For over 20 years, Koenigsegg has been the go-to brand for car enthusiasts seeking high-performance machines that blend intricate engineering with artistic design. Known for its V8-powered hypercars and relentless pursuit of mechanical innovation, the Swedish automaker has carved a niche that prioritises combustion-driven passion over mainstream trends.
While much of the auto industry is shifting to electrification, Koenigsegg is doubling down on its iconic internal combustion engine. Its latest creation, the Jesko-based Sadair’s Spear, features a twin-turbocharged V8 engine now tuned to produce an astonishing 1,603 horsepower, showcasing how far the brand is still pushing traditional performance.
Speaking to Top Gear, company founder Christian von Koenigsegg emphasised that the brand has no intention of introducing a fully electric vehicle anytime soon. Thanks to EU exemptions for low-volume manufacturers, Koenigsegg can legally continue building combustion-powered cars beyond the 2035 ban without compromise. More importantly, von Koenigsegg argues that the emotional connection offered by an ICE car simply can’t be replaced by EVs.
“The appetite in the market for this level of car, fully electric, is extremely low,” he explained. “If you’re a car enthusiast, you want to talk to the beast. You want the throbbing, the pumping, the heat, the sounds, the shifts… that make it come alive. An electric car is a bit more of a robot. This is a bit more of an animal.”
To underline his philosophy, von Koenigsegg compared hypercars to mechanical watches. Just like how digital watches never fully replaced the allure of hand-built timepieces, he believes EVs won’t replace the soul of a handcrafted combustion-powered hypercar. Koenigsegg cars are not mass-produced—they’re built with precision and care, embodying thousands of mechanical parts that give each vehicle a distinct character.
As brands like Bugatti embrace hybrid technology and others push all-electric models, Koenigsegg remains unapologetically old-school. And for those who crave a deeply visceral driving experience, that’s exactly what makes them special.