Ferrari’s bold move into fully electric motoring has earned international recognition, with the new Luce receiving one of Europe’s most prestigious automotive honours.
Ferrari has secured the Golden Steering Wheel 2026 Best Innovation Award for its new fully electric Luce, recognising the Italian manufacturer’s approach to combining advanced technology, distinctive design and the driving experience traditionally associated with the Prancing Horse.
The award marks an important milestone for Ferrari as it expands its engineering expertise into fully electric performance cars, while seeking to preserve the character and emotional appeal that have defined the brand for generations.
A Prestigious Award Celebrating 50 Years
Established in 1976 by German publisher Axel Springer, the Golden Steering Wheel celebrates its 50th edition in 2026.
Presented by Auto Bild and Bild am Sonntag, the awards recognise outstanding new vehicles, technological developments and innovations across the automotive industry.
This year’s awards featured a jury of 23 prominent personalities, including automotive specialists and representatives from the media and entertainment sectors.
Innovation Beyond Electric Power
The Ferrari Luce was recognised for an approach extending well beyond its fully electric powertrain.
Developed around a dedicated electric architecture, the Luce features four electric motors and technology supported by more than 60 new patents. Its development encompasses driving dynamics, energy management, exterior design and the digital user experience.
Rather than simply replacing a combustion engine with electric propulsion, Ferrari has sought to rethink how its performance cars can deliver the driving engagement expected by customers.
Ferrari Praised for Challenging Convention
In its official assessment, Auto Bild highlighted the significance of Ferrari’s decision to rethink what a modern Ferrari could be.
The judges recognised that introducing a radically different vehicle requires considerable confidence from a manufacturer with such a strong heritage and established commercial success.
The award reflects the belief that meaningful innovation involves more than introducing new technology. It also demands the determination to challenge expectations and establish new possibilities for an established brand.
John Elkann Celebrates Ferrari’s Achievement
Accepting the award in Berlin, Ferrari Executive Chairman John Elkann emphasised the importance of combining the company’s heritage with its ambitions for the future.
“At Ferrari, tradition and innovation live together. Ferrari Luce embodies that ambition: an entirely new expression of Ferrari, rooted in our history and pushing us into a future where pioneering technology, design and the emotion of driving come together.”
John Elkann, Ferrari Executive Chairman
Elkann also paid tribute to Ferrari’s employees, recognising the engineering expertise, creativity and determination behind the project.
Motoring Echo Verdict
Ferrari’s move into fully electric motoring represents one of the most significant developments in the manufacturer’s modern history.
The Golden Steering Wheel Innovation Award recognises the ambition behind the Luce, but the greater challenge will be demonstrating that electric propulsion can deliver the character, excitement and driving involvement associated with Ferrari.
For the Prancing Horse, the future is not simply about electrification. It is about ensuring that innovation and driving emotion continue to work together.
Source: Ferrari; Auto Bild; Golden Steering Wheel 2026.
