The 2024 Dodge Charger Daytona aims to redefine what it means to be an electric muscle car. While Dodge hedges its bets with the upcoming gas-powered Charger Sixpack, the Daytona electric vehicle lineup takes center stage. The R/T and Scat Pack trims are currently available, but Dodge has hinted at a high-performance “Banshee” model as the spiritual successor to the iconic Hellcat. Though the Hellcat legacy often overshadows its more accessible siblings, Dodge’s strategy emphasizes style and value as much as sheer power.
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The entry-level electric R/T variant exemplifies this philosophy with its dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Each motor powers an axle, delivering a combined 496 horsepower when utilizing the Power Shot feature, which boosts output by 40 horsepower for brief, 10-second intervals. Even without this boost, the R/T’s standard Stage 1 software upgrade adds 40 horsepower to the base output, bringing it to 456 horsepower in future models unless buyers opt for the upgrade. The Charger Daytona R/T stands out as a fun-to-drive sports coupe, shedding the lumbering reputation of its predecessors.
With its battery pack mounted low, the car benefits from a reduced center of gravity, significantly improving handling and stiffness. Despite its hefty 5,700-pound weight, the R/T feels agile, responsive, and capable of tackling twisty roads with enthusiasm. Its steering, while light, lacks feedback, and the brakes, though functional, do not match the confidence-inspiring Brembo system found on the Scat Pack. The interior of the Charger Daytona introduces a modern, tech-driven environment. Physical and digital controls coexist on a low dashboard, with the centerpiece being a 12.3-inch touchscreen running Dodge’s Uconnect 5 system, which is user-friendly and responsive. The R/T features a smaller 10.3-inch digital gauge cluster compared to the Scat Pack’s 16-inch display, though the difference is largely aesthetic.
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Ambient lighting with 64 color options adds character, while functional improvements like a squared-off steering wheel and paddle shifters enhance driver engagement. Practicality is not sacrificed in this two-door coupe. The rear cargo space is expansive, offering 22.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up. Adult passengers will find the back seat roomy enough unless they are over six feet tall. However, Dodge’s decision to make the 1.5-cubic-foot front trunk part of an optional package feels out of place, given the car’s $60,000-plus price tag.
