2023 Lucid Air Electric

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Rating8.2
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$77,400 - $179,000
Starting Price 
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Nathan Dyer 

Senior Editor,

Updated on July 19, 2024

ProsConsWhat's New

Best in class range

Confusing infotainment interface

Grand Touring Performance trim

Spacious and modern cabin

Tire noise

Lucid Air Sapphire with 1200+ hp as a part of Lucid's performance sub-brand “Sapphire”

Zippy acceleration.

Not luxurious enough for the price

Stealth look appearance package

Specs & Features

$82,400

price

620 hp

horsepower

TBD

torque

1-speed Automatic

transmission

electric AWD 1A

engine

-

basic warranty

Overview

The Lucid Air luxury midsize sedan is one of the few EVs that have so far had a significant impact despite the fact that several brands have launched EVs in an effort to disrupt the transportation market. It can give unmatched range and excellent performance thanks to its large battery and small motors, both of which were developed internally. The top Grand Touring Performance model can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in only 2.6 seconds and cover a total of 516 miles when driven under controlled speeds. The Air is desirable because of its sleek design and roomy cabin, but given its price, we expected a more opulent interior. Almost all of the controls are accessible through one of the numerous display panels that are scattered throughout the cabin, a nod to Lucid's Silicon Valley beginnings. Other than that, the performance, range, and general swankiness of the luxury four-door make it a potential rival to expensive EVs like the Porsche Taycan, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, as well as the Tesla Model S.

Buying Advice

The Touring model is what we'd lean toward as I t has several appealing features and is considerably less expensive than the Grand Touring model. 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, in-dash navigation, and an estimated driving range of 406 miles are all included in the Touring.

Comparative Analysis against Competition

The Stealth Look appearance package has been added by Lucid to the Air's 2023 options list. With the $6000 package, the 20- or 21-inch high-polish wheels of the Air are swapped out for dark grey ones, and the external bling is replaced with stealth black parts. All trims except the base Pure model will have the option to add this package.

Features
7.0/10

The trim levels for the 2023 Lucid Air will start with the base Pure model that will sell for $87,400 and move its way up to Touring, Grand Touring, and the Grand Touring Performance model. The top variant is expected to sell for $181,000 and the Dream Edition that was introduced last year is no more available as it was a limited run model which has all sold out. All Lucid Air models get three years of free charging through the Electrify America charging network as standard. The Grand Touring Performance trim gives a lot of the flair of the Dream edition if you want to maximize your luxury and the money that goes out of your pocket. Midway through the 2022 model year, Lucid raised the price of the Air, and orders placed after June 1st, 2022 will use the updated price.

Trim

Pure

Touring

Grand Touring

Grand Touring Performance

MSRP (RWD)

$87,400

-

-

-

MSRP (AWD)

-

$110,000

$156,000

$181,000

Key Features

Single motor

Dual motor

Glass canopy roof

1,050 horsepower

19-inch aero range wheels

20-inch Aero Lite wheels

21-inch Aero Blade wheels

 

PureLuxe leather alternative interior

Natural grain leather upholstery

Surreal sound pro with Dolby Atmos compatibility

 

Dual-zone automatic climate control

Wooden interior trim

Heated and ventilated front seats with massage

 

Ambient lighting

 

Ultra-fast 900V+ charging system

 

Leather-wrapped steering wheel

     

34-inch touchscreen display

     

21-speaker sound system

     

We Recommend

The Touring model is what we'd lean toward as I t has several appealing features and is considerably less expensive than the Grand Touring model. 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, in-dash navigation, and an estimated driving range of 406 miles are all included in the Touring.

Release Date

The new Grand Touring Performance will be showcased at the Pebble Beach event and the sale of all the 2023 models will commence during Q4 of 2022.

Fuel Economy
9.9/10

According to EPA estimations, the Air has the greatest range of any electric car that is currently available on the market. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Performance models offer up to 516 and 446 miles of range, respectively, while the entry-level Pure and mid-range Touring trims each have an estimated driving range of 406 miles. The Air has a 112.0 kWh battery pack and supports DC fast charging. The sedan is reported to be able to recover 300 miles of range in 21 minutes when connected to a fast charger. Additionally, three years of complimentary fast charging at Electrify America charging stations will be available to the owners. As long as it is done only for personal, non-commercial purposes, there is no restriction on how frequently owners may charge their vehicles.

Model

2023 Lucid Air

2023 Tesla Model S

2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo

2023 Mercedes EQS

MPGe (city)

130

124

68

97

MPGe (highway)

132

115

71

97

MPGe (combined)

131

120

69

97

Battery size (kWh)

112.0

100.0

93.4

107.8

Range (miles)

516

405

212

478

Lucid has stuck to their claim of the highest range in class by offering a massive 516 miles of range but this number was achieved on the smaller 19-inch wheels. Upgrading to the larger 21-inches will bring the number lower but not by drastic amounts. The EQS takes the second spot while the Porsche falls behind the line with the lowest range.

Interior
8.0/10

The Air is unmistakably designed to be a luxury vehicle, and its elegant cabin is furnished with opulent materials and cutting-edge tech. The spacious interior of the sedan, which is distinguished by a roomy back seat, is something that Lucid is particularly proud of. Although it is claimed that the regular rear seating is adequate for up to three adults, the Executive Rear Seating option has a reclining mechanism for maximum comfort. The glass roof of the Air increases the feeling of space and improves visibility outside. The front center console of the car appears to offer plenty of storage space both inside the huge center console bin, which has places for a smartphone, as well as under the bottom touchscreen's retractable cover.

Model

2023 Lucid Air

2023 Tesla Model S

2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo

2023 Mercedes EQS

Passenger Capacity

5

5

4 + 1

5

First Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

39.5/58.3/41.5

38.8/57.7/42.7

NA

NA

Second Row (Head/shoulder/legroom)

38.3/54.5/37.4

35.3/55.0/35.4

NA

NA

Trunk and frunk Capacity (cu.-ft)

32.1

26.0

15.7

22

All these sedans offer ample passenger space but the rear section on the Lucid deserves some praise as there is enough room for even taller passengers. Since there is no engine to house, these sedans also provide frunk storage spaces that make them much more practical than a regular sedan. The Lucid takes the lead in terms of the cargo pace by offering a total of 32.1 cu-ft of space.

Some standout interior features on the 2023 Lucid Air include

  • Glass canopy roof
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • Leather seats
  • Multi-functional leather steering wheel
  • Ambient lighting
  • Wooden cabin trims

How intuitive is the 2023 Lucid Air infotainment system?

The Air is equipped with an advanced entertainment system that consists of a tablet-like lower touchscreen that performs infotainment functions and can be retracted into the dashboard, as well as a big 34-inch 5K higher touchscreen that extends fully to form the digital gauge cluster. The system's voice-recognition software, according to Lucid, will react to normal speech patterns. The user's favorite music and climatic settings are likewise stored by the interface's assistant. A series of toggles for temperature and fan speed, together with a slider to change the level of the audio system, are also located on the steering wheel in addition to basic physical controls.

Some of the standout infotainment features on the 2023 Lucid Air are

  • 34-inch 5K touchscreen digital gauge cluster
  • Tablet-like infotainment touchscreen
  • 21-speaker Surreal Sound stereo system
  • Amazon Alexa voice recognition
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto

Exterior
8.0/10

The Lucid Air blends aesthetic appeal and practicality. Whatever angle you view it from, it appears slick and contemporary. It boasts one of the lowest aerodynamic drag coefficients in the sector at about 0.21, allowing for smooth acceleration. With LED headlights that resemble crystals and a lowered hood, the front facade is simple. There are no distinct character arcs and the sides are simple. Sweeping LED taillights in the back give the sense of continuous light and depth. 19-inch wheels are standard, although upgrades to 20- and 21-inch wheels are available. Starting in the first quarter of 2023, Lucid will start selling Stealth Look for an additional $6,000. Mirror caps, glass top trim, and frames for the headlights and taillights are some of the modifications. "Dark Stealth Polished finish" will replace the existing glossy platinum finish. The Stealth Look will be offered for Grand Touring Performance, Grand Touring, and Touring trims as an option. Lucid provides 20-inch or 21-inch wheels with satin black inlays, depending on the model. The Stealth Look can also be used with any exterior shade, although at the moment only red, white, black, silver, and grey are available.

Model

2023 Lucid Air

2023 Tesla Model S

2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo

2023 Mercedes EQS

Curb Weight (lbs)

5,232

4,561

5,119

5,952

Length (in.)

195.9

196.0

195.4

205.4

Width (in.)

76.3

77.3

77.5

75.8

Height (in.)

55.6

56.9

54.4

59.5

Ground Clearance (in.)

NA

4.6

5.0

NA

Wheelbase (in.)

116.6

116.5

114.2

126.4

The Mercedes-Benz is the longest sedan here and also the tallest, leaving a lot of presence on the road. Both the Tesla and Lucid have very similar dimensions while the Porsche is the smallest and most compact sedan out of them all.

Some of the standout exterior features include

  • LED headlights
  • LED taillights
  • Body flush door handles
  • 19/20/21-inch wheels
  • Power folding heated exterior mirrors

Safety

The brand is developing Level 3 self-driving capabilities, and the Air is available with a variety of driver-assistance features. The self-drive feature won't be accessible at first, but over-the-air updates will work their magic to make it possible within three years. The Lucid Air hasn’t been tested by NHTSA or IIHS in order to save cost but it is safe to say that this sedan will keep its occupants secured and with the list of safety tech and features t comes with, the sedan is safe for both occupants and the traffic around.

Some of the standout safety features available with the 2023 Lucid Air are

  • Blind-spot monitor
  • Adaptive cruise control
  • Rear cross-traffic alert
  • Driver attention monitor
  • Night vision
  • Semi-autonomous driving

Competition

2023 Lucid Air vs 2023 Tesla Model S

The Model S was the first electric vehicle to become desirable, and it has acted as a template and a cautionary tale for many that came after it. Recent improvements to the Model S include a new interior, increased range, and improved performance thanks to the Plaid model. Although it still lacks some of the luxury car refinement we've come to expect, the build quality and technology are superior to Lucids. Another advantage is the availability of Tesla's strong supercharger network.

2023 Lucid Air vs 2023 Mercedes-Benz EQS

One of the most luxurious and well-equipped EVs on the road is the EQS. It outperforms the Lucid in terms of both build quality and in-car technology. The EQS is extremely outstanding in terms of the range it offers, despite not having as much capacity as the Air. Inside, the EQS is less spacious than the Lucid and is also less exciting when it comes to performance.

2023 Lucid Air vs 2023 Porsche Taycan Turbo

The Porsche Taycan feels very different from its rivals and has a very distinct character. It is cozy and a fantastic driving vehicle. At the moment, the advanced driver assistance systems in the Porsche perform better than those in the Lucid. However, the Lucid offers noticeably more interior room, power, and range.

Final Verdict

Despite being a young brand with just one model under its stable, Lucid has been able to make a massive impact and the Lucid Air is a strong contender in the EV market. The range it offers is unmatched and eliminates range anxiety, which is an issue with a few of its rivals. The Lucid Air with the new Stealth Look package looks menacing yet contains its elegance. This car is a strong reason to look beyond just Tesla when it comes to EVs and the brand also looks to expand by soon unveiling its SUV.

Trims

    Pure
    $77,400 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 620 hp hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 3.69 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 140 mpg
    Touring
    $95,000 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 620 hp hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 3.69 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 121 mpg
    Grand Touring
    $125,000 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1A
    • Horsepower: 819 hp hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: 4.14 sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 121 mpg
    Grand Touring Performance
    $179,000 onwards
    • Engine: electric AWD 1A
    • Horsepower: TBD hp
    • Torque: TBD
    • 0-60 mph: TBD sec
    • Top Speed: TBD mph
    • Fuel Economy Combined: 111 mpg

Compare to similar cars

Price

$21,500- $179,000

Engine

electric

Rating

8.24

Horsepower

819 hp

Torque

406 lb-ft

Capacity

5

Read Review

$74,990- $89,990

electric

8.28

670 hp

-

5

Read Review

2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's 0-60

    Car Name
    0-60 MPH
    Quarter Mile
    Top Speed
    SourceCompare
    4.3 sec12.7 sec127 mph
    3.16 sec10.6 sec130 mph

    2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's MPG

      Car Name
      MPG City
      MPG Highway
      MPG Combined
      SourceCompare
      141 mpg140 mpg140 mpg -
      127 mpg116 mpg122 mpg

      2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's dimensions

        Car Name
        Length
        Width
        Height
        Ground Clearance
        Wheelbase
        SourceCompare
        195.9 in.76.3 in.55.4 in.-116.5 in. -
        197.7 in.78.2 in.56.3 in.4.6 in.116.5 in. -

        2023 Genesis G80 Electric Sedan

        Ranked #2

        197 in.75.8 in.57.9 in.5.4 in.118.5 in. -

        2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's trunk space

          Car Name
          Trunk Capacity
          Passenger Volume
          Max Trunk Volume
          SourceCompare
          22.1 cu.ft.101 cu.ft.- -
          25 cu.ft.-61.4 cu.ft.

          2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's cargo space

            Car Name
            Cargo Volume
            Cargo Volume w/ Seat Area
            Max Cargo Volume
            SourceCompare
            -22.1 cu.ft.- -
            61.4 cu.ft.25 cu.ft.61.4 cu.ft.

            2023 Lucid Air Electric vs competitor's towing capacity

              Car Name
              Payload Capacity
              Weight
              SourceCompare
              1080 lbs.5203 lbs. -
              891 lbs.4561 lbs. -

              Top Lucid Cars

              2023 Lucid Air Electric

              Horsepower : 480 hp

              MPG Combined : 140 mpg

              0-60 : 4.3 sec

              #1