Karma Launches Gyesera, a Redesigned Revival of the Original Fisker Karma
The $139,995 plug-in hybrid features a 28 kWh battery and 80 miles of electric range but retains the original platform's structural constraints.
Karma Automotive has introduced the Gyesera, marking the brand’s first new model in over a decade. While the vehicle represents a significant update to the legacy Fisker Karma platform, a recent first drive reveals that it remains heavily constrained by the original architecture’s design limitations.
What Happened
The Gyesera is the latest evolution of the vehicle originally launched as the Fisker Karma, which went out of production in 2014. Karma, which acquired the assets of the original Fisker Automotive, has updated the powertrain and styling but retained the core platform. The new model features a BMW-sourced 1.5-liter three-cylinder engine acting as a range extender, paired with a 28 kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery pack. This setup allows for 80 miles of all-electric range, a substantial increase from the original model’s 32 miles. The vehicle also supports 50 kW fast charging, capable of topping off the battery in 30 minutes. Performance figures have improved, with the Gyesera achieving a 0-60 mph time of 3.7 seconds and producing 566 horsepower in Sport mode.
Why It Matters
Despite the mechanical upgrades, the Gyesera’s pricing of $139,995 places it in direct competition with established luxury and performance EVs such as the Porsche Taycan, BMW M5, and Lucid Air. However, the vehicle’s utility and comfort are hampered by its heritage. The battery is mounted in a tunnel running through the center of the car, a design choice from the original Fisker that compromises rear-seat legroom and headroom. Reviewers noted that the interior, while using high-quality materials like leather and carbon fiber, feels dated and lacks the software sophistication of modern competitors. The cabin’s center stack and controls remain largely unchanged from previous iterations, and the infotainment system was described as slow and reliant on CarPlay for basic functions. Furthermore, the three-cylinder engine was noted for a noisy and disjointed acoustic experience, particularly when operating close to the driver.
The Bottom Line
The Karma Gyesera serves as a bridge between the brand’s past and its future, offering a hand-built, exclusive alternative for buyers already invested in high-end collector cars. However, it struggles to compete on merit against mainstream luxury EVs due to compromised packaging, outdated interior technology, and a powertrain that prioritizes exclusivity over refinement. Karma executives have indicated that the upcoming Amaris coupe and the long-delayed all-electric Kaveya will be critical to the brand’s future relevance, as the Gyesera itself remains a product of its 15-year-old origins.
