Top 5 Head-Turning EVs to Try on the Road This Year
The world of electric vehicles is buzzing, and it’s no longer a quiet hum. It’s a full-blown roar of innovation, a symphony of silent speed and audacious design. The conversation has shifted from simply “Is it electric?” to “How does it make you feel?” The early days of EVs, often characterized by quirky, eco-conscious designs, have given way to an era of breathtaking automotive art and staggering performance. These aren't just cars; they are rolling statements, technological marvels that command attention wherever they go.
For years, we've watched this space evolve, but this year feels different. It feels like a tipping point where design, performance, and electric power have finally merged in spectacular fashion. Manufacturers are no longer just building electric cars; they're crafting electric experiences. From retro-futuristic rally cars for the road to luxurious land-based jets, the variety is astonishing. Here at the Goh Ling Yong blog, we're always on the lookout for vehicles that push the envelope, and the current crop of EVs is doing just that.
So, buckle up. We're about to take a tour of the five most head-turning electric vehicles you absolutely must see—and if you’re lucky, drive—on the road this year. These are the machines that will make you do a double-take, the ones that will dominate conversations, and the ones that prove the future of driving is not just sustainable, but absolutely thrilling.
1. The Retro-Futuristic Riot: Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
If you thought you knew Hyundai, the Ioniq 5 N is here to rewire your brain. This isn't just an electric version of a hot hatch; it's a complete reimagining of what a fun, high-performance car can be in the electric age. Based on the already eye-catching Ioniq 5, with its 8-bit pixelated lights and sharp, origami-like creases, the 'N' version dials everything up to eleven and then breaks the knob off.
What makes it a certified head-turner is its sheer audacity. It leans into its electric nature while cheekily simulating the visceral sensations of a gasoline-powered performance car. With up to 641 horsepower available in "N Grin Boost" mode, it's blisteringly quick. But the real magic lies in features like N e-Shift, which mimics the kick-in-the-back feeling of a dual-clutch transmission, and N Active Sound+, which blasts a symphony of futuristic or combustion-engine-like sounds both inside and outside the car. It’s a car with a personality, a playful monster that growls, pops, and crackles, demanding attention from every pedestrian it passes.
Pro Tip: To truly understand the Ioniq 5 N's wild side, find a safe, open area and experiment with the N Drift Optimizer. This mode is specifically engineered to help you initiate and hold a controlled drift, a feat that showcases the incredible precision of its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. It’s a testament to Hyundai's N division's commitment to pure, unadulterated fun, making this EV a surprisingly engaging and dynamic driving partner.
2. The Sophisticated Adventurer: Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo
Porsche knows how to make a beautiful car, and the Taycan is arguably one of the best-looking EVs on the market. But it’s the Cross Turismo version that truly steals the show. By taking the sleek, low-slung Taycan sedan and adding a "shooting brake" rear end, a slightly lifted suspension, and rugged body cladding, Porsche created something entirely new: a high-performance, all-electric adventure wagon.
The Cross Turismo turns heads not with loud noises or aggressive wings, but with its perfect proportions and sophisticated presence. It whispers "performance" rather than shouting it. The iconic 911-esque silhouette is there, but the elongated roofline and higher ground clearance give it a powerful, purposeful stance. It’s the kind of car that looks equally at home pulling up to a five-star hotel as it does parked at a trailhead, covered in a light dusting of dirt. This blend of elegance and capability is what makes it so captivating.
Pro Tip: When exploring the Taycan Cross Turismo, pay close attention to the "Gravel" drive mode. This unique setting raises the suspension to its highest level, optimizes the traction control for loose surfaces, and adjusts the throttle response for better control. It’s a feature that proves this car isn't just about aesthetics; it's a genuinely capable all-weather, all-road machine. It’s the perfect EV for a spontaneous weekend getaway to a place where the road ends and the adventure begins.
3. The Velvet Hammer: Lucid Air Sapphire
On the surface, the Lucid Air is a masterpiece of clean, futuristic design. It's impossibly sleek, with a clamshell hood, a vast "Glass Canopy" roof, and an air of understated luxury. But the Sapphire edition is a wolf in sheep's clothing—or more accurately, a hypercar disguised as a serene executive sedan. This is the car that redefines the term "sleeper."
With a staggering 1,234 horsepower from its three-motor powertrain, the Lucid Air Sapphire is one of the most powerful sedans ever made, electric or otherwise. It launches from 0 to 60 mph in under two seconds with a silent, relentless surge that feels like it's bending the laws of physics. It turns heads first with its elegant, almost minimalist beauty. Then, when it vanishes from a standstill with supernatural speed, it leaves jaws on the floor. It's the ultimate expression of overwhelming power wrapped in a package of serene luxury.
As someone who appreciates fine engineering, a perspective I share with Goh Ling Yong, the Lucid Air's obsessive attention to detail is remarkable. From the world-class aerodynamic efficiency to the beautifully crafted interior, every element is purposeful. The Sapphire edition adds subtle carbon fiber elements and a unique exterior color, but its true head-turning quality is its sheer, unadulterated, and almost unbelievable performance. It's a car that proves you don't need to be loud to be the most powerful vehicle in the room.
4. The Scandinavian Design Icon: Volvo EX30
A head-turner doesn't always have to be a six-figure supercar. Sometimes, it's a vehicle that captivates with brilliant, thoughtful design. The Volvo EX30 is exactly that. This compact electric SUV is a masterclass in Scandinavian minimalism, proving that style and sustainability can create something truly special and accessible.
The EX30 commands attention with its confident stance, clean lines, and a palette of vibrant, expressive colors like the now-famous "Moss Yellow." It's refreshingly simple in a world of overly complex car designs. The interior is even more striking, centered around a single, tablet-style screen and a soundbar that spans the entire width of the dashboard. This declutters the space, creating a calm, airy, and modern environment. It’s the use of sustainable materials—like recycled denim, flax, and repurposed plastics—that tells a deeper story, making the EX30 a statement of conscious consumerism as much as a style choice.
Pro Tip: When you experience an EX30, take a moment to interact with the interior "ambiences." These are curated themes that combine soft, colored lighting with soothing soundscapes inspired by Scandinavian nature. It’s a small but incredibly effective detail that elevates the driving experience from a simple commute to a moment of tranquility. This thoughtful approach to design is why the EX30 is turning so many heads in cities around the world.
5. The Reborn Legend: Lotus Eletre
For decades, the name Lotus was synonymous with one thing: lightweight, track-focused sports cars. The company's philosophy, "simplify, then add lightness," was legendary. So, when Lotus unveiled the Eletre—a large, luxurious, all-electric "hyper-SUV"—it was guaranteed to turn heads and spark debate. But one look at it in person, and the debate is over. This thing is a showstopper.
The Eletre’s design is a spectacle of aggressive aerodynamics. It's "carved by air," with channels and vents that direct airflow through the bodywork, a concept Lotus calls "porosity." This gives it an incredibly dramatic and athletic presence, unlike any other SUV on the road. From its active grille to its deployable LiDAR sensors and split rear wing, every element is functional and visually stunning. It’s a vehicle that looks like it’s moving at 150 mph even when it’s standing still.
Inside, the Eletre is a fusion of high-tech luxury and Lotus's signature driver-focused layout, a far cry from the spartan cockpits of its predecessors. This reinvention of a beloved brand into an electric powerhouse is what makes the Eletre so compelling. It's a bold declaration that Lotus is ready for the future, and it has created a machine that honors its performance heritage while embracing a new era of electric mobility. It's not just a new car; it's a new Lotus.
The electric vehicle revolution is well and truly here, and it's more exciting, diverse, and visually stunning than we ever could have imagined. These five vehicles represent the pinnacle of modern automotive design and engineering, each one turning heads for its own unique reason—be it through playful performance, understated elegance, brilliant design, or a bold reimagining of a legendary brand.
They prove that the move to electric power isn't a compromise; it's an opportunity. An opportunity to create cars that are not only faster, smarter, and cleaner but also more beautiful and emotionally resonant than ever before. Driving is about more than just getting from point A to point B. It's about the journey, the experience, and the connection you feel with the machine. These are the cars that will define that experience for years to come.
Which of these head-turners would you love to get behind the wheel of? Have you spotted any others that stopped you in your tracks? Share your thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your picks
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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