A synchronous reluctance motor (SynRelM) and a permanent magnet assisted synchronous reluctance motor (PM-assisted SynRelM) at a rated power level between 15 and 40 kW have been designed with the help of finite element analysis (FEA). Their performances levels are compared to an off-the-shelf inverter-fed variable speed squirrel cage induction motor (SCIM) and a surface mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor (SMPMSM), respectively. In the comparison the resulting average torque over the operating speed range and the torque ripple are investigated. Two prototypes have been fabricated and experimental measurements have been carried out to validate simulation data. It was identified that SynRelMs, especially assisted with permanent magnets (PMs), could compete with induction motors - and even PM synchronous motors (PMSMs) under certain operating conditions.