Lucid Air First Drive: Power and Panache - Review

Understanding the Engineering Behind the Lucid Air

During a drive on Interstate 8 in the Lucid Air, discussion naturally shifted to the importance of spider graphs in automotive engineering.

These graphs provide a rapid assessment of the interplay between critical elements such as power output, overall performance, vehicle weight, and aerodynamic efficiency.

The Delicate Balance of Automotive Design

For automotive engineers, spider graphs are a fundamental tool.

Achieving equilibrium between battery pack weight, power delivery, and braking capabilities is a complex undertaking. An imbalance in any of these areas can significantly compromise the vehicle's usability for the end consumer.

Furthermore, the integration of design limitations alongside federal regulations and legal requirements elevates the challenge of developing a completely new vehicle to a near-insurmountable level.

Lucid Air: A Well-Engineered Electric Vehicle

The Lucid Air, a luxury electric vehicle with a price range of $77,400 to $169,000 based on the chosen configuration, demonstrates carefully refined spider graph optimization.

Although the initial release wasn't flawless, the vehicle benefits from the expertise of seasoned automotive professionals, cutting-edge technology, and a strategic approach to the ideal balance represented in its spider graphs.

A Blend of Performance and Luxury

The Lucid Air successfully delivers a compelling combination of features.

• Exceptional driving range
• A high level of interior refinement and build quality
• An abundance of advanced technology

These attributes collectively cater to the needs of even the most demanding automotive enthusiasts.

The Lucid Air: An Overview of the Electric Sedan

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

Upon arriving for a 13-minute test drive of the Lucid Air Dream R, recently produced, a “Lucid Quick Starter” guide was provided.

This pamphlet functioned similarly to a store map, illustrating the location of controls like windshield wipers and steering wheel adjustments. Following a comprehensive, nearly three-hour tour of the battery and assembly facility in Casa Grande, Arizona, it became apparent that some explanation of the vehicle’s features would be necessary for drivers.

The Lucid Air Dream R vehicles available for testing are full-size sedans, offering seating for five and interior volume comparable to many midsize SUVs. Lucid designates the initial Air models rolling off the production line as “Dream” editions. The Air represents Lucid Motors’ first production vehicle, offered in Range (R) and Performance (P) variants. The distinction between these versions lies primarily in their capabilities: the Range model achieves an EPA-estimated range of up to 520 miles, while the Performance model delivers 1,111 horsepower and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in less than 2.5 seconds.

The cabin features minimal physical buttons, limited to basic temperature, fan, and audio controls, alongside a few steering wheel buttons for the ADAS system. Most functions are managed through the central “Pilot Panel,” a large curved screen that can retract into the dashboard to reveal a small storage compartment. This screen serves as the primary control interface for the Lucid Air.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

Drivers can adjust seat settings using conventional toggles, but further customization diverges from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Steering wheel adjustments, like mirror adjustments, are performed via the Pilot Panel’s touchscreen interface.

After settling in, utilize the steering wheel stalk to engage drive. If brake hold is activated, a gentle press of the accelerator is required to initiate movement. Given its full-size luxury sedan classification, the turning radius is substantial, potentially requiring owners to practice three-point turns in confined spaces.

In “Smooth” mode, Lucid’s comfort setting, the accelerator response is balanced and predictable, mirroring the feel of internal combustion engine vehicles. Acceleration is linear, preventing unintended rapid acceleration. The Air R delivers a smooth and comfortable ride, even on sun-damaged and uneven road surfaces – though it may feel somewhat muted in Smooth mode.

Selecting “Swift” mode via the Pilot Panel alters the five-link suspension, semi-active dampers, and throttle mapping for a more engaging driving experience. The ride firms up slightly without compromising passenger comfort. Esther Unti, a senior vehicle dynamics engineer, noted that utilizing the even sportier “Sprint” mode – which was unavailable for testing – results in an approximate 10-mile reduction in total range.

The Lucid Air offers two regenerative braking modes: standard and high. Accessing braking settings through the Pilot Panel’s Swift mode button allows selection between these options. In high mode, the vehicle behaves similarly to other electric vehicles in “B-mode,” slowing upon accelerator release and recovering energy to the 113 kWh battery pack. This battery pack exceeds the capacity of those found in Tesla vehicles. While requiring some acclimation to avoid occupant discomfort, the high regenerative braking isn’t overly aggressive. Standard mode allows the Lucid Air to coast like a conventional gasoline-powered vehicle.

A massive, yet unobtrusive, 34-inch curved 5K screen serves as the driver’s cockpit display. It presents information in a minimalist fashion. Steering wheel buttons control the “DreamDrive” ADAS system, deploying 14 cameras, six radar sensors, one lidar unit, and one ultrasonic sensor. During a brief highway test, the ADAS system appeared to function effectively. Drivers can choose between “Highway drive,” which provides lane-keeping assistance, and standard cruise control, which manages speed only.

Although navigation system testing was unavailable due to system deactivation, Lucid states that destinations entered on the upper cockpit screen can be swiped down to the Pilot Panel for a larger map display.

The Interior: A Spacious Cabin

The design philosophy of the Lucid Air centers around maximizing interior space, and the vehicle delivers on this promise. Rear seat passengers benefit from generous legroom – exceeding 35 inches in the R version experienced during testing. The expansive dual-pane glass roof, equipped with infrared blocking, cultivates a relaxed, open atmosphere akin to a convertible experience, but without the drawbacks of sun exposure.

However, the substantial amount of glass can introduce some acoustic challenges within the cabin. Even on well-maintained roads, a noticeable booming sound was present, occasionally requiring forward leaning to facilitate conversation with front-seat occupants during test drives.

Image Credits: Kirsten Korosec

The interior aesthetic blends contemporary design with minimalist principles. A palette of subdued colors, combined with the use of both cloth and leather materials, reinforces the feeling of airiness and spaciousness. Despite this, certain elements within the Air’s interior don’t quite reach the expected level of premium quality.

Specifically, the interior door handles present a curious design choice. Lucid has moved away from traditional pull handles, integrating them within the armrest as small, plastic-feeling levers. Activating these levers requires a rearward pull to open the door. In both models tested, these handles felt lightweight and somewhat coarse to the touch, resembling a quickly prototyped component.

A similar sensation arises when interacting with the steering wheel controls for the ADAS (Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems). Operation is achieved through a pair of silver buttons positioned on the wheel spokes. A single press activates highway mode, while a longer hold engages cruise control. A small thumb wheel, located beneath the buttons, allows for speed adjustments during cruise control or ADAS use.

This thumb wheel, however, lacks the tactile feedback and substantial feel typically found in luxury vehicles, again evoking the impression of a lightweight, 3D-printed part. These minor details, while noticeable, do not significantly diminish the overall luxurious and well-constructed feel of the Lucid Air.

The body panels exhibit tight alignment and consistent gaps, demonstrating a clear vision for the future of luxury sedans. The Lucid Air’s pricing begins at $77,400, with the potential to reach $169,000 for the Air Dream Edition.

Following application of federal tax credits, the base model’s price reduces to $69,900, while the Dream Edition becomes $161,500. Lucid’s website indicates that the Air Dream Edition is currently unavailable for new orders, with reservations now closed. Initial customer deliveries are scheduled to commence in early October.