Overview
Lucid Air sounds more like an ’80s cover band or a type of meditation than an all-electric luxury sedan. Then again, Tesla Model S probably sounded like an obscure electrical invention from the late 19th century when it debuted. While Tesla has established itself as the preeminent EV automaker, Lucid is currently best known for supplying batteries to Formula E race cars. Now, the upstart company looks to challenge luxury alternatives such as the Model S and Porsche Taycan with its all-new 2021 Air sedan. While full details are pending, we’re told it’ll have a driving range of more than 400 miles, a top speed greater than 200 mph, and zip from zero to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds. Additionally, it’ll have a spacious and luxurious cabin that will be covered by a glassy canopy that should help it live up to its atmospheric name.
What’s New for 2021?
The Lucid Air has been in the works for several years now, with the start of production moved from late 2018 to late 2020. However, a video in which Lucid teases the Air suggests this time is the real deal. We’re also told more specific details about the all-new EV sedan will be released in April at the New York auto show.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
- Air: $62,000 (est.)
Since the Air was first announced a few years back, the company has maintained that it will start at $60,000. However, that doesn’t include the undetermined destination price and is calculated before the expected $7500 federal tax credit. Lucid also has said that the top-of-the-line versions will retail in the low six figures. We’ll know more about the pricing structure once that information is announced in the coming months.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2020 Air is expected to offer single and dual electric motors, with the former providing rear-wheel drive and the latter providing all-wheel drive and a claimed 1000 horsepower. Still, the different variants likely won’t be defined for at least a couple months. Likewise, we expect more specific powertrain specifications to be announced at the time. Until then, Lucid claims the Air will be able to accelerate from zero to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds and have a top speed of more than 200 mph. The electrified sedan will be supported by an air suspension, too, which the company says helps provide a smooth ride. Its low center of gravity is also expected to help its handling characteristics.
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MORE ON THE LUCID AIR
Lucid’s Air EV Gets Cold Weather Tested
Lucid Shows Future Owners the Production Air Sedan
Lucid Teases First Production EV with Video
Range, Charging, and Battery Life
Lucid claims the Air will have a driving range of more than 400 miles, which would give it one of the highest ranges of the electric vehicles on the market. The company also has said that the more affordable models will have a shorter driving range of about 315 miles. Lucid has previously claimed that the Air will be available with a 100-kWh and 130-kWh battery pack. And although we expect DC fast-charging to be available, that hasn’t been confirmed.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Neither Lucid nor the EPA have released any specifics about how efficient the Air will be. While we’ve been told it’ll have a driving range of more thaan 400 miles, we won’t be able to test that claim in the real world until we have a chance to test a production version.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
Make no mistake, the Air is intended to be a luxury car, and its handsome interior is fitted with upscale materials and cutting-edge technology. Lucid is especially proud of the sedan’s expansive passenger space, which is highlighted by a large back seat. While the standard rear seating is said to be comfortable for up to three adults, there’s also an optional Executive Rear Seating option that brings significant recline functions for ultimate comfort. The Air’s cabin is expected to offer a mostly glass roof that makes it feel even airier and helps outward visibility. Its cargo space hasn’t been defined, but we know it will have a front and rear trunk for storing luggage and other items.
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Infotainment and Connectivity
The Air is outfitted with a sophisticated infotainment system that incorporates a large upper touchscreen that flows out of the fully digital gauge cluster and a tabletlike lower touchscreen that handles additional functions. Lucid says the system’s voice-recognition software will respond to natural speech patterns. The interface also has an artificial assistant that learns the user’s preferred music and climate settings.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The 2020 Air hasn’t been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Lucid does claim that its upcoming sedan will have advanced driver-assistance technology as well as autonomous abilities.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
With Lucid being a startup automaker with no previous products, we don’t have any information on its warranty or maintenance coverage. The company has said it will compete with Tesla, so it’s plausible that Lucid could offer a similar warranty of four years/50,000 miles of limited coverage and eight years/unlimited miles of powertrain protection.
