The Lucid Air is the first electric vehicle from California-based Lucid Motors. Former Tesla Model S chief engineer Peter Rawlinson is spearheading the brand, with the goal of cementing Lucid Motors’ identity as a major EV manufacturer. The Lucid Air is the brand’s first product, a 5-door luxury sedan that competes with Tesla’s Model S and Porsche’s Taycan. With a market value of USD 91 billion as of November 2021, Lucid Motors outperforms Ford and GM in terms of capital.
Lucid Air Design
The Lucid Air has a sleek design and is among the most aerodynamic cars on the market, with a drag (Cd) coefficient of 0.21. Image: Lucid Motors
The Lucid Air EV is based on the Lucid Space Concept, a design that takes advantage of the brand’s in-house developed Lucid Electric Advanced Platform (LEAP), which will serve as the foundation for all Lucid EVs beginning with the Air. The Air has a sleek design and is among the most aerodynamic cars on the market, with a drag (Cd) coefficient of 0.21. The Air is claimed by Lucid to be the most aerodynamic car in the world, but both the Mercedes EQS and the Lightyear One have 0.20 Cd.
It has a full-width chrome strip with the Lucid lettering embossed on the front. Below the chrome bar is an array of full-width LED DRLs next to the multibeam LED headlights. The front bumper has a smooth surface, and the air intakes are located just below it to cool the battery. On the side of the bumper is a vertical LED strip with small air intakes for brake cooling. The outer edge of the hood is rounded, as is the air intake.
21-inch Aero Blade wheels
The side profile is tidy with flush door handles and machine cut wheels. The lower variants gets a simple 19-inch rim. The 20-inch ‘Aero Lite’ wheels will only be available in the second quarter of 2022. 21-inch ‘aero blade’ wheels are standard on Dream Edition and GT variants. In lower variants, a cool 21-inch alloy wheel costs an additional USD 1,500.
Howeveer, Lucid Motors recommends using low profile tires only on smooth surfaces. Large rims and sleek side walls improve handling on smooth roads and they undeniably look fashionable, but they can damage the chassis if driven on rough roads, where larger sidewalls are more suitable as they help with bump absorption thanks to a high rubber content.
The rear of the Lucid Air has a sophisticated coupe-like roofline that seamlessly flows into a roof-integrated rear spoiler. Full-width taillights with embossed Lucid lettering in the center provide great design continuity at the rear. In the full-featured introductory model, the Dream Edition, the C-pillars are finished in platinum with a titanium flag. Overall, the Air looks refreshing and attractive.
Interior & Features
The windshield extends above the driver’s head, making the cabin feel more airy. Images: Lucid Motors
The interior looks as luxurious as any other luxury EV. Visually, there appears to be no compromise on the quality of materials used. The entry-level Pure variant features black and graphite Mojave Purluxe fabric upholstery with ‘obsidian decoration.’ The exclusive Dream Edition gets Santa Monica’s interior theme with full-grain Nappa leather upholstery. It also features ceramics with eucalyptus trim and Alcantara inserts. The Lucid Air features class-leading 739 liters (26 cu ft) of total luggage space. The frunk accounts for 280 liters (9.8 cu ft) of the total volume.
Wide 34-inch 5k curved screen
Lucid Air’s cabin is a treat to the eyes and is loaded with technology. The driver’s seat is the most interesting. The main factor is the combination of the digital instrument cluster and the central infotainment screen. This is a curved floating 34-inch screen with crisp 5k resolution—even the smallest of the details appear clear and vibrant. The right side of the cockpit is touch-sensitive and contains key features such as navigation, audio, and calling systems. It also supports Alexa voice commands, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and music services like Spotify and iHeart Radio.
The steering wheel is flat bottomed and has two spokes. It also features capacitive touch buttons. Another touchscreen houses the lighting, wiper, and security controls on the left side of the main driver’s cockpit. Below the center console, there is another large screen that Lucid has dubbed the ‘Pilot Panel.’ In addition to audio, navigation, and phone controls, it also controls more detailed vehicle parameters. Customers will appreciate the physical buttons for the climate control system located just above this screen.
Even the most minor details appear clear on the curved 34-inch screen with crisp 5k resolution; another screen below the center console dubbed the ‘pilot panel’ controls more settings. Images: Lucid Motors
Sound tuned by Dolby Atmos
The Lucid Air Dream Edition comes standard with the ‘Surreal Sound System’. Music lovers are in for a treat. The set-up includes 21 speakers with surround sound and 3D audio. Lucid claims that Air features the world’s first Dolby Atmos to provide an outstanding multi-directional audio experience. A panoramic sunroof is standard on GT and Dream Edition variations. Interestingly, the windshield extends above the driver’s head, making the cabin feel more airy. Customers who purchase other variants can have to pay an additional USD 4,000 to add a sunroof.
DreamDrive Pro self-driving suite
The Lucid Air is capable of self-driving, albeit with driver’s attention. DreamDrive Pro comes standard with the GT and Dream Edition variants, but when customers add it to the low-end variants, it costs an additional USD 9,000. The semi-autonomous sensor suite includes highway assist, traffic approach warnings, blind spot warnings and displays, lane departure warnings, autonomous emergency braking, collision warnings, and automatic parking.
The long 116.54-inch wheelbase has opened acres of room at the rear of the Lucid Air. Images: Lucid Motors
Excellent connectivity
Customers can take advantage of the Lucid app. The smartphone application allows drivers to plan trips, transfer navigation information to the vehicle screen, find charging stations, and preheat the cabin during winters. Proximity sensors ensure that the vehicle greets the owner with a light signature, unlocks the door, and pops out the flush door handles. The vehicle can save the driver’s profile, and as soon as the customer enters, facial recognition identifies the driver and selects settings saved in the individual driver profiles.
Lucid Air Specifications
The Lucid Air and rival Tesla Model S aren’t very different in terms of overall dimensions. The latter is 5 mm longer, but interestingly, the wheelbase of both EVs is the same at 116.54 inches (2960mm). The long wheelbase seems to have opened acres of room at the rear of the Air.
As fast as the Bugatti Chiron off the line
When the first deliveries rolled out (October 2021), two Dream Edition variants were offered: Dream Performance and Dream Range. The former’s electric motors produce 1,111 hp and over 737 lb ft (1000 Nm). The powertrain is slightly detuned to 933 hp on the Dream Range, but the torque remains above 737 lb ft. Both have a top speed of 270 kmph, but the Performance hustles to 100 kmph in just 2.5 seconds—a family saloon that’s as fast as the Bugatti Chiron in terms of off-the-line acceleration.
Launch Edition cars aside, the AirPure’s electric motors produce 480 hp, the AirTouring is tuned at 620 hp, and the Air GT produces 800 hp. All feature dual-motor AWD set-up.
Lucid Air aspectValueLength (in. / mm)195.8 / 4975.3Width w/o mirrors (in. / mm)76.3 / 1939Height (in. / mm)55.51 / 1410Wheelbase (in. / mm)116.5 / 2960MotorDual motor, AWDHorsepowerPure 480 hp, Touring 620 hp, GT 800 hp,Dream Edition Range 933 hpDream Edition Performance 1,111 hp0-60 mph2.5 seconds (Dream Edition Performance)Top speed168 mphBattery118 kWh (Dream Edition)112 kWh (rest of the range)Range (EPA certified)520 miles (Dream Edition Range)ChargingDC: Upto 300 kW (300 miles in 20 minutes)AC: 19.2 kWAerodynamic Cd0.21
The specifications have been taken from Lucid Air’s official website which only caters to the American audience as of April 2022.
The Dream Edition Range is EPA certified for 520 miles (837 km) on a single charge while driving on 19-inch wheels. The Dream Edition Performance has a range of 471 miles, while the GT has a range of 516 miles on 19-inch wheels. The 21-inch wheels reduce the range of Dream Edition vehicles by approximately 20 km, while the GT 21-inch wheels reduce the capacity by 47 km. The Dream Edition cars get a 118 kWh battery and the GT has a 112 kWh battery. Refer the table below for additional information on variants.
Fastest charging EV in the world
Lucid claims that the Air is the fastest charging EV globally. The EV supports 300 kW peak charging speeds. This adds 300 miles in just 20 minutes. Inside EVs tried to make sense of the claims with an experiment; the Air added 208 miles in 12 minutes of DC fast charging and 312 miles in 22 minutes. The impressive charging speeds are enabled by a 900-volt battery architecture, which more than doubles the charging speeds compared to 400-volt batteries. For home charging, Lucid offers an 19.2 kW AC wallbox.
Only 520 Dream Edition cars were planned for production. Image: Lucid Motors
Lucid’s ‘Wunderbox’ charger works at almost all public charging stations in the United States. It has been engineered to adjust incoming voltage and adapts charging speeds for the quickest possible recharge. The brand has collaborated with Electrify America which owns a network of 700 charging stations with more than 3100 chargers across America. Customers who book the Lucid Air by June 2022 get complimentary access to 350 kW charging for three years.
Lucid Air also conducted a real-world range test with automotive publication Motor Trend. Two Dream Edition Range EVs were driven from Los Angles to San Francisco and then rerouted to Lucid Air’s headquarters in the Bay area. The cars travelled 445 miles. Upon reaching the destination, 30 miles range was left on one of the cars and 72 miles on the other. Different driving styles may have caused different energy depletion from the battery. According to the brand, the Lucid Air GT has an industry-best efficiency of 4.5 miles per kWh.
Lucid AirOfficial EPA Estimated RangeDream Edition Range (933 hp)19-inch wheels520 miles21-inch wheels481 milesDream Edition Performance (1,111 hp)19-inch wheels471 miles21-inch wheels451 milesGrand Touring (800 hp)19-inch wheels516 miles21-inch wheels469 miles
Range varies depending on tire size. Lower profile tires have more rolling resistance than tires with smaller rims.
Production & Sales
Shortly after Lucid Air earned the EPA certification, production cars began rolling out of the brand’s manufacturing unit in Casa Grande, Arizona. The first cars, which were Dream Edition models, were rolled off the line on September 28, 2021. The brand has accepted 25,000 reservations as of February 28, 2022. Only 520 Dream Edition cars were planned for production. Customers began receiving their vehicles towards the end of October 2021.
Only Dream Edition cars were being production at the time of launch. CEO and CTO Peter Rawlinson confirmed during the Q4 2021 results earning call that production of the GT variant has already started. Manufacturing of the Touring and Pure variants will start by the end of 2022. Moreover, the EV has already won many awards from auto publications in America. Rawlinson stated that customers feel the Air is the best car they have driven, reiterating the quality of the product.
Delivery target reduced to 12,000-14,000 units for 2022
In February 2022, the brand said that its delivery target was reduced to 12,000-14,000 units for 2022. The target is lower than 20,000 deliveries that were promised previously. Rawlinson justified the revised target citing ‘extraordinary supply chain and logistics challenges.’ Lucid ended 2021 by delivering 125 cars (target was 500) and as of February 28, 2022, only 300 deliveries have been completed.
Price
Lucid Air VariantsPrice before tax credit (USD)Price after tax credit (USD)Pure77,40069,900Touring95,00087,500Grand Touring139,000131,500Dream Edition (Sold out)169,000161,500
Prices are only valid for U.S. customers. The Air may be eligible for local and state level incentives which may bring the prices down even further.
The Lucid Air range starts at USD 77,400 for the Air Pure, excluding the federal grant, taxes and other fees. Air Touring starts at USD 95,000, while the range-topping Air GT is priced at USD 139,000. The Dream Edition cars are sold out, and orders are closed. They were priced at USD 169,000. The Tesla Model S starts at USD 89,490 while the Model S Plaid price is USD 124,490, after federal tax credits, as of February 2022.
Lucid Air FAQs
What is the Lucid Air price?
The Lucid Air price in the U.S. ranges between USD 77,400 to USD 169,000, excluding federal grant and delivery and handling charges.
What are Lucid Air competitors?
The Lucid Air rivals the Mercedes EQS, Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan.
What is the Lucid Air release date?
The first Dream Edition cars rolled off the production line in October 2021.
Featured Image Source: Lucid Motors
Keyword: Lucid Air: Everything we know in April 2022