Karma Amaris' unique powertrain and starting price confirmed

The manicured lawns of Monterey Car Week are no stranger to exotic machinery and bold proclamations. This year, Karma Automotive arrives with its latest creation, the Amaris coupe, and a rather ambitious claim: that it is the "world's first Hybrid EREV luxury coupe." The title might raise an eyebrow or two for those who recall the brand's own history or even the army of Chinese EREVs, but the car itself certainly commands attention.

Moving swiftly past the marketing blurb, the Karma Amaris is an Extended-Range Electric Vehicle, or EREV. This isn't a traditional hybrid where a gasoline engine and electric motors work in tandem to power the wheels. Instead, it's an electric car with its own power plant on board.

Two electric motors exclusively drive the rear wheels, drawing energy from a 41.5 kWh battery pack. Karma claims this setup is good for over 100 miles of purely electric driving. When the battery's charge depletes, a 4-cylinder turbocharged gasoline engine fires up. Its sole job is to act as a generator, creating electricity to recharge the battery and keep the car moving for a total claimed range of over 400 miles.

This fairly complicated powertrain delivers some impressive performance figures. The combined output is 708 horsepower and 676 ft-lb of torque. According to Karma, this is enough to propel the Amaris from 0 to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds on its way to a top speed of 165 mph. The system offers the silent, instant acceleration characteristic of modern electric cars, but without the range anxiety that can accompany long road trips.

Visually, the Amaris is a statement piece. Built on a body made from carbon fiber and aluminum, it follows the company's "Comet Line" design language first seen on its Kaveya concept. The show car, finished in a vibrant Solar Blaze Red, features a massive clamshell hood and rides on 22-inch forged aluminum wheels.

But the most theatrical elements are the swan doors, which hinge upwards and outwards for a dramatic entrance and exit. Aerodynamics are addressed with features like a pass-through spoiler integrated into the rear, while a side-exit exhaust tip offers a subtle nod to the internal combustion engine hiding under the skin.

The Karma Amaris is strictly a two-person affair, with the space behind the seats reserved for luggage. The display model cabin is a mix of Crimson Orbit leather and suede, with carbon fiber and piano black trim. An electrochromatic glass roof can change its tint at the touch of a button, and lighting adjusts to the selected drive mode. To start the car, the driver must flip a hinged leather cover on the center console to reveal the Start button, adding even more drama to the experience.

If you desperately want to park one in your garage, a lot of patience and a significant amount of cash will be required. Karma Automotive plans to start production at its facility in Moreno Valley, California, in the fourth quarter of 2026. The starting price is expected to be at least $200,000.

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