Lucid Air Grand Touring: A New Era in Electric Luxury Sedans – A Decade of Driving Insights
The automotive landscape, much like the passage of time, is characterized by constant evolution. In the realm of electric vehicles (EVs), this evolution is not just rapid; it’s revolutionary. Having spent the last ten years immersed in the world of automotive journalism, witnessing firsthand the seismic shifts brought about by electrification and technological innovation, I’ve had the privilege of evaluating countless vehicles. Among the most compelling narratives emerging from this electrifying era is that of Lucid Motors. Established in 2007, with their groundbreaking Lucid Air Grand Touring concept taking shape around 2014, Lucid represents a new breed of automaker. This relative youth, rather than being a disadvantage, is their distinct advantage. They haven’t inherited the often-cumbersome legacies or ingrained habits of legacy manufacturers. Instead, Lucid has arrived at a moment when the full-size luxury sedan segment, a domain historically dominated by venerable German marques, has begun to feel, dare I say, somewhat predictable. The Lucid Air Grand Touring is not just a competitor; it’s a statement, a bold declaration of intent that redefines what a luxury electric sedan can be.
My recent experience with the Lucid Air Grand Touring marks my maiden voyage with any Lucid vehicle. However, having recently put mileage on the latest iterations of established titans like the BMW i7 and the Mercedes-AMG EQS, I possess a keen understanding of the benchmarks set by the industry’s reigning champions. After several hundred miles behind the wheel of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, one thing became unequivocally clear: this is not merely another luxury EV. It’s a singularly unique full-size luxury sedan that also happens to deliver a staggering 819 horsepower, boasting an EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles on 19-inch wheels. This isn’t just about impressive figures; it’s about a holistic reimagining of the automotive experience.
Strip away the electrifying powertrain for a moment, and you’re left with a vehicle that stands shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class – a true benchmark for opulence and refinement. Now, reintroduce the powertrain, and the narrative transforms into something altogether more extraordinary. Imagine a sedan that possesses the agility of a BMW M5, a car renowned for its dynamic prowess, and the off-the-line acceleration akin to a Ferrari 458 Italia, a legendary supercar. This fusion of attributes, embodied by the Lucid Air Grand Touring, is nothing short of remarkable. And to underscore its performance credentials further, this particular Grand Touring model isn’t even the quickest variant Lucid offers. Yet, as with any first-generation product, perfection remains an elusive goal. My insights are drawn from extensive real-world testing, including navigating the bustling streets of Los Angeles and the winding mountain passes surrounding Malibu, providing a comprehensive overview of its capabilities.
Lucid Air Grand Touring: Performance Specifications Snapshot
Total System Output: 819 Horsepower / 885 Pound-Feet of Torque
Acceleration (0-60 MPH): Approximately 3.0 Seconds
Maximum Range (EPA Est.): 516 Miles (with 19-inch wheels) / 469 Miles (with 21-inch wheels)
Base MSRP (2023 Model): Starting from $139,650
As-Tested Price (Our Review Unit): Approaching $155,650 (with optional features)
Full-Size Luxury Conceived Within a Mid-Size Footprint: The Art of Packaging
The Lucid Air Grand Touring eschews conventional automotive design language, presenting a silhouette that is immediately recognizable and refreshingly distinct. This unique aesthetic is a direct consequence of its innovative construction and ingenious packaging. Measuring 195.9 inches in length, 76.2 inches in width, and 55.4 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 116.5 inches, the Grand Touring’s exterior dimensions are surprisingly comparable to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, the German automaker’s mid-size electrified offering. What sets the Air apart, however, is its ability to deliver passenger and cargo capacities that rival those of much larger, full-size EVs like the EQS. This remarkable achievement is largely attributable to Lucid’s exceptionally compact electric motors. These twin permanent magnet motors, positioned one on each axle, are so small they could reportedly fit inside a carry-on suitcase.
The miniaturization of the powertrain components liberates an unprecedented amount of interior real estate for both occupants and their belongings. While the Grand Touring’s rear trunk volume of 22.1 cubic feet is on par with the EQS, it gains a significant advantage with the inclusion of a front trunk, or “frunk,” offering an additional 10 cubic feet of storage. This brings the total dedicated cargo space to a capacious 32.1 cubic feet, a figure that notably surpasses the combined storage of both the EQS and the BMW i7, neither of which offer a frunk. Considering the BMW i7 is a substantial 16.3 inches longer and 5.4 inches taller than the Air, yet provides comparable headroom, legroom, and shoulder room with a smaller rear trunk, the Lucid’s packaging efficiency becomes even more impressive. This is a crucial differentiator in the EV segment, where the sizable battery packs, while essential for range, can often impinge upon interior space.
Beyond the raw numbers, the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s exterior styling resonates on a deeply intuitive level. It avoids ostentatious displays, opting instead for a sophisticated elegance that naturally draws attention. The design prioritizes the passenger cabin, characterized by remarkably short front and rear overhangs, effectively maximizing the wheelbase dedicated to occupants. This concentration of mass within the wheelbase, coupled with the low-mounted battery pack in the floor, contributes to a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution and a low center of gravity, enhancing both stability and driving dynamics.
Above all, the Air exudes an undeniable sense of sleekness. Its flush door handles retract seamlessly into the bodywork, and the clamshell design of the front and rear storage compartments minimizes visible shut lines, creating a remarkably clean and uninterrupted profile. The lighting elements, both front and rear, are elegantly understated, featuring a distinctive, wide light bar that serves as a signature visual cue. Combined with its low-slung, wide stance, the Lucid commands a commanding presence without resorting to aggressive styling cues.
However, perhaps the most captivating design element of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is its expansive glasshouse. The vast windows flood the cabin with natural light, imbuing it with an airy, open atmosphere and providing exceptional outward visibility. This creates an immediate sense of spaciousness, making the Air’s already generous interior feel even more expansive. The attention to detail in every facet, from the aerodynamic sculpting to the integrated lighting, speaks to a design philosophy that prioritizes both form and function, a rare and welcome combination in the modern automotive world. The architectural integrity of the vehicle is a testament to Lucid’s dedication to pushing boundaries, offering a refreshing alternative to the often-iterative designs of established players.
Electrifying Dynamics: The Art of Engaging Performance
A persistent apprehension among some automotive enthusiasts regarding electric vehicles is the perceived loss of driving engagement compared to their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts. I find this notion largely unfounded, particularly when evaluating vehicles like the Lucid Air Grand Touring. Many contemporary performance sedans, even those with turbocharged engines, rely heavily on automatic transmissions and carry significant weight, even before factoring in the added mass of battery packs. In such cases, the primary sensory engagement often boils down to engine note, which, paradoxically, is frequently augmented or artificially generated due to extensive sound deadening. Consequently, transitioning to the silent, refined operation of an EV like the Lucid Air isn’t as radical a departure as one might assume. More importantly, the Grand Touring is demonstrably far from a sterile driving experience.
This specific Grand Touring model, while exceptionally potent, is not the ultimate performance variant. It delivers a formidable 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque. For context, the upgraded “Performance” variant churns out a colossal 1050 horsepower and 921 pound-feet of torque, with the even more potent Sapphire model slated for future release. Personally, I find the output of the standard Grand Touring to be more than sufficient for the vast majority of driving scenarios. It effortlessly achieves 0-60 mph in approximately three seconds and offers a surplus of power that would be exhilarating on any track or winding road. The dual permanent magnet electric motors provide the foundation for the Grand Touring’s standard all-wheel-drive system, ensuring tenacious grip and precise power delivery.
It is important to acknowledge that the Lucid Air Grand Touring is propelled by a substantial 112.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, contributing to its curb weight of approximately 5,203 pounds. However, Lucid has masterfully engineered the Air to mask its considerable mass. The vehicle offers three distinct drive modes: “Smooth,” “Swift,” and “Sprint,” catering to different driving moods and conditions. Intriguingly, it eschews a complex air suspension system in favor of a more traditional yet expertly tuned setup featuring steel springs and adaptive dampers. This combination strikes an exceptional balance, providing an engaging and communicative experience on back roads while maintaining a comfortable and compliant ride in urban environments. The tuning of these dampers is a testament to Lucid’s engineering prowess, delivering a surprising level of dynamic capability.
While recognizing its luxury sedan classification, the way the Lucid Air Grand Touring tackles a challenging, twisty road is nothing short of astonishing. Many vehicles in this segment attempt to reconcile the disparate demands of luxury and sportiness, but few achieve the seamless integration that the Grand Touring exhibits. When cornering at speed, the car remains remarkably flat and composed, exhibiting an abundance of grip. This dynamic composure is partly due to its brake-based torque vectoring system, which intelligently distributes power to individual wheels, enhancing cornering ability and mitigating understeer. The substantial curb weight seemingly evaporates as the Air deploys its immense power with unerring precision. It evokes the feeling of an electric Nissan GT-R; you merely point the wheel, and the car obligingly follows, adhering to your intended path with uncanny accuracy.
Despite the exhilarating forces at play during rapid acceleration and spirited cornering, the electric power steering system, while precise, could benefit from more road feedback. One might hear the front tires losing traction before feeling it through the steering wheel. However, the hydraulic braking system offers a welcome counterpoint, delivering ample feel and communication through the brake pedal. Similar to the Performance variant, the standard Grand Touring is equipped with potent six-piston calipers gripping 15-inch steel rotors at the front, complemented by four-piston calipers and 14.8-inch discs at the rear. While effective, these brakes represent a potential area for enhancement for a sedan of this weight and performance envelope. They are responsive but could perhaps benefit from more outright bite to fully match the car’s acceleration and cornering capabilities.
To augment its braking performance, the Lucid Air Grand Touring features an always-on regenerative braking system. This system offers two selectable modes: “Standard” and “High.” Crucially, there is no “off” setting, meaning that lifting off the accelerator pedal will always initiate some degree of deceleration, regardless of the selected drive mode. While the absence of a completely disengaged regenerative braking option might initially seem restrictive, I found myself adapting to it within a single day. Moreover, when navigating challenging, high-speed corners, the additional deceleration provided by the regenerative system is not only welcome but also contributes significantly to the overall driving experience.
In urban driving scenarios, I predominantly utilized the “High” regenerative braking setting, which dramatically reduced the need to engage the physical brakes. The calibration of this system is exceptionally smooth and intuitive, allowing for seamless modulation of speed solely through pedal control. Its minimal learning curve means that even novice EV drivers will not experience jarring transitions when decelerating for a simple stop, relying solely on the “go” pedal. This intelligent application of regenerative braking not only enhances efficiency but also contributes to a more fluid and refined driving experience in everyday situations.
Innovative Luxury: A Cabin That Redefines Sophistication
Stepping inside the Lucid Air Grand Touring is akin to entering a sanctuary of modern luxury. The cabin feels remarkably mature, defying any perception of it being the inaugural product from a relatively young automotive company. Every surface, every material, and every interaction feels meticulously crafted and impeccably executed. There are no discernible rattles, squeaks, or signs of hurried assembly. The interior ambiance is precisely what one would expect – and indeed, demand – from a luxury sedan commanding a price tag well into the six figures. Furthermore, the cabin remains eerily silent even at elevated highway speeds, a testament to Lucid’s dedication to acoustic refinement. The overall layout is refreshingly unconventional, breaking free from the established norms.
My test vehicle featured the striking two-tone “Tahoe” interior option, which artfully combines dark blue leather upholstery in the front with inviting tan seats in the rear. Complementary tan accents are subtly integrated throughout the cabin, adorning the seat stitching and carpeting. While this color combination might sound unconventional on paper, it translates into an exceptionally appealing and sophisticated aesthetic in reality, further underscoring Lucid’s commitment to out-of-the-box thinking. In a segment often populated by predictable black or brown leather interiors, Lucid injects a welcome dose of personality and flair.
While the seats themselves are comfortable and supportive, they do not quite reach the benchmark set by the ultra-plush, Rolls-Royce-esque chairs found in the BMW i7. They are not as sumptuously soft for leisurely cruising, but they compensate with superb lateral bolstering, providing a more engaging feel during spirited driving. Rather than being traditional bucket seats, they offer a sportier profile that strikes an excellent balance between comfort and support.
A defining characteristic of the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s interior is the complete absence of physical buttons. All vehicle functions are controlled through an array of sophisticated digital displays. While this approach contributes to a clean and minimalist aesthetic, it is also the sole aspect of the Grand Touring’s interior that I found challenging to fully embrace. The lack of tactile feedback, whether haptic or otherwise, makes it difficult to confirm selections without visually verifying them on screen. Given that even basic functions like opening the charge port are managed through these touch interfaces, drivers will find themselves frequently glancing at either side of the steering wheel to ensure the correct input has been registered.
The infotainment system itself is a triumph of user-friendly design and intuitive navigation. I particularly appreciated the effortless ability to swipe maps or music controls from the expansive 34-inch curved primary display to the vertically oriented, folding screen housed within the center console. However, the current omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is a notable drawback, especially considering these features have become an industry standard and are highly anticipated by consumers. While Lucid has indicated that these integrations are planned for future software updates, their absence in the current iteration is a point of contention.
Beyond the connectivity issue, my tenure with the Grand Touring was marked by a couple of minor technological hiccups. The first involved an overly sensitive parking sensor that would intermittently emit audible warnings even when no obstacles were present. The second, and more concerning, was an erroneous trunk-opening notification displayed while I was cruising on the highway. Fortunately, this proved to be a false alert, but it necessitated a brief and somewhat unnerving stop on the emergency lane. While such glitches are understandable in first-generation products, they are nonetheless noteworthy observations for potential buyers.
Powering the Future: Battery Technology and Unrivaled Range
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is equipped with a substantial 112.0 kWh battery pack, underpinned by an advanced 900-volt electrical architecture. This cutting-edge technology enables charging speeds of up to 300 kilowatts, allowing for an astonishing EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles when fitted with the 19-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 21-inch wheels, as featured on my test vehicle, reduces this figure to a still-impressive 469 miles. Regardless of wheel size, the Grand Touring offers a level of range that effectively eliminates any semblance of “range anxiety.” It now stands on par with, and in many cases surpasses, the operational range of comparable gasoline-powered vehicles. While it may not match the instantaneous refill time of a traditional gas station, its immense battery capacity provides unparalleled peace of mind for long-distance travel.
Investment in Excellence: Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring carries a starting Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $139,650, which includes a $1,650 destination charge. My fully optioned test vehicle, equipped with features such as the $2,000 21-inch Aero Blade wheels, the $10,000 DreamDrive Pro driver-assist package, and the $4,000 Surreal Sound Pro audio system, brought the total price to approximately $155,650. For comparative context, the BMW i7 I evaluated a few weeks prior, similarly equipped, had a sticker price of $151,995. The Mercedes-AMG EQS, which I drove earlier in the year, commanded a significantly higher $165,020.
It is crucial to note that both the BMW and the AMG variants offer less horsepower, a shorter driving range, smaller cabin dimensions, and reduced cargo capacity compared to the Lucid Air Grand Touring. While the Lucid Air GT may be priced comparably to its most direct competitors, its overall value proposition is demonstrably stronger, offering a more compelling package of performance, range, and space. The initial investment in a Lucid Air Grand Touring is not merely a purchase; it’s an investment in a superior automotive experience.
Reflections from the Road: A New Paradigm in Electric Luxury
The Lucid Air Grand Touring stands as a powerful testament to the transformative potential of a fresh start. Its very existence challenges the notion that innovation must be incremental. The driving experience it delivers is not only more engaging and athletic on demanding, winding roads than its German rivals but also maintains comparable levels of comfort and refinement on everyday city streets. Furthermore, with a remarkable range exceeding 500 miles, the Grand Touring effectively banishes range anxiety to the annals of automotive history. While it may seem counterintuitive to describe an 819-horsepower sedan as “more than quick enough,” in the case of the Lucid Air GT, it is unequivocally true. For most discerning drivers, the Performance model would offer only bragging rights and a diminishing return on investment.
That being said, as profoundly impressive as the Lucid Air Grand Touring undoubtedly is, it is not without its imperfections. The current absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is a significant oversight, particularly given the widespread adoption and consumer preference for these smartphone integration systems as industry standards. Additionally, while my test vehicle had undoubtedly endured rigorous press mileage, it did exhibit a few minor technological glitches.
However, I would readily overlook these first-generation idiosyncrasies due to the sheer strength and brilliance of the overall package. Lucid Motors, though still a relatively young company, has produced a debut product that is potent enough to profoundly disrupt a luxury sedan segment that, in many respects, has become complacent. For consumers, this competition is unequivocally a positive development, leading to more innovative and desirable vehicles for all.
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is not just a car; it’s a vision of the future, delivered today. It represents a bold leap forward, proving that with a clear vision and relentless execution, a new player can indeed redefine an entire category. If you’re seeking an electric luxury sedan that offers unparalleled range, exhilarating performance, and groundbreaking design, the Lucid Air Grand Touring deserves your serious consideration.
Ready to experience the future of electric luxury? Explore the Lucid Air Grand Touring and schedule your personal test drive today to witness its innovation firsthand.
