James Charles Needs a New Car. We Have Thoughts—and Ideas

James Charles Tesla X
James Charles Tesla X

It has to be electric—because, getting gas? Over it. It has to be an SUV. Because visibility is everything (we couldn’t agree more). It needs to look hot, not just sitting in the driveway or at the valet, but as a backdrop for selfies and videos. And it needs to be fancy. Because James Charles is fancy.

If you don’t know James, check out his TikTok and Instagram, where he sets trends and breaks molds for his makeup artistry and tutorials. An accomplished singer and budding recording artist, he’s in the process of releasing a new album, which he uses to test out the sound system in each car he test drives (though shockingly he did not try out the visor mirror or rear view mirror for makeup touchups).

James drives a Tesla X, but after 6 years, it’s time. Here are the cars James has test driven, what score he gives them and what we suggest he also test drives. And check out our top recommendation—it has a fragrance diffuser built into the glove box!

James’ First Test Drive: Tesla Cyber Truck, $80-$120K

Tesla Cybertruck
Credit: Tesla

James, Try the F-150 Lightning Pickup Instead

The Ford F-150 Lightning'S Height And Roominess Make It Quite Comfortable
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Test Drive #2: Porsche Taycan, Price, $90K

James Charles Porsche Taycan
Credit: James Charles

Our Top Recommendation for James: Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV

2023 Mercedes-Benz Eqs 580 Suv
Credit: Nya Peters

Test Drive #3: BMW iX, Priced from $87K

James Charles Bmw Ix
Credit: James Charles

The Ultimate EV: Rolls-Royce Spectre

A Side View Of The Rolls-Royce Spectre
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Test Drive #4: Rivian R1S, Priced at $99K

James Charles Rivian R1S
Credit: James Charles

Lovely and More Elegant: Volvo EX90

The 7-Passenger Volvo Ex90 Seen At The Electrify Expo
Credit: Kim S.

Test Drive #5: Cadillac Lyriq, Priced from $57K

James Charles Cadillac Lyriq
Credit: James Charles

Love the Lyriq? You Need to See the Nissan Ariya

A Side View Of The Nissan Ariya
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Test Drive #6: Audi Q8 e-tron, Priced from $97K

James Charles Audi Q8 E-Tron
Credit: James Charles

We recommend Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback

Scotty Reiss With The 2024 Audi Q8 E-Tron S Line
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Test Drive #7: Mustang Mach-E GT, Priced from $54K

James Charles Mustang Mach E Gt 2
Credit: James Charles

We Recommend Hyundai Ioniq 5 N

Hyundai Ioniq 5 N
Credit: Annika Carter

Test Drive #8: Hummer EV, Priced from $99K

James Charles Hummer Ev With The Top Off
Credit: James Charles

Worth the Wait: Cadillac Escalade IQ

The 2025 Cadillac Escalade Iq
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Test Drive #9: Kia EV9, Priced from $55K

James Charles Kia
Credit: James Charles

Worth the Wait… Lucid Gravity

The Lucid Gravity
Credit: Scotty Reiss

Journalist, entrepreneur and mom. Expertise includes new cars, family cars, 3-row SUVs, child passenger car seats and automotive careers... More about Scotty Reiss

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