Fisker Ocean First Drive Review: A Bold Statement, But Is It Ready for Prime Time?
The electric vehicle (EV) market is rapidly expanding, with new entrants vying for a piece of the pie. Among the latest contenders is the Fisker Ocean, a stylish and ambitious all-electric SUV from the revived Fisker brand. Boasting a unique design, sustainable materials, and a competitive price point, the Ocean aims to disrupt the established order. I recently had the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Ocean, and here are my impressions.
Design and Aesthetics: Strikingly Different
The Fisker Ocean is undoubtedly a head-turner. Its design is fresh and distinctive, avoiding the generic SUV silhouette that plagues many EVs. The front fascia features a slim LED light bar that spans the width of the vehicle, giving it a futuristic and assertive look. The sculpted hood and pronounced wheel arches add to its muscular stance.
One of the Ocean’s standout features is its "California Mode," which lowers all the windows (including the rear window and the "doggy windows" in the D-pillars) at the touch of a button, creating an open-air experience reminiscent of a convertible. This feature is undeniably cool and perfectly suited for cruising along the coast.
The rear of the Ocean is equally striking, with a full-width LED taillight bar and a distinctive Fisker logo. The overall design is clean and modern, with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency.
Interior and Technology: Sustainable Ambition
The interior of the Fisker Ocean is where the company’s commitment to sustainability truly shines. The cabin is adorned with recycled materials, including reclaimed fishing nets, recycled plastic bottles, and even recycled t-shirts. This eco-friendly approach is commendable and gives the interior a unique character.
The dashboard is dominated by a large 17.1-inch central touchscreen that controls most of the vehicle’s functions. The screen is responsive and intuitive to use, with a user-friendly interface. However, some functions are buried within menus, requiring multiple taps to access.
The Ocean also features a digital instrument cluster that displays essential driving information. The graphics are clear and easy to read, and the cluster can be customized to show different data.
One notable feature is the "Hollywood Mode," which rotates the central touchscreen to a horizontal orientation, allowing passengers to watch movies while the vehicle is parked. While this feature is a gimmick, it adds to the Ocean’s playful personality.
Performance and Handling: A Mixed Bag
The Fisker Ocean is available in several trim levels, each with different powertrain configurations. The base model features a single electric motor driving the front wheels, while the higher-end models offer dual-motor all-wheel drive.
The dual-motor versions deliver brisk acceleration, with the Ocean capable of sprinting from 0 to 60 mph in around 3.6 seconds. The instant torque provided by the electric motors makes for effortless acceleration and confident overtaking.
The Ocean’s handling is decent, but not particularly sporty. The steering is light and responsive, but lacks the feedback and precision of some of its rivals. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a smooth and compliant ride, but it can feel a bit floaty on twisty roads.
Range and Charging: Competitive Numbers
The Fisker Ocean offers a competitive range, with the top-end models boasting an EPA-estimated range of over 350 miles. This puts it on par with some of the best EVs on the market.
The Ocean supports DC fast charging, allowing it to add up to 200 miles of range in around 30 minutes. However, charging speeds can vary depending on the charging station and the battery’s state of charge.
Driving Experience: Refinement Needed
While the Fisker Ocean has many positive attributes, it’s not without its flaws. During my drive, I noticed several areas where the vehicle could be improved.
One issue was the regenerative braking system, which felt inconsistent and jerky at times. The transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking was not always smooth, which could be disconcerting.
Another area of concern was the build quality. Some of the interior trim pieces felt flimsy, and there were a few squeaks and rattles. These issues are not uncommon in early production vehicles, but they need to be addressed to improve the overall ownership experience.
Furthermore, the software felt a bit buggy at times. The touchscreen occasionally froze, and the driver-assistance systems were not always reliable. These software glitches can be frustrating and need to be ironed out with over-the-air updates.
Pros:
- Striking and unique design
- Sustainable and eco-friendly interior
- Competitive range and charging capabilities
- Quick acceleration (dual-motor models)
- Innovative features like "California Mode" and "Hollywood Mode"
Cons:
- Inconsistent regenerative braking
- Questionable build quality
- Software glitches
- Handling not as sporty as some rivals
- Some functions buried within touchscreen menus
Trim Levels and Pricing:
The Fisker Ocean is offered in several trim levels, each with different features and price points:
- Sport: The base model, starting at around $37,499.
- Ultra: A mid-range model with more features and a longer range, starting at around $49,999.
- Extreme: The top-of-the-line model with all the bells and whistles, starting at around $68,999.
- One (Limited Edition): A fully loaded launch edition with unique features, priced at around $68,999.
The Verdict: A Promising Start, But Needs Polish
The Fisker Ocean is a bold and ambitious EV that has the potential to shake up the market. Its striking design, sustainable materials, and competitive range make it an appealing option for eco-conscious buyers.
However, the Ocean is not without its flaws. The inconsistent regenerative braking, questionable build quality, and software glitches need to be addressed to improve the overall driving experience.
Despite these shortcomings, the Fisker Ocean is a promising start for the revived Fisker brand. With further refinement and improvements, it could become a serious contender in the EV market. It’s a statement car, and while the statement is bold, the execution still needs some polish to truly resonate. For now, it’s a car to watch, with the potential to be great, but not quite there yet. The Fisker Ocean is a good first step, but the journey is far from over. Whether it reaches its destination as a leader in the EV space remains to be seen, and will depend on Fisker’s ability to refine and improve its product.
