The Lucid Air, a beacon of electric luxury, took flight in 2020 after years of anticipation. While Lucid is expanding its lineup with an SUV called the Gravity and more mainstream models, the Air remains their sole product and a testament to their commitment to pushing the boundaries of EV technology. The Air has evolved since its launch, adding configurations to cater to diverse driver needs. For 2024, Lucid has refined the Air lineup, offering four distinct variants: the base Pure, the all-wheel-drive Touring, the long-range Grand Touring, and the performance-focused Sapphire. This reshuffling provides a compelling opportunity to see how these versions compare and understand why the Air continues to stand out in the crowded electric vehicle market.
The Lucid Air Pure, starting at $71,400, is a compelling entry point for those seeking an efficient and luxurious EV. Gone is the all-wheel drive option, leaving a rear-wheel drive configuration that boasts an impressive 419 miles of range from its 88-kilowatt-hour battery pack. This is remarkable, especially when compared to the Tesla Model S, which requires nearly 100 kWh of battery capacity to achieve a similar 402-mile range. The Pure, while the least powerful Air, still delivers 430 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque, propelling the 4,564-pound sedan from zero to 60 mph in a brisk 4.5 seconds. It’s not just about raw power, though; the Pure offers a unique driving experience. Its rear-wheel drive setup enhances steering responsiveness, making it feel nimble and engaging on winding roads. While not a small car, the Pure navigates tight corners with the precision of a fighter pilot maneuvering through the Death Star trench run. The Pure doesn’t skimp on creature comforts either, featuring the same 34.0-inch display as its more expensive siblings and a comprehensive suite of technology.
The Air Touring, priced at $79,400, represents the entry point for those seeking all-wheel drive capability. The Touring sits between the Pure and Grand Touring, providing a blend of performance and efficiency. With a larger 92-kWh battery pack, it delivers a slightly reduced range of 411 miles. However, it boasts a significant power increase, generating 620 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque, enabling a 3.4-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 140 mph. Despite its impressive acceleration, the Touring prioritizes smoothness and serenity, delivering a comfortable and refined driving experience. While it can handle twisty roads with ease, its focus remains on effortless cruising and maximizing the Air’s generous range. The Touring offers a premium experience but doesn’t feel significantly upgraded from the Pure in terms of interior or technology. It maintains the same user-friendly interface and standard driver-assist features, offering a comprehensive suite of safety and convenience features.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring, priced at $111,400, embodies the essence of luxury and long-range capability. It boasts an incredible 516 miles of range from its 112-kWh battery pack, making it the longest-range EV currently on sale. It’s also the fastest-charging Air variant, capable of recovering 200 miles of range in just 12 minutes when connected to a high-power DC fast-charging station. For 2024, Lucid has eliminated the previous 1,050-hp Grand Touring Performance, leaving the standard Grand Touring with a still impressive 819 horsepower and 885 lb-ft of torque, resulting in a 3.0-second sprint to 60 mph and a top speed of 168 mph. While the Grand Touring shares the Touring’s laid-back demeanor, its vast power reserves remain readily available, offering a seamless blend of luxury and performance. The experience is surprisingly unassuming considering the power on tap, making it the most user-friendly 819-hp car you’re likely to encounter. The interior of the Grand Touring, while luxurious, doesn’t feel vastly different from the Pure and Touring models. Lucid has chosen to maintain consistency in interior fittings across all trims, ensuring a premium experience throughout the lineup. The Grand Touring’s exceptional range is a testament to Lucid’s engineering prowess and serves as a powerful argument against those who hold reservations about EV range anxiety.
The Lucid Air Sapphire, priced at $250,500, is the pinnacle of performance and a direct competitor to the Tesla Model S Plaid. Powered by a tri-motor powertrain, it boasts a staggering 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 lb-ft of torque, catapulting the Sapphire from zero to 60 mph in a mind-bending 1.8 seconds, covering a quarter-mile in 8.9 seconds at 158 mph, and reaching a top speed of 205 mph. The Sapphire is more than just a Grand Touring with an extra motor, though. It benefits from unique suspension tuning, carbon ceramic brakes, staggered 20-inch front and 21-inch rear wheels, and Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires. These enhancements transform the Sapphire into a complete performance car, capable of delivering exhilarating driving experiences. The Sapphire is not just about brute power; it exhibits a surprising level of finesse and precision. Despite its blistering acceleration, the Sapphire retains a sense of composure and delicacy, effortlessly navigating corners with a level of control that keeps the driver connected to the car’s movements. The Sapphire delivers an exhilarating driving experience while remaining comfortable and boasting more range than any other EV on the market. Its price tag reflects its exclusivity and performance capabilities.
The Lucid Air lineup demonstrates the versatility of the Air platform. From the efficient Pure to the performance-focused Sapphire, each variant caters to a specific driver need. The Air lineup offers a clearer distinction between models compared to the BMW i7 or Mercedes-Benz EQS lineups, while providing more choices than Tesla, which has streamlined its Model S lineup to just two variants. The Air acts as a force multiplier for Lucid, enabling them to fill multiple niches with a single vehicle. While the Air excels in many areas, it does have some limitations. Its styling might not appeal to everyone, and its touchscreen-heavy interface can be cumbersome for some tasks, requiring screen interactions for adjusting mirrors and steering wheel settings. The Air Touring seems to fill a price gap rather than offering a distinct driving experience. Even the most affordable Air Pure remains firmly in luxury car territory, making it less accessible to those seeking a more affordable EV option. Nevertheless, until Lucid expands its model range, the Air remains a formidable contender in the EV market, offering a compelling alternative to its rivals.
