TRIED & TESTED
Fisker Ocean
Looking for an EV that stands out from the crowd? A car that takes a fresh look at the conventional? This one could be for you, reckons John Challen
TRIED & TESTED
Fisker Ocean
Looking for an EV that stands out from the crowd? A car that takes a fresh look at the conventional? This one could be for you, reckons John Challen
Fisker might be a new name to many in the UK electric vehicle space, but the company itself has a long and chequered history. The name – in automotive terms – dates back to 2007, but the latest incarnation (Fisker Automotive) was launched in 2016 by Danish designer Henrik Fisker and his wife Geeta Gupta-Fisker.
The first car to be produced by the new company (The hybrid Karma was made by Fisker Inc – the previous incarnation of Fisker Automotive) is the Ocean – and it’s fair to say it isn’t afraid to deviate from the norm.
Fisker himself has called the startup sustainable, innovative and functional – and that’s a pretty good assessment.
Fisker claims that, with 439 miles WLTP, its top spec Extreme has ‘the longest range of any SUV in its segment sold in Europe’. That feat is achieved with the ‘Hyper’ battery, a 106kWh nickel manganese Cobalt unit that is standard on Extreme and Sport grades. The base Sport version gets the 80kWh ‘Touring’ battery – a lithium iron phosphate battery pack that still returns 288 miles WLTP.
There’s a marked difference in the three-model Ocean line-up, with the base Sport offering 282hp and a 7.4-second zero to 62mph time, while the Extreme has 564hp and will do the same sprint in just under four seconds. So, the performance is there if you want it – and if you’re prepared to pay for it, because the upper two models mean a sizeable price walk from the Sport.
The innovation that Fisker refers to is clear to see in the interior. There’s a ‘taco tray’ that folds out from the centre console and our car had a revolving 17.1-inch central touchscreen. However, while on the move, the screen only operates in portrait mode – according to the company, the landscape configuration is only while stationary and is designed to stream content. From a safety perspective, drivers won’t be able to depart without fastening their seat belt, which is both very sensible and also a little annoying if you only need to move a short distance.
One thing the Ocean doesn’t have is connectivity with Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. The standard system works fine – in fact, the sat-nav is very intuitive – but some drivers have got used to being able to work their phone through the screen, so that might be an issue.
But then there’s ‘California mode’, which – at the push of a button – opens eight glass panels, including ‘doggie windows’ and the impressive retractable roof. Talking of the roof, select the SolarSky roof and Fisker claims it can provide up to 1,500 miles (2,000 under ideal conditions), although given the UK’s climate, we’ll take that with a pinch of salt.
The midsize SUV market is competitive, but the Ocean is a decent attempt to try and make inroads into it. The car recently won the medium crossover category at the UK Car of the Year Awards 2024, which means that it clearly has plenty going for it. In an industry that can be very conservative, the efforts of those to stand out for the crowd need to be applauded.
Which model is right for you?
There is plenty of choice for Ocean drivers when choosing their specific model. Three trim levels are available: Sport; Ultra and Extreme and three drive modes – Earth and Fun (standard on all models) and Hyper (available on just the Ultra and Extreme cars). Standard on all cars are regenerative braking, digital rear-view mirror, powered steering adjustment and LED lights front and rear.
The Sport (priced from £50,900) boasts a single motor front-wheel drive configuration with a 17.1-inch touchscreen, panoramic fixed glass room, digital rear-view mirror, 20-inch wheels and a host of ADAS, such as automatic emergency braking.
Move up to the Ultra and there’s a bigger battery, all-wheel drive, a sliding panoramic roof, an upgraded stereo system and a wider choice of interior materials.
Finally, the range-topping Extreme (from £57,900) adds in a rotating central touchscreen, solar panels on the panoramic glass roof, a Fisker Pulse audio system and all of what Fisker calls its ‘Intelligent Pilot’ (advanced ADAS) technologies. Exclusive to the Extreme are 360º surround view with 3D, evasive steering assist and automatic parking.
Sport
Ultra
Extreme
“Finally, the range-topping Extreme (from £57,900) adds in a rotating central touchscreen, solar panels on the panoramic glass roof”
EXPERIENCE
Fisker Ocean
VERDICT
It takes a bit of time to ‘get’ the Fisker Ocean, but we got there in the end. There are a lot of attempts to be different, which will be applauded by many. However, in some cases, it feels like the company is trying a bit too hard. For example, we’re used to warning sounds in today’s vehicles – and get that it’s all in the name of safety – but the Ocean seems to have them in spades, which can be a bit off-putting. On the other hand, there are some novel additions, such as the taco tray and solar roof, which you can’t help but admire.
On the road, the ride is a little firm, but overall, it’s relatively comfortable, with plenty of performance on tap. We didn’t manage the claimed driving range on one long journey, which meant an impromptu charging stop, but that issue is certainly not exclusive to Fisker.