The world’s most aerodynamic new cars

Cars that cut through the air

With constant demands to improve fuel efficiency and performance, car manufacturers use aerodynamics to help achieve these goals.

Electric cars in particular have become increasingly streamlined in the quest for longer range, driving further refinements in exterior design.

To compare the aerodynamics of each car, we have considered the Cd (coefficient of drag) value. A lower number means the car is more aerodynamic. Other measures exist, but the Cd figure is the one most commonly published by car companies.

Xiaomi SU7 – 0.195 Cd

Chinese manufacturer Xiaomi only entered the automotive market in 2024, having previous experience in consumer electronics. And the SU7 is an impressive first effort, being the world’s most aerodynamic car currently on sale.

Xiaomi says that it benchmarked the electric SU7 against the Porsche Taycan and Tesla Model S.

Aero-enhancing features include air suspension to adjust the car’s ride height, an active rear wing, and an active shutter front grille.

Lucid Air Touring – 0.197 Cd

When the Lucid Air was first revealed as a concept car, it boasted an already-impressive 0.21 Cd value.

However, as the model moved into production, detail changes saw the Lucid Air Touring improve its aerodynamic performance even further, to an incredible 0.197 Cd.

Lucid has employed ex-Formula One designers to improve the efficiency of its luxury EV. Features include side air intakes to smooth airflow around the front wheels, along with a smooth underbody.

A prototype version of the Lucid Air is claimed to have reached a top speed of 235 mph.

Mercedes-Benz EQS – 0.200 Cd

When it was first launched, the Mercedes-Benz EQS claimed the title of the world’s most aerodynamic new car.

Although it is inspired by the conventional S-Class sedan, the battery-powered EQS is built on an entirely new platform. This allowed the designers to ensure maximum aerodynamic efficiency from the start, obsessively honing the shape of the EQS in a wind tunnel.

Mercedes-Benz has designed the car’s A-pillar to improve aerodynamics and reduce wind noise, fitted special underbody cladding for maximum efficiency, and installed wheel spoilers front and rear. The smooth alloy wheel designs are also chosen for optimal streamlining.

Tesla Model S Plaid – 0.208 Cd

Tesla likes to grab headlines and continually upgrade its products. The latest high-performance version of the Model S boasted the best Cd figure until the Mercedes-EQ and Lucid Air rolled silently into town.

The Plaid model uses three electric motors to generate more than 1,000 horsepower. Tesla claims a top speed of 200 mph, with the Model S also delivering an estimated range of 390 miles when fully charged.

Helping the Plaid cut through the air is a bespoke front splitter, a new rear diffuser and flared fenders to reduce drag from the wheels. A subtle new spoiler is added to the trunk, too.

NIO ET7 – 0.208 Cd

Chinese manufacturer NIO is proud of its flagship electric ET7, which comes packed with advanced technology. It offers a potential range of more than 600 miles when fully charged, and promises to deliver autonomous driving capabilities.

Aiding the ET7’s long-range potential are its advanced aerodynamics. The car’s sleek silhouette results in an impressive 0.208 Cd value.

Hyundai IONIQ 6 – 0.21 Cd

With a design inspired by aerodynamic streamliners from the 1930s, it should be no surprise that the Hyundai Ioniq 6 cuts cleanly through the air. Other influences included the Supermarine Spitfire fighter plane, with its wing design aiding the shape of the rear spoiler to reduce drag.

Active air flaps in the front bumper are used to improve efficiency, with an air curtain to channel turbulence around the wheels. Extensive wind tunnel testing, along with computational fluid dynamics analysis using a supercomputer, helped to refine the shape of the Ioniq 6.

All of this has produced a low Cd of 0.21, giving the electric Ioniq 6 a potential range of more than 381 miles when fully charged.

Aehra SUV – 0.21 Cd

The Aehra is an all-electric SUV, designed by a brand new company based in Milan, Italy. With a stunning exterior design, it promises to deliver a long range and plenty of performance.

Special features include active front and rear spoilers, along with cameras instead of rear-view mirrors. The latter have a shape inspired by the winglets found on MotoGP racing motorbikes.

Audi A6 Sportback E-tron – 0.21 Cd

The Audi range is undergoing a dramatic transformation, as the brand pivots further towards electrification. It means the Audi A6 is now a battery powered model, with a choice of Sportback or Avant versions

In Sportback form, the new A6 is the most aerodynamic Audi ever sold, thanks to its 0.21 Cd rating.

Some 2,800 simulations were used to help develop the shape of the A6, along with countless hours in the wind tunnel. Details include an almost flat underbody, plus wheels optimized to cut cleanly through the air.

Lotus Emeya – 0.21 Cd

Known for its lightweight sports cars, Lotus is making the major jump to becoming a producer of electric vehicles. This includes the company’s first four-door sedan: the Emeya.

The performance of the Emeya pushes it into true hypercar territory, with an incredible 918 horsepower in flagship “R” form.

Active aerodynamics, including an air dam beneath the front bumper, help to improve the Emeya’s drag coefficient. There is an adaptive rear spoiler, too.

BYD Seal – 0.219 Cd

BYD (an acronym for Build Your Dreams) has become the world’s best-selling electric car manufacturer, ahead of Tesla.

The Seal is one of the Chinese manufacturer’s global products, now sold in Europe, Asia, and South America.

Flush door handles, a low ride height, and shark-inspired gills behind the front wheels are part of what makes the Seal so slippery through the air.

Tesla Model 3 – 0.219 Cd

The Tesla Model 3 has all the aero technology from its bigger brothers, but in a smaller package. However, recent revisions to the Model 3 have made it the most aerodynamic Tesla on sale.

Previously, the Model 3 offered an impressive 0.23 Cd rating. However, changes made as part of the 2024 update have reduced this figure even further, down to just 0.219 Cd.

Porsche Taycan Turbo – 0.22 Cd

Porsche’s first all-electric sports car looks futuristic and its design is highly aerodynamic, too. Refining the shape of the Taycan to reduce drag has delivered benefits for both performance and battery range.

Although not the fastest version of the Taycan, the Turbo’s ability to accelerate from 0-62 mph in 3.2 seconds still feels seriously quick.

A new version of the Taycan arrives soon, so we’ll wait to see if it matches this model’s aerodynamic efficiency.

Mercedes-Benz EQE – 0.22 Cd

With a shape that strongly resembles the larger EQS, it follows that the smaller Mercedes-Benz EQE also boasts a low Cd rating.

Sharing the same basic platform as the EQS, the EQE has features such as aero-styled wheels, smooth underbody panels and a distinctive lip spoiler on the trunk lid.

Mercedes-Benz has worked to shape the air flowing around the car’s A-pillar, aiding both aerodynamics and cabin comfort (due to reduced noise).

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Sedan – 0.22 Cd

When it was launched just a few years ago, the four-door A-Class grabbed the prize for being the most aerodynamic car on sale. However, the pace of progress, especially from electric car manufacturers, has seen it slip down the rankings.

A Cd value of 0.22 is still very slippery, though. From an enclosed underbody to avoid disrupting the airflow, to ensuring the headlights seal flush with the bodywork, the efforts of Mercedes-Benz engineers have paid off.

Mercedes-Benz S-Class – 0.22 Cd

From the smallest Mercedes-Benz sedan to the largest, the German company has focused on aerodynamics across the board. The seventh-generation S-Class achieves an impressively low 0.22 Cd value.

Mercedes has concentrated on managing airflow around the car’s front bumper, along with countless small improvements. These include ‘aerostripes’ beneath the side mirrors, and even changing the shape of cladding found on the rear suspension arms.

BMW 5 Series – 0.22 Cd

The latest BMW 5 Series sedan boasts a radical new design, intended to aid aerodynamic efficiency as well as making a statement. Buyers now have the choice of an electric i5 model, alongside the traditional 5 Series range.

Features such as a front grille with active shutters, alloy wheels optimized for aerodynamics and a smooth underbody all help the BMW glide through the air.

Depending on the model chosen, the car’s drag factor is between 0.22 and 0.23 Cd.

Mercedes-Benz E-Class Saloon – 0.23 Cd

Mercedes-Benz has a wind tunnel and clearly isn’t afraid to use it. In fact, it was the E-Class from 1984 that marked the start of Stuttgart’s obsession with reducing drag. Four decades ago, that car achieved a Cd figure of 0.27, partly thanks to its tapered rear end and a subtle trunk spoiler.

Despite the latest, sixth-generation E-Class being notably larger, advances in aero design mean it surpasses its historic predecessor with an impressive 0.23 figure.

Aiding this is a black panel linking the headlights to the front grille, which creates a seamless design.

BMW 3 Series – 0.23 Cd

The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular compact executive sedans in the world. Being such an important car for the brand, BMW wanted to ensure it delivered when it came to aerodynamics.

Features present on the 3 Series include active front grille flaps, an almost completely flat underbody, and ‘air curtains’ to direct the airflow.

Mercedes-AMG EQS 53 4Matic – 0.23 Cd

Mercedes wasted no time in creating an AMG performance version of the EQS electric sedan. The first full-production electric car from the AMG brand offers up to an incredible 761 horsepower, with the 0-62 mph sprint dispatched in just 3.4 seconds.

Creating a faster version of the EQS also impacted the aerodynamics. Having to balance efficiency and high speed stability, including the addition of a larger rear wing, has raised the car’s overall Cd figure.

Nonetheless, extensive wind tunnel testing means the go-faster additions decrease aerodynamic efficiency only slightly, to 0.23 Cd.

Volkswagen ID.7 - 0.23 Cd

The Volkswagen ID.7 is intended to be the company’s flagship electric model, with a fastback design to aid aerodynamic efficiency.

Features such as a flat windshield profile, air curtain, aerodynamic wheels and a spoiler on the trunk lip all play their part. They result in a drag coefficient of 0.23.

Skoda Enyaq Coupe iV – 0.234 Cd

Skoda’s Enyaq Coupe iV is a bold statement by the Czech manufacturer. It makes for a radical change to the regular electric Enyaq SUV, with advanced features helping its aerodynamics.

Along with the streamlined coupe shape, the fancier Enyaq benefits from an active roller blind shutter. This adjusts in size depending on the level of cooling needed. A flat underbody, and alloy wheels with an aerodynamic design, also help.

Opting for the curvier Coupe model will see that number reduced down to a potential 0.234 Cd. This figure will be achieved by the entry-level ‘60’ version, and will vary slightly depending on wheel and trim options chosen.

In comparison, the upright Enyaq SUV achieves a best drag coefficient of 0.262 Cd.

Audi Q8 E-tron Sportback – 0.24 Cd

Audi has renamed the E-tron, giving it the ‘Q8’ tag to mark it out as the flagship electric SUV in its range. The new Q8 E-tron also benefits from a host of aerodynamic improvements.

Changes to the Sportback version have seen its Cd value drop from an impressive 0.26 down to just 0.24. Larger spoilers are now mounted on the front axle, along with additional spoilers at the rear.

Electric shutters can completely seal the front radiator grille, too, optimizing airflow still further.

Mercedes-Benz C-Class Saloon – 0.24 Cd

Another new Mercedes-Benz sedan? Yes indeed, and the C-Class is the newest of them all. Styling influences have clearly been taken from the smaller four-door A-Class, along with a drive to keep things aero efficient.

Mercedes-Benz points out that despite the new C-Class growing substantially in size, it has retained the same 0.24 Cd value as the previous model.

Audi S E-tron GT Quattro – 0.24 Cd

Audi expanded its range of electric vehicles with the launch of the flagship E-tron GT. With two electric motors and a substantial battery pack beneath the floor, the E-tron GT promises a range of up to 350 miles in “S” form.

The equivalent of nine million working hours were spent on computer simulations to hone the aerodynamics of the E-tron GT. This includes the use of active grille shutters, wheels with aero blades, and an active rear spoiler.

BMW i4 – 0.24 Cd

Thanks to its gigantic front grille, the all-electric BMW i4 is unlikely to win many awards for good looks. However, the four-door coupe manages to achieve a relatively impressive figure when it comes to aerodynamics.

Compared to the regular BMW 4 Series, the grille on the i4 is blanked off. BMW has also added extra aerodynamic tweaks, such as the rear diffuser, which are highlighted in trademark BMW i blue.

It means that BMW has delivered another four-door car with a respectable 0.24 Cd number.

BMW i7 – 0.24 Cd

Another BMW with a huge front grille, the luxurious i7 electric sedan certainly doesn’t look like it should be aerodynamic. Yet it manages to deliver a Cd value of just 0.24.

The car has a completely flat underfloor and uses an air curtain to help shape airflow. Its wheels also have an aerodynamic design.

All of this translates into an electric sedan with fabulous cabin refinement, plus a fully-charged range of close to 390 miles.

Audi A6 Avant E-tron – 0.24 Cd

Developed alongside the new A6 Sportback, Audi ensured the A6 Avant received plenty of attention to make it aerodynamically efficient.

Station wagons are traditionally less aerodynamic than their sedan counterparts, a fact demonstrated by the Audi A6. However, a drag coefficient of 0.24 Cd is still very respectable.

Mercedes-Benz B-Class – 0.24 Cd

As the compact MPV version of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class, space and practicality are the main reasons for buying a B-Class. Yet, despite the boxy body, it manages to deliver an impressive 0.24 Cd value.

Small details like sealing around where the headlights meet the bodywork, plus a new rear spoiler, have all contributed. Active shutters for the front grille add to the aero savings, too.

Along with reduced fuel consumption, it means less wind noise for those inside the B-Class.

Skoda Octavia – 0.24 Cd

The liftback shape of the fourth-generation Skoda Octavia helps it win big when it comes to aerodynamics. Proving that size is no barrier to a low Cd value, the spacious Octavia manages an impressive 0.24.

Helping the Octavia maximize aerodynamic efficiency is Skoda’s first use of active grille vents. Special alloy wheel designs, and even making the rear windscreen wiper an option, all played their part.

The more spacious Octavia Estate achieves a respectable 0.26 Cd as well.

Tesla Model X – 0.25 Cd

Aside from the Tesla Model X, you’ll notice there is a general absence of luxury SUVs on this list. Their taller, boxier, shapes make cutting through the air harder. Aerodynamic efficiency naturally suffers as a result. A Hummer H2 could only achieve a 0.57 Cd value.

With no internal combustion engine, the Model X benefits from not needing vents to cool it. A smooth underbody, and streamlined styling inspiration from the rest of the Tesla range, completes the job.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class Hatchback – 0.25 Cd

The new A-Class hatchback may have beaten its sedan brother to the market, but it cannot quite match the four-door when it comes to aerodynamics. The stumpier tail of a hatchback disrupts the air more than a sleek sedan, causing more drag.

However, the new A-Class is still one of the best hatchbacks on this list, so we’re sure Mercedes-Benz isn’t too concerned.

Porsche Taycan Turbo S – 0.25 Cd

The flagship Taycan isn’t quite as slippery as the (slightly) slower Turbo, but who’s complaining? It can still travel over 200 miles when fully charged, according to official figures.

Porsche’s development team spent around 1,500 hours in the wind tunnel, and innovative features include large air inlets around the headlights. These are said to ‘guide the air like a curtain over the front wheel housings’.

BMW iX – 0.25 Cd

Like several other BMWs on this list, the electric iX SUV looks like it should have the aerodynamics of a house brick. The reality is that it delivers a low Cd value of 0.25.

BMW has used flush-fitting door handles, slender door mirror housings and a smooth underbody to ensure the iX cuts easily through the air. Many hours in the wind tunnel have added more than 70 miles to the potential range of the iX.

Buyers can specify optional aerodynamic alloy wheels, said to increase the car’s range by a further nine miles.

Hyundai Ioniq 9 – 0.259

The new three-row Hyundai Ioniq 9 is proof that looks can be deceiving.

This large battery electric SUV has bluff, upright styling that looks like it won’t cut cleanly through the air.

In reality, Hyundai’s work in the wind tunnel, constantly refining the finer details of the Ioniq 9, has paid dividends. Early estimates suggested a drag coefficient of around 0.3 Cd, making the final 0.259 result even more impressive.

Audi Q8 E-tron – 0.26 Cd

With a more upright shape than the Q8 E-tron Sportback, the SUV version of Audi’s flagship family EV has a slightly higher Cd value of 0.26.

However, this is still an improvement over the original Audi E-tron, which had a Cd of 0.28. Like the Sportback, reductions have been via active air flaps for the radiator grille, along with extra underbody spoilers.

Lotus Eletre – 0.26 Cd

Described by Lotus as the ‘world’s first electric hyper-SUV’, the Eletre has been sculpted with serious performance in mind. It can accelerate from 0-60 mph in less than three seconds, and hit a top speed of 161 mph.

Lotus used experience from creating the high-end Evija electric hypercar to design the Eletre SUV. The result is a number of defined airflow channels to aid aerodynamic efficiency, along with rear-view cameras instead of mirrors. The result is a Cd of 0.26 – very impressive for an SUV.

Audi A8 TFSI e – 0.26 Cd

Audi’s latest flagship is packed with new technology. Autonomous driving capabilities might be the big sell for the A8, but aero cleanliness is still important.

Despite the bold front grille, the new A8 still manages to be aerodynamic through a number of detailed tweaks, like specially designed exterior mirrors.

Audi Q4 Sportback E-tron – 0.26 Cd

Here is yet another Audi, the Q4 Sportback E-tron. The company is on a mission to launch multiple new electric models, with the Q4 E-Tron offered in both conventional SUV and more styling Sportback guises.

It is the Q4 Sportback E-tron that manages to deliver the best aerodynamic figures, thanks to a smooth underbody and adjustable air intake grilles. Narrow bars beneath the headlights channel airflow along the edges of the car.

The conventional SUV Q4 SUV records a slightly poorer, but still impressive, 0.28 Cd.

Kia EV3 – 0.26 Cd

Kia’s new compact electric SUV is intended to make life easy for those making the jump from a combustion engine to battery power.

Factors that help make the EV3 aerodynamic include an optimized wheel arch design, a small roof spoiler, and aerodynamic strakes on the rear bumper.

The overall shape of the EV3 is narrower at the rear compared to the front, creating a natural boat-tail shape. This slippery shape contributes to a potential range of more than 370 miles.