’s direct-to-consumer sales model and constant over-the-air updates have kept the Model X relevant despite the rapid advancements in EV technology. It also introduced innovative safety features and autopilot capabilities that influenced the entire industry.
This combination of technology and luxury appealed to early adopters who sought something beyond the typical SUV experience. The Model X’s blend of unique design, advanced technology, and strong performance makes it a likely candidate for future collectors.
Moreover, the Model X embodies the early spirit of Tesla’s ambition to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. Its distinctive design and bold engineering choices, like the falcon-wing doors, provide a character that is difficult to replicate.
Although Tesla has updated the Model X several times, the first-generation models may gain value due to their status as groundbreaking pioneers in the electric SUV segment. Enthusiasts and collectors often prize vehicles that not only offer great performance but also tell a story of innovation and change, and the Model X fits this narrative perfectly.
Finally, limited production factors and Tesla’s reputation as a disruptive force in the auto industry add to the Model X’s appeal. Early models may become increasingly rare as Tesla continues to evolve its lineup and introduce newer versions with improved features.
This scarcity, combined with the vehicle’s cultural significance, could contribute to rising collector interest in years to come. For those who appreciate a mix of cutting-edge technology and distinctive design, the Tesla Model X remains a compelling candidate for a future classic electric SUV.
2. Rivian R1S
The Rivian R1S represents a bold entry into the electric SUV market from an ambitious startup. Unveiled with much anticipation, the R1S combines rugged off-road capability with luxury and advanced electric technology. Rivian’s focus on adventure and outdoor lifestyles distinguishes it from many urban-centric electric SUVs.
The R1S is designed with a strong emphasis on durability and utility, featuring adjustable air suspension, all-wheel drive, and an impressive towing capacity. These features make it a versatile vehicle that appeals to both adventure enthusiasts and eco-conscious consumers.
What makes the Rivian R1S particularly interesting as a potential collector car is its position as one of the first electric SUVs from a new player in the industry. Rivian has garnered significant investment and attention from major companies, including Amazon and Ford, which adds credibility and excitement around its vehicles.
The R1S’s blend of innovation and capability could make it a symbol of the shift toward electric vehicles that can handle both city streets and rugged terrain.
Additionally, Rivian’s limited initial production numbers and the company’s careful approach to scaling up suggest that early models might become rare over time. Limited availability often increases a vehicle’s desirability among collectors.
Furthermore, Rivian’s focus on sustainability and off-road utility may position the R1S as a unique offering in the EV market, one that combines ecological responsibility with real-world functionality. This rare combination could make it stand out as an icon of electric SUVs designed for a broad range of adventures.
The R1S’s distinctive design language and futuristic interior also contribute to its appeal. With an emphasis on quality materials and tech-driven features, Rivian presents the R1S as a serious contender in the premium SUV segment.
If the company can maintain its current momentum and build a strong brand reputation, early Rivian vehicles like the R1S could command attention and value from collectors who want to own a piece of the electric adventure revolution.
3. Audi e-tron
Audi’s e-tron marked the company’s serious commitment to electric mobility in the luxury SUV segment. Introduced in 2018, the e-tron was one of the first electric SUVs to combine Audi’s signature craftsmanship with an all-electric powertrain. It offers a refined driving experience with a quiet cabin, sophisticated interior, and advanced safety features.
The e-tron’s design, while subtle, carries the elegance and presence Audi is known for, making it attractive to those who appreciate understated luxury.
As Audi’s first fully electric SUV, the e-tron carries significance as a transitional model between traditional combustion engines and electric propulsion. This makes it interesting for collectors who value milestone vehicles that mark important technological shifts within established brands. The e-tron was also known for its use of virtual side mirrors in some markets, replacing traditional mirrors with cameras, a bold design innovation at the time.
The e-tron’s blend of German engineering precision and electric innovation positions it well for future appreciation. While it doesn’t boast extreme performance like some of its competitors, it emphasizes balance, comfort, and usability. These qualities could make the e-tron a sought-after classic among those who value a well-rounded electric SUV from a premium manufacturer.
Furthermore, Audi’s reputation for quality and its ongoing commitment to electric vehicles may enhance the e-tron’s collectability. As newer models arrive, the original e-tron might be seen as the foundation upon which Audi built its electric future. Cars that hold this kind of pioneering status, especially from established luxury marques, often gain recognition among enthusiasts and collectors over time.
4. Jaguar I-PACE
The Jaguar I-PACE broke new ground as one of the first electric SUVs from a traditional luxury brand. Launched in 2018, it combined Jaguar’s sleek styling with cutting-edge electric technology.
The I-PACE offers a striking design that departs from typical SUV proportions, with a sporty, aerodynamic shape and a low-slung stance that resembles a performance coupe more than a typical utility vehicle. Its dynamic handling and impressive acceleration helped change perceptions about electric SUVs being slow or bulky.
Jaguar’s decision to create a fully electric SUV was part of a broader strategy to reimagine itself in the electric era. The I-PACE was met with numerous awards and critical acclaim, especially for its blend of performance, design, and sustainability. Early I-PACE models are for introducing the luxury market to electric SUVs that could deliver a spirited driving experience without sacrificing environmental considerations.
The I-PACE also has significance as a pioneering effort by a traditional automaker adapting to the new electric reality. Its innovative use of battery technology and lightweight materials gave it a competitive edge. The car’s distinctive styling and driver-focused experience set it apart from more utilitarian electric SUVs, making it a likely candidate for collectors who appreciate both form and function.
Finally, as Jaguar moves toward electrification across its lineup, the I-PACE may become an important historical marker in the brand’s evolution. Early electric models from legacy manufacturers often gain a cult following among collectors. The I-PACE’s combination of performance, design, and technological innovation positions it as a potential classic in the realm of electric SUVs.
5. Ford Mustang Mach-E
The Ford Mustang Mach-E marked a significant moment for both the Mustang nameplate and Ford’s transition into the electric age. This electric SUV, launched in late 2020, stirred up conversation by applying a legendary muscle car badge to a completely different type of vehicle.
By doing so, Ford aimed to marry the heritage and performance expectations of Mustang enthusiasts with the future-forward technology of electric propulsion. The Mach-E offers a range of powertrains, from more modest versions tailored for efficiency to high-performance variants that deliver rapid acceleration and sporty handling.
This flexibility broadens its appeal, ensuring it can satisfy a wide range of drivers, from those seeking a practical family SUV to enthusiasts craving spirited driving.
What makes the Mustang Mach-E a potential collector’s item is the blend of heritage and innovation it represents. The Mustang badge is iconic in American automotive culture, and Ford’s decision to use it on an electric SUV was bold.
The Mach-E is the first Mustang-branded vehicle to fully embrace electric power, and its success helped pave the way for further electrification within the company. Early adopters of the Mach-E are part of a story that connects the muscle car legacy with the modern push for sustainability. Its distinct design elements, such as a fastback roofline and aggressive front fascia, help it stand out among other electric SUVs that often prioritize function over style.
The Mach-E also carries cultural significance due to Ford’s large and loyal fan base. Enthusiasts who traditionally celebrated the roar of combustion engines may find themselves appreciating the Mach-E’s instant torque and quiet power delivery.
This combination of old and new generates a unique appeal that can elevate the vehicle’s status among collectors who value meaningful shifts in automotive history. Furthermore, limited edition versions and performance variants, such as the GT model, increase the chances that some Mach-E models will become particularly valuable as special or rare examples.
In addition to its performance and design, the Mustang Mach-E represents a turning point in the American automotive industry’s embrace of electric vehicles. As one of the first high-profile electric SUVs from a mainstream American brand, it helped shift perceptions and demonstrated that electric vehicles can honor heritage without sacrificing innovation.
For these reasons, the Mach-E is positioned to become a symbol of change and a potential collectible as electric SUVs gain cultural and historical significance.
6. Mercedes-Benz EQC
The Mercedes-Benz EQC was one of the earliest entries in the electric luxury SUV segment from a traditional automaker known for elegance and refinement. Debuting in 2019, the EQC blends Mercedes’ hallmark quality with an all-electric drivetrain, aiming to offer a quiet, smooth ride combined with state-of-the-art technology.
This SUV emphasizes comfort and sophistication, with a meticulously crafted interior featuring high-quality materials, ambient lighting, and a comprehensive infotainment system. The vehicle’s understated styling echoes Mercedes’ design language, signaling that electric vehicles need not sacrifice brand identity or luxury in favor of sustainability.
The EQC’s significance lies in its role as a flagship for Mercedes’ new EQ electric sub-brand, a statement of intent for the company’s future direction. While not designed to be a performance powerhouse like some competitors, it represents a solid commitment to electrification with an emphasis on everyday usability and premium features.
This positions the EQC as a desirable model for those who want the best of both worlds, luxury and green technology. Its presence on the market helped pave the way for subsequent Mercedes electric vehicles and established the brand’s reputation in the EV space.
Collectors might find the EQC appealing due to its status as a pioneer within Mercedes’ electric lineup. Vehicles that establish new chapters for well-established brands tend to garner interest as they represent milestones in automotive history.
The EQC also features unique technological offerings such as advanced driver assistance systems and sophisticated battery management, which reflect the evolving capabilities of electric vehicles at the time. Its production volume, while respectable, is not as large as some mainstream SUVs, which could enhance its rarity in the long term.
The Mercedes-Benz EQC combines the prestige and refinement of a luxury automaker with the challenges and opportunities of electric propulsion.
As Mercedes continues to expand its EQ lineup with newer and more advanced models, the EQC will likely be remembered as one of the brand’s foundational electric SUVs. This historical importance, paired with its elegant design and advanced technology, may elevate the EQC to collector status in the future.
7. BMW iX
The BMW iX represents BMW’s ambitious leap into the electric SUV market with a vehicle that aims to redefine luxury and technology. Launched in 2021, the iX boasts a futuristic design with sharp lines, a prominent kidney grille that serves aesthetic and functional purposes, and a spacious interior focused on comfort and innovation.
BMW emphasizes a blend of sustainable materials and cutting-edge tech, with large digital displays, advanced driver assistance features, and an emphasis on connectivity. The iX is designed to offer an engaging driving experience, combining the performance BMW is known for with the smooth, instant torque of electric motors.
What makes the BMW iX a strong candidate for collectors is its role as a flagship for the company’s electric future. It represents a shift in BMW’s design philosophy and technology strategy, incorporating ambitious battery technology and sustainability goals.
The iX uses innovative battery cells to enhance energy density and charging speed, positioning it as a technologically advanced electric SUV at the time of release. This vehicle showcases BMW’s effort to balance driving dynamics with cutting-edge electric technology, appealing to buyers who want the thrill of driving combined with responsible energy use.
BMW’s reputation as a driver-focused brand adds a layer of desirability to the iX. Early electric SUVs were often criticized for lacking excitement, but the iX attempts to maintain BMW’s core identity while embracing electrification.
This combination could make it a collector’s favorite for those who want an electric vehicle that doesn’t compromise on driving engagement. Additionally, the iX’s futuristic styling and luxury features, such as a high-quality interior with eco-friendly materials, position it as a symbol of modern luxury.
Lastly, the iX may become a sought-after collector’s item due to its relative exclusivity and its importance as a technological showcase.
As BMW introduces newer models and technologies, the first-generation iX could gain significance as a vehicle that defines the brand’s transition into electric mobility. Collectors who appreciate both heritage and innovation may find the iX a valuable addition to their collections.
8. Hyundai Ioniq 5
The Hyundai Ioniq 5 arrived as a game-changer in the compact electric SUV segment. Released in 2021, the Ioniq 5 combines retro-inspired styling with a futuristic interior and competitive performance. Its sharp, geometric lines and distinctive lighting elements help it stand out among more traditionally styled SUVs.
Hyundai designed the Ioniq 5 on a dedicated electric platform, allowing for a spacious cabin, fast charging, and flexible configurations. This platform allows the vehicle to offer generous interior space despite its relatively compact external dimensions.
The Ioniq 5 is significant because it represents Hyundai’s fresh approach to electric vehicles, focusing on affordability, innovation, and practicality without sacrificing style. Its ultra-fast charging capabilities and long driving range make it a practical choice for a broad audience, which helped Hyundai quickly establish itself as a key player in the EV market.
The Ioniq 5’s blend of technology, value, and unique design language makes it among electric SUVs and a potential candidate for future appreciation.
Collectors may find the Ioniq 5 intriguing due to its role in democratizing electric vehicles. Unlike some high-end electric SUVs, the Ioniq 5 was designed to appeal to mass markets while incorporating bold design and advanced features. This dual appeal could position it as an important milestone in making electric vehicles accessible to a wider audience.
Additionally, the model’s innovative use of a flexible platform and fast charging technology demonstrates the rapid evolution of EV capabilities in recent years.
Finally, Hyundai’s growing reputation for quality and innovation adds credibility to the Ioniq 5’s potential as a collectible. Its distinctive styling, combined with strong performance and practicality, means it could be remembered as a defining compact electric SUV of its generation.
Early models, particularly limited trims or special editions, may become sought after by collectors interested in electric vehicles that successfully balanced innovation and everyday usability.
9. Polestar 3
Polestar, initially a performance brand spun off from Volvo, has quickly become a player in the electric vehicle market with its emphasis on Scandinavian design and sustainability. The Polestar 3 is an electric SUV that reflects the brand’s commitment to clean energy, luxury, and advanced technology.
Unveiled in the early 2020s, it offers a blend of sleek styling, robust electric performance, and a minimalist interior focused on sustainability and user experience. The Polestar 3 leverages its parent company’s safety expertise and combines it with a modern, tech-forward approach to appeal to discerning buyers.
What distinguishes the Polestar 3 as a potential collector car is its position within a new brand that is rapidly gaining recognition for quality and innovation. Polestar’s focus on combining performance with ethical manufacturing practices resonates with a growing segment of eco-conscious consumers who do not want to compromise on style or luxury.
The 3 is designed to compete with other premium electric SUVs but stands out due to its blend of clean aesthetics, high-tech features, and sustainable materials.
The brand’s relatively young age means that early Polestar models, including the 3, have the potential to become sought after as the company establishes its place in automotive history. Polestar’s commitment to software-driven updates and connected car experiences also ensures that these vehicles remain at the cutting edge, increasing their desirability.
Furthermore, the limited production and niche market positioning of Polestar add a layer of exclusivity, which is often a key factor in collectability.
10. Lucid Gravity (Upcoming)
The Lucid Gravity is an eagerly anticipated electric SUV from Lucid Motors, a company that has already made waves with its luxury electric sedan, the Lucid Air. Set to enter the market in the mid-2020s, the Gravity promises to bring Lucid’s signature blend of high-end luxury, cutting-edge technology, and impressive performance into the SUV segment.
Though still upcoming, it has already attracted significant attention for its potential to compete directly with established luxury electric SUVs, offering a spacious interior, sleek design, and a range that is expected to exceed many of its competitors.
One of the most compelling reasons the Lucid Gravity might become a collector’s item is the brand’s positioning as a new challenger in the luxury EV market. Lucid Motors has built a reputation for pushing boundaries in battery technology, achieving industry-leading range figures, and creating interiors that emphasize craftsmanship and comfort.
The Gravity is expected to follow this trend, incorporating an advanced electric drivetrain and possibly introducing innovations that set new standards for electric SUVs. As Lucid expands its lineup, the Gravity will represent an important evolution of the brand’s vision for sustainable luxury vehicles.
The exclusivity factor also plays a significant role in the Gravity’s potential collectability. Lucid Motors currently operates at relatively low production volumes compared to legacy automakers, which often makes their early models more desirable to collectors.
If the Gravity delivers on its promises and garners critical acclaim, early examples could become highly sought after, especially if production remains limited or special editions are introduced. Lucid’s reputation for quality and technological innovation further adds to the vehicle’s allure for enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Finally, the Lucid Gravity symbolizes the ongoing shift in luxury automotive markets toward electric mobility without sacrificing performance or comfort. Its introduction may solidify Lucid’s place among top-tier EV manufacturers and serve as a benchmark for electric SUVs in the years ahead.
This pioneering spirit, combined with Lucid’s dedication to technology and design, makes the Gravity a strong candidate to become a future classic among electric SUVs.
