Category: Lucid Air

Dec 18

Lucid Air Named Top Car of 2023 by The Weekly Driver Podcast

Annual Car Selection by The Weekly Driver Podcast

As co-hosts of The Weekly Driver Podcast, Bruce Aldrich and I continue our tradition of selecting the year’s best cars. This involves interviewing guests, extensively test-driving vehicles, capturing photos, and sharing our detailed insights. Each review goes beyond a simple test drive, turning into a comprehensive evaluation of the vehicle’s performance and features.

Evaluation Process and Our Top Choice

Bruce’s extensive mechanical knowledge, combined with my experience writing vehicle reviews for various publications, including TheWeeklyDriver.com since 2004, provides a well-rounded perspective. In 2023, we meticulously reviewed 37 models. This year, both Bruce and I independently chose the 2023 Lucid Air as our top pick. We reviewed the Grand Touring and Pure trims, both of which impressed us with their exceptional performance and innovative features.

Highlights of the Lucid Air

In my evaluation of the Lucid Air (Grand Touring), I highlighted its impressive specifications and modern design. Available in trims like Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Performance, and the new Sapphire, the Lucid Air sets a high standard for contemporary sedans. The Grand Touring model features 819 horsepower, a 112-kWh battery, a 516-mile range, and accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. This high-performance sedan blends luxury, spaciousness, and advanced technology, redefining what a modern vehicle can offer.

Additional Insightful Information

The Lucid Air represents a significant leap in the automotive industry, particularly within the electric vehicle segment. Its extensive range and rapid acceleration cater to both performance enthusiasts and everyday drivers. For example, the ability to travel from San Francisco to Los Angeles and halfway back on a single charge is a notable advantage over many gasoline-powered cars. This remarkable range, coupled with luxurious features, makes the Lucid Air a practical and exhilarating option for those embracing the future of automotive technology.

Moreover, the Lucid Air’s industry-leading statistics, such as its sub-three-second 0-to-60 mph time, demonstrate its exceptional engineering and design. The car provides not only outstanding performance but also a comfortable and stylish driving experience. As electric vehicles continue to rise in popularity, the Lucid Air exemplifies the significant advancements in this field, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable, high-performance transportation.

Dec 18

Lucid Air Touring Review: The Ultimate EV Road Trip Companion Without Compromises

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.

Jul 20

2023 Lucid Air Pure Review: Is the Base Model Worth the $100,000 Price Tag?

Evaluating the Features and Performance of the Lucid Air Pure

The 2023 Lucid Air Pure, positioned as the entry-level model in Lucid’s electric vehicle lineup, starts at around $95,000, but prices can exceed $112,000 with added options. This price range places it squarely among premium EVs. With a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system delivering 480 horsepower, the Air Pure accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a notable 3.6 seconds, showcasing its impressive performance credentials.

What the Base Trim Lacks in Luxury and Practicality

Although the Lucid Air Pure is powerful, it doesn’t quite hit the mark for luxury at its price level. It offers a single interior color and lacks features like ventilated seats, which are often standard in its competitors’ models. While it includes a high-resolution 7-inch touchscreen and quality materials, it falls short in offering the extensive customization that many luxury buyers expect.

Is the Lucid Air Pure a Worthwhile Purchase?

The Lucid Air Pure may appeal as a more affordable entry point to the Lucid brand, but its value might be limited compared to higher trims or rival luxury EVs. Buyers looking for enhanced features and more personalization might find better value in the Air Touring or Grand Touring models. While the Air Pure introduces potential owners to Lucid’s innovative design and technology, those seeking the full luxury experience might prefer to invest in higher-tier models.