Prospective new car buyers do not ordinarily visit their local department store, but Harrods is not your usual department store and the luxury retailer was seen as the ideal place for Fisker to display its new Karma.

A Fisker Karma, the world's first luxury electric vehicle (according to its maker), has taken up residence at the Knightsbridge store and will be displayed in the prominent Brompton Road window until February 4.

"Harrods is one of the most prestigious retail sites in the world, which is perfect for our car," said Henrik Fisker, co-founder and CEO of Fisker Automotive. "The landmark store attracts hundreds of thousands of customers from all over the world during January, and we look forward to introducing them to Fisker Automotive."

The $102,000 (£67,000 ex-taxes) Karma can travel from 0-60mph in just 6.2 seconds yet thanks to its electric vehicle with extended range (EVer™) drivetrain emits just 51g/km CO₂ and returns 112mpg. With its ability to drive up to 50 miles on electric power only Fisker sees the Karma as the ideal solution for the discerning urban dweller who wants to be green but without sacrificing luxury or performance.

Interested customers visiting Harrods will be able to view the vehicle, virtually configure their own model and be put in touch with their local dealership to arrange a test drive. The Karma is already on sale in the United States and will be available internationally in the coming weeks.

Harrods has a long history of car window displays with the first car, from British company Morgan, going on display at the Knightsbridge store in 1911.

Paul Healy - 16 Jan 2012