Lucid Air Grand Touring: The New Benchmark in Electric Luxury Sedans
From the perspective of a seasoned industry observer with a decade of immersion in the automotive landscape, the arrival of the Lucid Air Grand Touring represents more than just another electric vehicle. It signifies a bold redefinition of what a full-size luxury sedan can and should be in the evolving automotive era of 2025. While Lucid Motors, founded in 2007 and embarking on its first vehicle development in 2014, might be considered a nascent player against the century-old titans of the industry, this very youth is its most potent advantage. It brings an unburdened perspective, free from the ingrained traditions and compromises that can sometimes stifle innovation in established marques. This is crucial because, as we’ve seen in recent years, the full-size luxury sedan segment has verged on a plateau of sameness, with many competitors offering predictable features and drive dynamics.
Having recently put the Lucid Air Grand Touring through its paces, and having also experienced the latest offerings from established giants like the BMW i7 and the Mercedes-AMG EQS, I can confidently state that the Grand Touring (GT) isn’t just another entrant; it’s a paradigm shifter. It stands as a unique full-size luxury sedan, but crucially, it’s also an 819 horsepower electric vehicle boasting an astonishing maximum range of 516 miles. To simply focus on its powertrain would be to overlook its fundamental strengths. Remove the electric propulsion from the equation, and you’re left with a vehicle that directly challenges the established regal presence of a Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Add back its electric prowess, and you find it possesses the agility of a BMW M5 and the blistering acceleration of a Ferrari 458 Italia. This remarkable duality positions the Lucid Air Grand Touring as something truly extraordinary in today’s market. And it’s important to note, this isn’t even the most potent iteration of the Air. Nevertheless, like any inaugural product from an ambitious startup, it’s not without its minor imperfections.
Lucid Air Grand Touring: Key Specifications for the Discerning Driver
Power Output: 819 horsepower / 885 pound-feet of torque
Acceleration (0-60 MPH): 3.0 seconds
Maximum Range: 516 miles (with 19-inch wheels) / 469 miles (with 21-inch wheels)
Starting Price: $139,650 (MSRP)
As-Tested Price (with optional equipment): $155,650
Full-Size Ambition Housed in an Elegant, Efficient Form Factor
The visual and engineering brilliance of the Lucid Air Grand Touring lies in its distinctive design 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 GT is dimensionally comparable to the Mercedes-Benz EQE, the German marque’s mid-size electric offering. Yet, despite its more compact exterior footprint, the Air delivers passenger and cargo volumes that rival or exceed those of the larger, full-size EQS. This remarkable achievement is largely attributable to its incredibly compact electric motors. The GT is powered by two such motors, one situated on each axle, each small enough to fit within a carry-on suitcase.
The miniaturization of its powertrain components liberates an astonishing amount of interior space for occupants and their luggage. While the Air’s trunk capacity of 22.1 cubic feet is on par with the EQS, it gains a significant advantage with an additional 10 cubic feet of storage in its ‘frunk’ (front trunk), totaling an impressive 32.1 cubic feet. This contrasts sharply with both the EQS and the BMW i7, which lack this front storage. Consider the i7, which is a staggering 16.3 inches longer and 5.4 inches taller than the Air, yet offers comparable interior headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, all while accommodating a smaller trunk. This stark comparison underscores the paramount importance of intelligent packaging for electric vehicles, especially given the substantial volume occupied by battery packs.
Beyond the numbers, the Lucid Air’s styling possesses a captivating elegance. It avoids ostentatious displays, yet commands attention effortlessly wherever it travels. The design prioritizes the passenger compartment, with minimal front and rear overhangs. By concentrating the vehicle’s mass centrally, the GT achieves a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. This, coupled with the low-slung battery pack, contributes to a planted and dynamically advantageous center of gravity.
In essence, the Air is a masterclass in sleekness. Its flush door handles retract seamlessly into the bodywork, and the innovative clamshell design for both front and rear storage compartments minimizes visible shut lines, contributing to a remarkably clean exterior aesthetic. The front and rear lighting elements are understated yet distinctive, employing a wide lightbar as a signature visual cue. Combined with its low and wide stance, the Lucid exudes a commanding presence without resorting to superficial extravagance.
However, perhaps the most striking design element of the Grand Touring is its expansive glasshouse. These generous windows flood the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and providing exceptional outward visibility. This not only cultivates an airy ambiance but also makes the Air’s interior feel even more voluminous than its already impressive dimensions suggest. This holistic approach to design, where form and function are inextricably linked, is a hallmark of forward-thinking automotive engineering.
An Electrifying Driving Experience: More Engaging Than You’d Imagine
A persistent concern voiced by some automotive enthusiasts regarding electric vehicles is a perceived lack of driving engagement compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. I vehemently disagree. In today’s highly optimized gasoline sedans, the driving experience is often dominated by turbocharged power delivery, mandatory automatic transmissions, and the inherent weight of the vehicle, even before the addition of a battery. Consequently, the primary source of engagement often boils down to engine note, which, with modern sound-deadening, is frequently artificially piped in. Therefore, transitioning to an entirely silent driving experience is less of a paradigm shift than one might anticipate. Furthermore, the Lucid Air GT is anything but a passive driving experience.
The Grand Touring model I tested, while not the absolute performance pinnacle of the Air lineup, still delivers a formidable 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque. For context, the uprated Performance variant boasts an astonishing 1050 horsepower, and the even more extreme Sapphire model is slated to offer even greater potency. However, for most discerning drivers, the standard GT’s output is more than sufficient. It can still achieve 0-60 mph in approximately three seconds, offering more power than most will ever require, whether navigating challenging back roads or executing a rapid highway merge. The GT’s all-wheel-drive capability is standard, thanks to its dual permanent magnet electric motors.
It’s important to acknowledge that this exhilarating performance is underpinned by a substantial 112.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, contributing to a curb weight of 5,203 pounds. Despite this considerable mass, the Air exhibits a remarkable ability to mask its heft. While the GT offers three distinct drive modes – Smooth, Swift, and Sprint – it eschews a complex, adaptive air suspension system. Instead, it relies on robust steel springs and active dampers. The tuning of these components strikes an exceptional balance, providing an engaging and enjoyable experience on winding roads while maintaining a commendably comfortable ride for daily commuting. This judicious selection of hardware and software calibration is a testament to Lucid’s engineering acumen, ensuring the Lucid Air Grand Touring delivers both thrilling dynamics and refined comfort.
While I understand this is fundamentally a luxury sedan, its ability to handle a spirited drive on a challenging road is genuinely surprising. Many vehicles in this segment endeavor to strike a balance between opulence and sportiness, but few achieve it with the same finesse as the GT. Approach a corner at speed, and the Air remains remarkably composed and flat, offering substantial grip. This capability is partly due to its brake-based torque vectoring system, which intelligently distributes power to individual wheels. The sensation of its considerable weight seems to dissipate as the Air adeptly channels its power, exhibiting a distinct lack of understeer. It instills a confidence akin to driving an electric Nissan GT-R; you simply point it where you want to go, and it follows with uncanny precision.
Despite the significant g-forces experienced during rapid acceleration and spirited cornering, the electric power steering system, while precise, could benefit from a more communicative feel. You often sense the front tires nearing their limit before the steering wheel offers tangible feedback. However, the braking system, which remains hydraulic, provides a welcome level of feedback through the pedal. Like its Performance sibling, the standard GT features substantial six-piston calipers gripping 15-inch steel rotors at the front, complemented by four-piston calipers on 14.8-inch discs at the rear. While effective, these brakes represent a minor point of contention when considering the car’s overall performance envelope. They offer adequate stopping power, but for a 5,203-pound sedan capable of such rapid acceleration and agile cornering, a touch more initial bite would be welcome.
To supplement its braking system, the Lucid Air intelligently employs an always-on regenerative braking system. It offers two modes: Standard and High, with no option to disable it entirely. This means that regardless of the selected drive mode, lifting off the accelerator pedal initiates a noticeable deceleration. While the lack of a completely disengaged regenerative braking setting initially requires a brief adjustment period, I found myself accustomed to it within a single day. Moreover, on challenging, winding roads at higher speeds, the additional deceleration provided by this system is a significant asset.
In urban driving scenarios, I spent the majority of my time with the regenerative brakes set to High, minimizing the reliance on the conventional hydraulic brakes. The system’s calibration is exceptionally smooth and intuitive, allowing for easy modulation of deceleration using only the accelerator pedal. Its low learning curve ensures that even novice EV drivers will not experience jarring stops when simply navigating traffic, as the “go pedal” effectively manages both acceleration and deceleration. This sophisticated integration of regenerative braking enhances both efficiency and the overall driving refinement of the Lucid Air Grand Touring.
Innovative Luxury: A Cabin That Exceeds Expectations
Stepping inside the Lucid Air GT, one experiences a cabin that belies the company’s relative youth. Every surface, every touchpoint, and every interaction feels meticulously crafted and premium. There are no disconcerting rattles or noticeable imperfections, creating an atmosphere befitting a luxury sedan with a $155,650 as-tested price tag. Furthermore, the cabin remains remarkably quiet even at highway speeds, a testament to Lucid’s commitment to acoustic refinement. What truly sets the interior apart, however, is its uniquely forward-thinking layout.
My test vehicle featured the striking two-tone Tahoe interior option, pairing a deep navy leather in the front with tan seats in the rear, further accented with tan stitching and flooring. While this combination might sound unconventional on paper, it translates beautifully in the real world, serving as another compelling example of Lucid’s creative approach. In a segment often dominated by conservative color palettes, Lucid has embraced a bolder, more expressive aesthetic, demonstrating that luxury can also be exciting and distinctive.
The seats themselves, while supportive and well-bolstered, don’t quite reach the cloud-like plushness of the BMW i7’s most opulent offerings. They are sportier than traditional luxury sedan chairs, providing excellent lateral support for spirited driving, but they might not offer the same level of supreme comfort for extended, leisurely journeys. This is a subtle distinction, however, and a matter of personal preference.
A notable aspect of the Lucid Air GT’s interior design is the complete absence of physical buttons. All vehicle functions are accessed via a combination of touchscreens. While this approach effectively maximizes interior space, it was the one element of the GT that I found myself struggling to fully embrace. The lack of tactile feedback, whether haptic or physical, makes it challenging to confirm selections without visually glancing at the screens. This becomes particularly apparent for functions like operating the charge port, where a constant look to the side of the steering wheel is required to ensure the correct input has been registered.
The infotainment system itself is exceptionally well-executed and intuitive to navigate. I particularly appreciated the seamless ability to swipe maps or music controls between the expansive 34-inch curved main display and the vertically oriented, folding screen integrated into the center console. However, the current omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a significant oversight, especially considering these smartphone-mirroring systems have become an industry standard and are highly anticipated by consumers. While Lucid has confirmed their future arrival, their absence at launch is a notable drawback.
Beyond the infotainment, I encountered a couple of minor technological glitches during my tenure with the GT. The first involved an overly sensitive parking sensor that would issue audible alerts even when no obstacles were present. The second, more concerning incident, involved the trunk indicator erroneously displaying that it was opening while I was cruising on the highway. Thankfully, it was a false alarm, but it necessitated a brief stop in the emergency lane for a quick inspection. Such minor glitches are not entirely unexpected in a first-generation product from a relatively young company, but they are nevertheless worth noting for potential buyers.
Battery, Range, and the Elimination of Range Anxiety
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is equipped with a substantial 112.0 kWh battery pack, leveraging a cutting-edge 900-volt electrical architecture. This advanced system enables charging speeds of up to 300 kilowatts, facilitating an impressive maximum range of 516 miles when fitted with 19-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 21-inch wheels, as featured on my test vehicle, reduces this figure slightly to 469 miles. Regardless of wheel selection, the Grand Touring offers more than enough range to quell any concerns about range anxiety. In 2025, this level of range officially places electric vehicles on par with their gasoline-powered counterparts, and while charging still takes longer than a traditional refueling stop, the sheer capacity of the battery pack effectively removes the psychological barrier of range limitations.
Pricing and Value Proposition: A Compelling Case for the Lucid Air
The 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring carries a base price of $139,650, which includes a $1,650 destination charge. My extensively optioned tester, featuring items like the $2,000 21-inch Aero Blade wheels, the $10,000 DreamDrive Pro driver-assist suite, and the $4,000 Surreal Sound Pro audio system, came in at $155,650. For comparison, the similarly specified BMW i7 I evaluated a few weeks prior was priced at $151,995, and the Mercedes-AMG EQS, driven earlier this year, stickered for $165,020.
It is crucial to note that both the BMW and the AMG competitors, at similar price points, typically offer less power, shorter driving ranges, smaller cabin dimensions, and less cargo capacity. While the Lucid Air GT’s pricing may align with its closest rivals, its overall value proposition is significantly stronger. It delivers a more compelling blend of performance, range, and practicality, setting a new standard for what consumers can expect from a premium electric sedan.
Concluding Thoughts: A New Era of Electric Luxury is Here
The Lucid Air Grand Touring stands as a profound testament to the power of a fresh start. Its engineering and design approach have yielded a truly groundbreaking product. The driving experience on a winding road is demonstrably more engaging and athletic than that of its German counterparts, while simultaneously retaining comparable levels of comfort for everyday urban driving. And with an exceptional range exceeding 500 miles, the GT decisively banishes range anxiety to the annals of automotive history. It might sound peculiar to refer to an 819 horsepower sedan as “more than quick enough,” but in the context of the Air’s overall balance, it rings true. For me, the allure of the higher-performance variants would primarily be for the bragging rights, not for any discernible practical advantage in daily use.
However, as impressive as the Lucid Air GT is, it is not entirely flawless. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is a notable disappointment, especially when these smartphone-based systems are not only preferred by a vast majority of owners but have also become a de facto industry standard. Furthermore, while my test vehicle had likely endured rigorous press mileage, it did exhibit a few minor technological hiccups that warrant attention.
Despite these first-generation imperfections, I would readily overlook them due to the sheer strength and comprehensiveness of the Lucid Air GT package. Lucid Motors, though still a relatively young entity in the automotive world, has delivered a product that possesses the capability to fundamentally disrupt a segment that, for too long, has allowed complacency to set in. For consumers, this disruption is unequivocally a positive development, ushering in an era of heightened innovation and choice in the luxury electric sedan market.
If you’re seeking to experience the future of luxury mobility and understand how Lucid is reshaping the automotive landscape, we encourage you to explore the Lucid Air Grand Touring further. Consider scheduling a test drive at your nearest Lucid studio to witness firsthand the blend of performance, elegance, and innovation that sets this remarkable vehicle apart.
