A Comprehensive Review of the Lucid Air Touring
Having driven a Lucid Air Touring for over 11,000 miles in less than a year, it’s clear this car is exceptional. Its accolades, including the 2022 Motor Trend Car of the Year, reflect its impressive performance and luxury. Yet, if I could magically tweak a few things, I would enhance its already outstanding features.
Experience Compared to Other Electric Vehicles
This Air Touring is my eighth electric vehicle, following a diverse lineup from a self-built Miata conversion to a Hyundai Ioniq 5. While the Jaguar I-Pace is somewhat comparable, the Lucid surpasses it in speed, quietness, and driving confidence. Its interior design is thoughtfully crafted, balancing tactile controls with a responsive touchscreen that outperforms competitors.
Road Trip Performance
The Lucid Air truly excels on road trips, offering a serene cabin and an efficient drivetrain. With top-tier charging speed and extended range, long journeys become enjoyable rather than tedious. My travels from the SF Bay Area to destinations like Las Vegas and Lake Tahoe have proven the Air’s capability to handle extended trips seamlessly.
Comparing the Air to Its Rivals
When choosing between the Air and Porsche Taycan, the Lucid won me over with its one-pedal driving feature and a more welcoming dealership experience. Although the Taycan is a strong contender, its lack of one-pedal driving and less engaging customer service at Porsche tipped the scales in favor of Lucid.
Criticisms and Areas for Improvement
Despite its many strengths, the Lucid Air does have some areas for improvement. Issues like the slow boot-up of the bird’s eye view screen and the lack of Android Auto are notable. Additionally, challenges with the charge port illumination and low clearance could benefit from attention, although they are relatively minor compared to the overall excellence of the vehicle.
Final Thoughts
The Lucid Air Touring offers a thrilling driving experience with few compromises, rekindling the excitement of the open road. Its performance and comfort make it a standout choice for anyone seeking a high-end electric vehicle that delivers on its promises without the typical road trip drawbacks.