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First drive of US start-up’s mega EV
S-Class space, Tesla pace, futuristic face
Coming to the UK at the end of 2023
It’s mid-morning in Los Angeles, and as we meet the Lucid Air, a Lamborghini Huracan Spyder slows down opposite us. The Air could out-accelerate the Lamborghini and looks just as striking in its own clean, smooth-shaped way. But what sets it apart is its interior space, comparable to a Mercedes-Benz S-Class, its fully electric nature, and its impressive 500-mile range. We are here to find out if the Lucid Air is truly a dream come true.
Hold up – what makes the Lucid Air special?
What isn’t? The Lucid Air combines stunning concept car looks with a spacious interior and an incredible range. Lucid has taken a bold engineering approach, developing all the technology in-house, including the platform, motors, transmission, and more. This commitment to innovation sets Lucid apart from the competition.
How much does a Lucid Air cost?
The Lucid Air Dream Edition models, celebrating the EPA-rated 520-mile range, are already sold out. The pre-production model we’re driving is similar to the Lucid Air Dream Range, which is best suited for long-distance driving. The entry-level Lucid Air Pure, with a single motor and 473bhp, will start under $70k (with the US EV grant), while the dual-motor Touring version will be priced under $100k.
When will it be available in the UK?
Left-hand-drive European sales are expected to begin before the end of 2022. However, Lucid has plans to bring UK-ready versions to the market, but they are unlikely to be available before 2023.
What can we expect from the Lucid Air’s interior?
The Lucid Air’s interior is a sunlit cockpit with a glass windscreen merging seamlessly into the glass roof. The instrument panel features a compound-curved 5K display with a touch-sensitive section, complemented by a lower conventional tablet that can be stowed away to access additional storage space. The interface might be laggy in this pre-production car, but Lucid promises over-the-air improvements to enhance the user experience.
How does it drive?
At a gentle cruise, the Lucid Air offers a zen-like experience. The suspension absorbs bumps with ease, while the steering impresses with its precision and lack of kickback. But it’s on more exciting roads that the Lucid Air truly shines. With its Lotus-inspired handling and hypercar-like acceleration, it feels like a luxurious sports car. From cornering to braking, the Lucid Air exudes confidence and performance.
Verdict
While the Lucid Air has a few minor drawbacks, such as the laggy infotainment system and noticeable gear whine, it is undeniably a game-changer. Lucid’s innovative approach and meticulous engineering have resulted in a truly special electric vehicle. Everyone we encountered during our drive recognized the Air’s groundbreaking potential. If Lucid’s bold approach pays off, this could be the future of electric cars.
To learn more about the Lucid Air and other innovative vehicles, visit Ratingperson.
