Fisker’s new £37,000 electric SUV shatters range expectations

The entry-level Ocean Sport brings premium features at paltry prices. But with the likes of Tesla’s gadget-laden Model Y to compete with, it’s a good job the Fisker’s coming ready for a fight.

Despite originally being founded in 2007, Fisker still isn’t what you would call a household name — even in the EV sphere. However, there is a good reason for this: following a financial debacle Fisker Automotive actually went defunct in 2014. Now, reborn as Fisker Inc., the Manhattan-based manufacturer is taking a second bite at the cherry with a seriously promising new line-up.  

Kicking off the range, the Ocean Sport promises to ‘bring the thrill of electric driving to customers with a dynamic and beautiful gateway to the world of electric mobility.’ How, exactly, does Fisker hope to achieve this then? 

Aside from it’s ‘future-forward’ styling, which you might love or hate, it’s the irresistible value of the entire package which first intrigued us. At a smidge under £37,000, Fisker is offering a spacious, premium-feeling electric SUV that’s capable of nearly 290 miles of WLTP approved range — that’s around 40 miles more than the manufacturer had initially predicted.  

While that range to cost ratio draws you in, the Fisker’s quirks and features hold your attention. From a digital rear view mirror and BigSky panoramic roof, to unusually titled ‘Earth’ and ‘Fun’ driving modes, there’s plenty about this SUV to keep you entertained long after you drive off the forecourt.  

Admittedly, the base model Ocean isn’t going to impress those used to Tesla’s Ludicrous mode when they mash the accelerator into the carpet, but 7.4 seconds to 62 mph is still quicker than most cars on the road today. Similarly, the front-wheel-drive configuration means it won’t be much use for proper off-roading, but the added ground clearance over a hatchback is what most SUV buyers are really looking for anyway.  

Fisker has always designed its cars with one eye on environmental impact, and it’s business as usual for the Ocean Sport. The interior should get a Thunberg thumbs-up thanks to 100% vegan materials. According to Fisker, clever up-cycling techniques have been used to execute this. As such, reclaimed fishing nets, old t-shirts, and renewed rubber are all incorporated to create a luxurious but fully sustainable cabin.  

Of course, for those after a more sumptuous and tech-heavy experience, the Ocean model ladder can be climbed to the heady heights of £60,000 (and for that money you’ll get far more firepower and a ‘California Mode’). But at £8,000 less than a Tesla Model Y, the Ocean Sport offers greater range and a refreshing dollop of originality amongst a sea of homogenised EV SUVs.  

Given the brand’s tumultuous past, some might argue that you’d need a strong stomach to drop hard-earned cash on a Fisker when they come to the UK next year. Whether or not that’s accurate remains to be seen, although one thing is for sure: you’ll certainly make a statement. Just steer clear of the optional aero wheel covers unless you want your cutting-edge EV to resemble 50 Cent’s Hummer circa 2003.  

Is Fisker here to stay this time? Let us know what you think.  

Hero image credit:  Fisker