Being the new kid on the block, Lucid Motors is one of the most hyped and talked about brands in the automotive space. The first vehicle in their line-up, the Air luxury sedan, has a lot to prove. With the first deliveries of the Air having taken place in late 2021, we are now getting a taste of what the Tesla rival has to offer.

Captivating in its design, tech, and performance, the Air is a well-thought-out package. With Lucid’s Gravity SUV coming in 2023 and a Tesla Model 3 competitor by 2025, the Californian brand looks to dominate the EV space. As was with Tesla, momentum built off their first product will be critical. Will the Air's fresh take on EVs be enough to take the market by storm?

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2022 Lucid Air Performance And Capability

To understand the Air, first, we must break down the individual trims offered. Different variants of the Air, offer very different capabilities with significant differences in cost. The Air currently is available in four trims:

• Dream Edition
• Grand Touring
• Touring
• Pure
• Sapphire (New for 2023)

We'll begin with the top-of-the-line limited-production Dream Edition. This ultra-luxury offering is everything Lucid has to offer as a company in a single package. It is the halo car that presents to buyers what the ultimate expression of the Air is. Limited to only 520 units, it is an exclusive option for those sold on the Lucid brand.

The Dream Edition is also split into Range and Performance models to tailor fit needs. Those opting for the Performance variant will find 1,111 horsepower at their disposal. Not a typo. Dual electric motors powering all four wheels accelerate the top model Air from 0-to-60 MPH in 2.5 seconds. Why have that much power in any road-driven vehicle? We aren't sure. Yet, we can assume the Lucid board meeting on the topic finished with "as long as it's faster than the Tesla."

Thus, by beating out the 1,020 horsepower Tesla Model S Plaid with 91 ponies, it was mission accomplished. Even the Range variant produces a stunning 933 horsepower. That is still good for a blistering 2.7-second 0-to-60 MPH time. All while achieving the highest range of any EV ever, at 520 miles on a full charge. The Performance still manages a world-class range with 471 miles on a full charge.

The Grand Touring model is the next down the line in the Air lineup. You get, 1,050 horsepower in the Performance variant and 816 horsepower in the standard model. Still more than enough to make even the most hungry speed demons satisfied. The Grand Touring wouldn't be a proper GT if it couldn't cover long distances. Thankfully, it doesn't disappoint. You get 516 miles of range with the standard GT and 446 miles with the GT Performance. We guarantee you'll be able to find a charging station before you run out of juice.

The high-end offerings of the Air are no doubt the most attractive on paper. Yet, we anticipate that most buyers will still opt for the Touring and Pure editions. Even then, the performance of these options is nothing to scoff at. 620 horsepower in the Air Touring with 406 miles of range. The base model Air Pure offers 480 horsepower with the same range as the Touring. Most people have never even driven a car with 480 horsepower, let alone an electric one.

This is to emphasize that even the base model Pure should be lightning fast. Any passing maneuver or quick acceleration is capable of immediate execution. The nature of electric torque will never make you feel like you're lacking power under your right foot. The Air Pure is unique in the sense it is the only Air model only powered by a rear electric motor. You can only get it with rear-wheel drive instead of the dual-motor all-wheel drive on other trims.

Also, all Air models enjoy the fastest charging tech available with 300kW peak power. This allows the Lucid Air to charge at a phenomenal rate, adding up to 300 miles of range in 20 minutes. Included with the Air is up to two years of free charging through Electrify America charging stations. Is Lucid's advancements in battery tech the cure for range anxiety? It sure does look like it.

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Exterior Design

While the Lucid Air may offer a variety of performance outputs depending on trim level, the sleek and classy design is standard across the board. You can tell right away, that the design team and engineers at Lucid spent countless hours perfecting the aerodynamic shape. The Lucid Air beats out the Tesla Model S' drag coefficient by 0.04. In a sea of cars, the Air is undoubtedly one of the sleekest automobiles on the road. It looks futuristic and expensive.

The body carries an elegant contrast between brilliant metallic paints and the extensive glass roofline. This Glass Canopy roof comes standard on Dream Edition and Grand Touring models. It is optional on the Touring model. All Pure models come standard with a full aluminum roof. We like the metal roof, it gives the Air a sportier look. The glass canopy transforms the Air into more of a spaceship.

One thing that is no doubt futuristic is the lighting package available on the Air. The six individual LED projectors displayed on the headlights are all built in-house. The design is elegant and molded to be seamless with the front end. The singular long taillight accentuates their emphasis on aerodynamics. From any angle, the Air is intriguing to look at. Not a design we have seen before and we like its uniqueness.

With three-wheel options from 19 to 21 inches, there are considerations to take with the Air. The larger 21 and 20-inch options will sacrifice drive range along with increased road noise. Those seeking the best ride quality and range will seek the 19-inch Aero Range wheel as their top choice.

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Interior Quality And Technology

One look at the Lucid Air's cabin and there is there's no doubt that this is a luxury car. The materials used and design details lend a handcrafted feel. Various levels of interior designs exist, each with a unique California-inspired theme. From Santa Monica to the Mojave, each option presents a clean and exciting cabin filled with luxury.

The impressive floating 34-inch glass panel is one of the crispiest displays we've seen. An extra central display is retractable to increase storage space. With the glass roof, the Air gives an undeniable sense of airiness. The rear seating for three offers incredible leg space. So much so, that a jet-style executive seating option will be available on future models.

Lucid also did a great job with optimizing storage on the Air. The Air offers the largest "frunk" of any EV available. Rear seats folded can fit a surfboard and luggage, while still seating three. Hidden compartments within the storage areas further increase space to cavernous levels.

Those wanting semi-autonomous driving tech will have to go for a $10,000 option. Known as Dreamdrive Pro, expect the most comprehensive sensor system available. While it comes in at a steep price, this will be a big selling point for many Air buyers.

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2022 Lucid Air Price And Availability

2022 Lucid Air Price

There is an incredible range of prices between Lucid Air models. The Dream Edition starts at $169,000 MSRP. Limited to 520 units, this is more of a collector's car than anything else. The full-production Grand Touring starts at $154,000 and is now making deliveries. The Touring at $107,400 and Pure at $87,400 will be available for sale in Q4 2022. If you want to get your hands on one, it's better to start thinking sooner than later. Supply chain issues have slowed production numbers for Air for the near future.

The Dream Edition is twice the price of the Pure. Is the limited model twice as good as the base model? Not a chance. What exactly were you going to do with 1,111 horsepower anyway? Even then, it hasn't stopped profiteers from selling Dream Edition cars at well over $200,000.

Configure your Lucid Air here.

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Main Competition

There are two obvious competitors to the Lucid Air: the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan. Where Lucid beats both sedans, regardless of trim is in driving range and charging speed. The base model Taycan offers 282 miles while the Model S offers 348 miles. The base model Pure offers 405 miles in comparison. The Taycan requires 22.5 minutes for 160 miles of charge compared to 20 minutes for 300 miles in the Air. That's twice as fast.

In performance figures, the Air Pure offers 78 more horsepower than the Taycan's 402. Out on the road, can the Air provide the driving dynamics of the Porsche? Very unlikely, but there are obvious trade-offs. Is the Lucid Air the end of Tesla? We doubt it. Yet, it creates a compelling package that distinguishes it, from its Californian rival. Ensuring to not sacrifice quality for the sake of innovation, the Lucid Air is a refreshing take on what a luxury EV can be.

FAQ

Q: Is Lucid better than Tesla?

Lucid appears to have a leg up on Tesla since its all-electric Air sedan offers better performance, more driving range, and better build quality, however, Tesla continues to offer a better charging experience, thanks to its extensive supercharger network.

Q: Is Lucid Motors a Chinese company?

Lucid Motors is a California-based EV startup with Peter Rawlinson as it's CEP and backed up by investors from Saudi Arabia.

Q: Is Lucid worth buying?

While it might seem expensive at first, the Lucid Air offers a lot of bang for the buck, considering it offers supercar levels of performance at non-supercar prices.

Q: Can you charge a Lucid at a Tesla charging station?

For the moment, Lucid customers rely on Electrify America charging stations. Having said that, Tesla is considering opening up its Supercharger Network to EVs from other makes.

Q: How much will a 2022 Lucid Air cost?

The 2022 Lucid Air starts at $87,400 for the rear-wheel drive Pure model with the upcoming 2023 Lucid Air Sapphire costing $249,000.