At CES 2025, Italdesign unveiled Quintessenza, a groundbreaking electric vehicle (EV) equipped with advanced in-wheel motors from Slovenia-based Elaphe. Combining the elegance of a Grand Tourer (GT) with the functionality of a pickup truck, Quintessenza is a testament to innovative design and engineering.
Quintessenza’s electric powertrain features a 150-kWh battery pack powering four Elaphe Sonic 1 in-wheel motors, delivering an impressive 2,145 horsepower (1,600 kW). This setup enables the EV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under 2.5 seconds. The adjustable suspension provides ground clearance between 7.9 and 11 inches, while an active front splitter enhances stability at higher speeds. Italdesign has positioned the concept as a showcase of its design and technological capabilities, with potential for production depending on interest.

The vehicle’s design reimagines practicality and style, blending sleek GT aesthetics with utilitarian features. The front section offers seating for four in a sporty configuration, while the rear accommodates off-road and cargo functions. Inside, a minimalist, user-focused cabin incorporates hidden controls, a floating dashboard, and a smartphone app for managing features like lighting, scents, and infotainment. Sustainability is a key focus, with materials like linen fiber fenders, recycled rubber floors, marble-powder textiles, and water-based paint enhancing both environmental impact and aesthetics.
A unique feature of the Quintessenza is its rear seats, which can rotate 180 degrees to facilitate open-air activities such as stargazing or camping. The removable hard top, scissor doors, and dynamic aerodynamics further highlight the car’s innovative approach to versatility and design integration. Italdesign describes the Quintessenza as embodying the fifth element—”Quintessence”—representing harmony with nature.

Central to the Quintessenza’s performance is its collaboration with Elaphe, whose in-wheel motors redefine propulsion efficiency. Each wheel houses a motor providing direct drive without gears, delivering exceptional power and torque. The rear motors produce 500 kW each, generating 6,000 Nm of torque, while the front motors deliver 300 kW and 2,500 Nm. This technology enables precise wheel control, enhancing traction, stability, energy regeneration, and cornering performance. Elaphe’s Sonic 1 in-wheel motor technology also integrates high-performance braking systems, a first for such setups, particularly on front wheels.

The EV’s seamless transition between off-road and on-road driving highlights its adaptability, and the motors’ 20-times faster control speed over previous systems ensures heightened driving engagement. Italdesign aims to attract automotive companies and OEMs interested in either the full vehicle concept or specific features like the in-wheel motor technology or design elements.