I drove a $98,000 F-150 Lightning Platinum and saw what Ford's fanciest electric truck is like

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

I tested the 2023 F-150 Lightning Platinum, Ford's fanciest electric truck.
It's packed with comfort features like leather seats, an 18-speaker sound system, and a moonroof.
But it costs a solid $30,000 more than Ford's most luxurious gas-powered F-150.

The Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum is an electric truck for buyers who want it all.

The pinnacle of Ford's EV truck lineup, the Platinum starts at $91,995, almost double the Lightning's already steep starting price of $50,000.

So what do you get in an electric pickup that costs almost six figures? I lived with a Lightning Platinum for a week to find out.

The pickup Ford lent me cost a whopping $97,674, including a delivery fee and options like a bed liner and a special paint color.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, viewed from the front, in a parking lot. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

For that chunk of change, you get a truck with every bell and whistle imaginable — and an eye on both technology and convenience. Let me show you around.

A blue 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, viewed from the rear. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

The first thing you notice about the Lightning is just how freakishly large it is.

A blue 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum parked in a parking lot, with trees in the background. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

That’s a constant no matter what trim level you choose — Pro, XLT, Lariat, or Platinum — but it’s worth mentioning nonetheless.

The charging port of the Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

A tank-sized footprint and bad visibility make the Lightning a bit harrowing to drive in urban conditions.

The steering wheel inside the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

But once roads open up, the Lightning's mammoth size provides a commanding view of traffic and ample room to stretch out.

The white and black back seats of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

One note about the exterior: The Platinum gets a bolder look thanks to huge 22-inch wheels.

A side view of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Comfort is solid in any Lightning, but the Platinum provides a slew of fancy features that turn it into a rolling palace 3 feet above traffic.

A closeup of the headrests in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Its huge leather seats offer La-Z-Boy comfort and are both heated and cooled.

The light grey and black front seats of the F-150 Lightning electric pickup truck. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

The light-colored upholstery made for an open, airy feel.

A closeup shot of the perforated leather seat in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Platinum's big, dual-panel moonroof helped with that as well.

The moonroof in the F-150 Lightning Platinum is shown open. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

The Platinum comes with a crisp, 18-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system that even includes speakers in the ceiling and in the headrests.

The door sill of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, with the word "PLATINUM" on a metal background. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

There's wood-grain trim on the doors and in the center console, adding to the upscale vibe.

A dark, wood-grain piece of trim in the center console of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

A brushed-metal lid on the upper glove box and lots of metallic accents have a similar effect.

The gray dashboard of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

You also get a wireless-charging pad and ambient lighting.

In back, the Platinum provides a powered tailgate with a built-in step that makes hopping in the bed easier.

The bed of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, with a built-in step engaged. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Moving on to technology, the Platinum is only available with the Lightning's larger-sized battery pack, bestowing it with 300 miles of estimated range.

The steering wheel of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, with a screen behind displaying speed and other data. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

It also comes standard with Blue Cruise, a hands-free driving feature that automatically pilots the truck on certain highways (under driver supervision, of course).

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.

Tim Levin/Insider

I've used Blue Cruise a handful of times, and it always works like a charm, relieving some of the monotony of highway miles.

The interior of the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum, featuring its steering wheel and large touchscreen in the center. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Ford also equips every Platinum with the ability to share 9.6 kilowatts (kW) of power through outlets scattered throughout the truck. Normally the Lightning comes with 2.4 kW. That's the difference between being able to power around 13 microwaves at once, versus only three.

A cluster of outlets in the F-150 Lightning Platinum's front trunk. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Platinums also offer some high-tech aids for towing and hauling, but I didn't get to use those.

A running board on the F-150 Lightning Platinum electric pickup truck from Ford. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Of course, the Platinum also comes with all sorts of stuff you get in cheaper Ford EV trucks.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum's folding work surface feature. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Highlights include a gigantic front trunk, sleek LED light bars in front and back, a 5.5-foot bed, and Ford's cool collapsible desk.

The tailgate open on the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

Just like other Lightnings, the Platinum gets a 15.5-inch touchscreen that's easy to use, snappy, and packed with cool graphics. Plus, the gauges are replaced by a screen.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum's 15.5-inch touchscreen, displaying data about the most recent trip. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

It's also freakishly powerful and quick. Stomp the accelerator and the Lightning will lurch forward like a sports car — all while its tires screech as they struggle to handle the power of the truck's dual motors.

The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum's front trunk, open. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

So is a Lightning Platinum worth it? I think it depends on your priorities.

The light leather seat in the 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum. — The 2023 Ford F-150 Lightning Platinum.
Tim Levin/Insider

It's luxurious, comfortable, and packed with technology. But you're still paying a huge premium for the electric powertrain. Remember: A regular F-150 Platinum costs around $65,000.