The electric vehicle (EV) landscape is constantly evolving, striving for improvements in range, charging speed, and infrastructure to alleviate range anxiety. While most EVs still fall short of the average gasoline car’s 400-mile range, the Lucid Air emerges as a mature contender, pushing the boundaries of what an EV can be. This review explores the Lucid Air Grand Touring, examining its design, technology, performance, and overall value proposition.
Design and Comfort: A Premium Experience
The Lucid Air’s exterior design is sleek and modern, characterized by smooth lines and a low profile. While opinions may vary on its aesthetics, the car undeniably exudes a premium feel. The expansive glass roof, stretching across the length of the vehicle, adds a touch of elegance and enhances the sense of spaciousness within the cabin.
View of the rear of a Lucid Air Grand Touring in white.
The interior is where the Lucid Air truly shines. High-quality materials, comfortable seating with massage, heating, and cooling functions, and ample space create a luxurious and relaxing environment. This attention to detail is impressive, especially for a first-time car manufacturer.
A Lucid Air Ground Touring car in white against a leafy hedge.
Technology: A Seamless Integration of Screens and Controls
The Lucid Air’s dashboard is dominated by a series of seamlessly integrated screens. Starting on the left, a small display controls essential functions like headlights, wipers, and the charging port door. Next, the digital instrument cluster provides clear and concise information, focusing on speed and power usage. The central infotainment screen handles navigation and audio, with recent CarPlay support enhancing its functionality.
Interior view of the dash and steering wheel in a Lucid Air.
A separate touchscreen, located where a traditional gear selector would be, controls driving modes, mirrors, seats, and some climate settings. While most climate controls are accessed through this screen, physical buttons for fan speed and temperature are thoughtfully included for quick and easy adjustments.
The infotainment panel of a Lucid Air.
Range and Charging: Leading the EV Pack
The Lucid Air’s impressive range is a key differentiator. The base model boasts over 400 miles, while the Grand Touring tested here delivers an astonishing 516 miles, effectively eliminating range anxiety for most drivers. During a week of mixed driving, including a four-hour road trip, only one charge was needed.
A view of the front of a Lucid Air Grand Touring.
Fast charging capabilities further enhance the ownership experience. With support for up to 300kW charging, the Air can replenish its battery from 10% to 90% in approximately 45 minutes.
Driving Performance: A Thrilling Ride
The Lucid Air Grand Touring offers exhilarating performance. Its powerful electric motors deliver instant acceleration and responsive handling, making for an engaging driving experience. The “Sprint” mode truly lives up to its name, providing a thrilling burst of speed. Driver-assistance features, such as adaptive cruise control, forward collision warnings, and blind-spot cameras, add to the overall driving experience.
A closeup of the Steering Wheel buttons in a Lucid Air.
Conclusion: A compelling Luxury EV
The Lucid Air sets a new standard for electric vehicles, offering a compelling combination of long range, luxurious comfort, advanced technology, and impressive performance. While its premium price puts it in competition with established luxury EVs like the Mercedes-Benz EQS and Tesla Model S, the Air’s unique blend of features makes it a strong contender for buyers seeking a cutting-edge and long-range electric vehicle.
