The US-Italian brand aims to add a distinctive touch to the all-electric luxury coupe-SUV segment.
Breaking into the high-end electric SUV market is challenging for any new brand, and Aehra is aiming to make its mark with the Impeto. Originally known as the ‘Aehra SUV,’ the Impeto is expected to launch in 2026 with a starting price around £157,000.
The Impeto was initially slated to begin road testing in 2023 following its unveiling in late 2022, but there have been delays. The SUV will be positioned alongside the new Aehra Estasi saloon, with both models sharing significant technology and design features, and priced similarly. Aehra states that the name “Impeto” is inspired by the concept of ‘impetus’ or momentum.
Recent images show that the pre-production model’s exterior remains largely unchanged, while the interior has seen updates. The previous full-width dashboard display has been replaced with a more conventional portrait-oriented touchscreen, and the dashboard has been redesigned with more noticeable air vents and a new driver’s display. The distinctive oblong-shaped steering wheel retains Aehra’s updated badge, and the SUV features four top-hinged doors with touch-sensitive panels instead of traditional handles.
With a wheelbase of 3,025mm and a flat floor, the Impeto is designed to accommodate five tall adults comfortably, with options for both four and five-seat configurations. The front and rear seats are reclinable, and a large screen at the base of the windscreen provides information on speed, navigation, and climate settings during driving.
In terms of powertrain, Aehra has targeted a 120kWh battery for the Impeto, one of the largest capacities for a production electric vehicle. The SUV will be equipped with three electric motors—one on the front axle and two on the rear—delivering up to 805bhp and achieving a 0-62mph time under three seconds. Charging is designed to be rapid, with a 925V architecture allowing for a 350kW charging rate, enabling a 10 to 80 percent charge in approximately 15 minutes. The estimated range is 497 miles, matching that of the Estasi.
The Estasi will share the same platform and battery as the Impeto, both featuring a three-metre wheelbase. Both vehicles use a monocoque body with carbon-fibre components, which Aehra claims will enhance agility and driving enjoyment. Although the SUV aimed for a kerbweight of under two tonnes, the Impeto is expected to weigh around 2,300kg (about 2.3 tons). Despite its size, the Impeto has a low drag coefficient of 0.21, comparable to the Mercedes EQS saloon’s 0.20, which is currently among the lowest for long-range electric cars.
Aehra emphasizes sustainability, stating that the structural components of both the Impeto and the Estasi can be recycled up to five times, with non-structural elements potentially reused further. The two models share about 70% of their components, which helps reduce costs. Aehra plans to produce between 20,000 and 25,000 units of each model once production starts.
Additionally, Aehra is also planning a 2+2 sports car that will use a shorter version of the company’s modular platform.
