Lucid Air Grand Touring 2025: Redefining Electric Luxury with Uncompromising Performance and Futuristic Design
As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the ever-evolving automotive landscape, particularly within the electrifying domain of high-performance EVs, I approach the Lucid Air Grand Touring not just as another vehicle review, but as a critical examination of a company daring to challenge the established order. Lucid Motors, a relatively nascent entity in the automotive arena, founded in 2007 and commencing vehicle development in 2014, has managed to carve out a unique niche. Their California-based approach, free from the ingrained traditions of legacy automakers, offers a potent combination of innovation and unburdened forward-thinking. In a market segment, the full-size luxury sedan, that has, frankly, become a bit too predictable, the Lucid Air Grand Touring emerges as a breath of fresh, and exhilarating, air.
Having recently piloted the latest offerings from German stalwarts like the BMW i7 and Mercedes-AMG EQS, my expectations for premium electric sedans are calibrated by the pinnacle of current industry achievement. Yet, after several hundred miles navigating diverse terrains and driving conditions behind the wheel of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, it’s unequivocally clear that this vehicle isn’t merely a contender; it’s a paradigm shift. It stands as a testament to what can be achieved when engineering prowess meets visionary design, delivering an experience that is both profoundly unique and startlingly potent.
Let’s set aside, for a moment, the sheer force of its dual-motor powertrain. Remove the 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque, and you are still left with a luxury sedan that could confidently stand toe-to-toe with a Mercedes-Benz S-Class in terms of refinement and comfort. Now, reintroduce that staggering power, coupled with agility that rivals a BMW M5 and acceleration that can rival a supercar like the Ferrari 458 Italia, and you have something truly extraordinary. It’s important to note, even the Grand Touring model I evaluated isn’t the absolute apex of Lucid’s performance ambitions. But this, like any groundbreaking first-generation product, comes with its own set of nuances, which we’ll explore.
Key Specifications: Lucid Air Grand Touring 2025
Powertrain Output: 819 HP / 885 lb-ft
0-60 MPH Acceleration: Approximately 3.0 seconds
EPA Estimated Range: Up to 516 miles (with 19-inch wheels) / 469 miles (with 21-inch wheels)
Base MSRP (2025 Model Year): Expected to start in the $140,000 range
As-Tested Price (Illustrative): Likely to exceed $155,000 with optional packages
Architectural Ingenuity: Full-Size Presence, Mid-Size Footprint
The most immediate and striking aspect of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is its aesthetic. It eschews the conventional, offering a design language that is both avant-garde and remarkably elegant. This distinctiveness is rooted in its innovative construction and intelligent packaging. Measuring approximately 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 presents external dimensions comparable to a mid-size electric sedan like the Mercedes-Benz EQE. However, this relatively compact external profile belies its generous interior and cargo capacities, which rival, and in some respects surpass, full-size electric flagships like the EQS and BMW i7. This remarkable feat of packaging is largely attributable to Lucid’s miniaturized electric motors. The two motors, one powering each axle, are so compact they could fit within a standard carry-on suitcase.
This powertrain miniaturization liberates an unprecedented amount of interior volume. While the rear trunk offers a respectable 22.1 cubic feet of storage, comparable to the EQS, the Air’s innovative design extends to its “frunk” – a front trunk – adding an additional 10 cubic feet, bringing the total cargo capacity to a substantial 32.1 cubic feet. This is a significant advantage over rivals like the EQS and the considerably longer BMW i7, neither of which offer a frunk. The i7, for instance, is a full 16.3 inches longer and 5.4 inches taller than the Air, yet the Air provides comparable passenger headroom, legroom, and shoulder room, all while offering superior cargo versatility. This stark contrast underscores the critical importance of intelligent packaging in the development of electric vehicles, especially when accommodating substantial battery packs.
Beyond the quantifiable metrics, the Lucid Air’s design resonates on a visceral level. It achieves a sophisticated presence without resorting to ostentatious displays. The vehicle’s proportions are meticulously balanced, with minimal front and rear overhangs, emphasizing the expansive passenger compartment. This design philosophy, which concentrates mass closer to the vehicle’s center, contributes to a near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution. Furthermore, the low-mounted battery pack ensures a consistently low center of gravity, enhancing both stability and driving dynamics.
The Air’s exterior is a masterclass in aerodynamic efficiency and minimalist artistry. 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 sculpted appearance. The lighting elements, both front and rear, are elegantly understated, defined by a signature wide lightbar that imparts a distinctive, futuristic glow. Combined with its low, wide stance, the Lucid Air commands attention with an inherent confidence, a subtle yet powerful statement of its advanced engineering.
However, perhaps the most captivating design element of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is its expansive glass canopy. This panoramic roof floods the cabin with natural light, fostering an airy and open atmosphere while simultaneously providing exceptional outward visibility. This seemingly simple feature amplifies the sense of spaciousness, making the already generous interior feel even more expansive and inviting.
An Electrifying Driving Experience: Dynamic Prowess Meets Refined Comfort
A persistent concern among potential EV adopters is the perceived loss of driving engagement compared to internal combustion engine counterparts. I can unequivocally state that such apprehension is unfounded, especially when considering vehicles like the Lucid Air Grand Touring. In an era where many performance sedans rely on turbocharged engines, automated transmissions, and substantial weight, the primary source of engagement often boils down to synthesized engine sounds. The transition to an utterly silent electric drivetrain, therefore, is far less of a compromise than one might anticipate. The Lucid Air GT, in particular, proves to be anything but a passive driving experience.
It’s important to contextualize the performance of the Grand Touring model. While it delivers a formidable 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque, its more potent sibling, the Performance model, unleashes an astonishing 1050 horsepower and 921 pound-feet of torque. And with the forthcoming Sapphire model promising even greater performance figures, it’s clear Lucid is pushing the boundaries. However, for the vast majority of drivers, the Grand Touring’s output is more than sufficient. It propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in approximately three seconds – a figure that remains breathtakingly rapid, offering more than enough power for exhilarating drives on both open highways and winding country roads. The standard all-wheel-drive system, powered by the dual permanent magnet electric motors, ensures optimal traction and responsiveness.
Despite its impressive performance, the Grand Touring is undeniably a substantial vehicle, tipping the scales at around 5,203 pounds, largely due to its substantial 112.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack. Yet, Lucid has masterfully engineered the Air to disguise this weight with remarkable dexterity. The vehicle offers three distinct drive modes: Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Crucially, it eschews a complex, often ponderous, air suspension system in favor of a more traditional, yet expertly tuned, setup of steel springs and active dampers. This configuration strikes an exceptional balance, providing a dynamically engaging experience on spirited drives while maintaining a serenely comfortable ride quality for daily commuting.
While acknowledging its luxury sedan credentials, one cannot overlook the Lucid Air’s astonishing prowess on a challenging, twisty road. It’s a characteristic that genuinely surprises and delights. Many vehicles in this segment attempt to straddle the line between luxurious comfort and sporty dynamism, but few achieve it with the same level of finesse as the Grand Touring. Enter a corner at speed, and the Air remains remarkably flat and composed, exhibiting tenacious grip. This stability is partly attributed to its intelligent brake-based torque vectoring system, which subtly manages power distribution to each wheel. The vehicle’s substantial curb weight seems to evaporate as it powers out of bends with minimal understeer. It evokes a feeling akin to an electric Nissan GT-R – a machine that simply obeys the driver’s input with unerring precision.
Despite delivering potent g-forces during rapid acceleration and cornering, the electric power steering system, while precise, could benefit from enhanced tactile feedback. In some instances, the front tires’ adhesion limit is reached before the driver receives pronounced steering feel. However, the hydraulic braking system compensates admirably, offering substantial and communicative feedback through the pedal. The Grand Touring is equipped with robust six-piston front calipers and 15-inch steel rotors, paired with four-piston rear calipers and 14.8-inch discs. While effective, these are perhaps the most discernible performance limitation in the Air’s otherwise stellar dynamic package, lacking the ultimate bite one might expect for a vehicle of its weight and acceleration capabilities.
To augment its braking performance, the Lucid Air incorporates an always-on regenerative braking system. Drivers can select between Standard and High modes, but there is no option to fully disengage it. This means deceleration begins the moment the accelerator is released, regardless of the chosen drive mode. While the initial adjustment period might take a day or so, the benefits, especially during spirited driving on demanding roads, become apparent as the system provides significant additional stopping force.
During my urban driving, I predominantly utilized the High regenerative braking setting, minimizing the need for the conventional friction brakes. The system’s calibration is exceptionally smooth and intuitive, allowing for seamless modulation of speed with just the accelerator pedal. This ease of use translates into a remarkably refined experience, preventing jerky movements during low-speed maneuvers.
An Oasis of Innovation: Interior Craftsmanship and Futuristic Ambiance
Stepping inside the Lucid Air Grand Touring is akin to entering a sanctuary of cutting-edge design and meticulous craftsmanship. It’s a cabin that belies Lucid’s relative youth as a manufacturer. Every surface, every touchpoint, exudes a sense of quality and thoughtful execution. There are no discernable rattles, no irritating imperfections – just the quiet confidence of a vehicle that feels befitting its considerable price tag. At highway speeds, the cabin is remarkably serene, insulated from the outside world with impressive efficacy. The interior layout is refreshingly unconventional, deviating from traditional automotive design paradigms.
My test vehicle featured the two-tone Tahoe interior option, a bold yet ultimately successful combination of dark blue leather in the front and tan upholstery in the rear, accented with tan stitching and floor accents. While this might sound unconventional on paper, it translates into a visually arresting and sophisticated ambiance in person. It’s another testament to Lucid’s willingness to think outside the box, offering a distinct alternative to the more predictable black or brown interiors often found in this segment, which, while safe, can lack a certain spark.
The seats themselves, while offering excellent lateral bolstering – more akin to sport seats than traditional plush luxury chairs – don’t quite achieve the unparalleled opulence of those found in rivals like the BMW i7. They are slightly firmer for everyday comfort but provide superb support during more dynamic driving.
A notable departure from convention within the Lucid Air GT is the complete absence of physical buttons. All vehicle functions are controlled via a combination of integrated touchscreens. While this approach is effective in creating a minimalist, uncluttered dashboard, it’s also an area where I encountered some minor challenges. The lack of tactile feedback from physical buttons, or even sophisticated haptic responses, makes confirming selections without direct visual confirmation occasionally difficult. Even seemingly simple actions, such as opening the charge port, require reliance on these screen-based controls, necessitating a constant glance to ensure the correct input has been registered.
The infotainment system itself is generally excellent, offering intuitive navigation and a user-friendly interface. I particularly appreciated the seamless ability to swipe maps or media controls between the expansive 34-inch curved main display and the vertical folding screen integrated into the center console. However, the glaring omission of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, now industry standards, is a significant drawback. While Lucid has indicated these will be implemented via future software updates, their current absence is a noticeable gap for many consumers.
During my tenure with the Grand Touring, I did encounter a few minor technological anomalies. The parking sensors, at times, exhibited hypersensitivity, triggering alerts even in the absence of any nearby objects. More concerningly, the trunk indicated it was opening while I was navigating highway speeds. Fortunately, it was a false alert, but it necessitated a brief and inconvenient stop on the emergency shoulder. These are the types of first-generation glitches that are perhaps to be expected from a relatively new product, but they are nonetheless important to acknowledge.
Battery Technology and Range: The End of Range Anxiety
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is equipped with a state-of-the-art 112.0 kWh battery pack, supported by a sophisticated 900-volt electrical architecture. This advanced system enables incredibly rapid charging speeds, capable of accepting up to 300 kilowatts. This translates to an impressive EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles when fitted with 19-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 21-inch wheels, as fitted to my test vehicle, reduces this figure to 469 miles. Regardless of the wheel choice, the Grand Touring offers more than sufficient range for virtually any driving scenario, effectively eliminating range anxiety. In this regard, it has truly achieved parity with its internal combustion engine counterparts, and while charging takes longer than a traditional fuel stop, the sheer capacity of its battery pack provides unparalleled peace of mind.
Pricing and Value Proposition: A Premium Investment
The 2025 Lucid Air Grand Touring is expected to command a price point starting in the region of $140,000, inclusive of destination fees. My thoroughly optioned test vehicle, featuring upgrades such as the $2,000 21-inch Aero Blade wheels, the comprehensive $10,000 DreamDrive Pro driver-assistance suite, and the $4,000 Surreal Sound Pro audio system, brought the total to approximately $155,650. For comparative context, a similarly equipped BMW i7 from a recent model year was priced around $151,995, while the Mercedes-AMG EQS I evaluated earlier in the year carried a sticker price of $165,020.
It’s crucial to note that both the BMW i7 and the AMG EQS, at comparable price points, offer less horsepower, a reduced driving range, smaller cabin dimensions, and less cargo capacity. Therefore, while the Lucid Air Grand Touring competes in a similar premium price bracket as its closest rivals, its overall value proposition is demonstrably stronger. It delivers more performance, greater efficiency, and superior practicality for the investment.
Concluding Thoughts: A New Standard for Electric Luxury
The Lucid Air Grand Touring stands as a compelling testament to the power of a fresh start. Its ability to deliver a driving experience that is simultaneously more engaging and athletic than its German luxury rivals on winding roads, while maintaining exceptional levels of comfort on city streets, is a remarkable achievement. Coupled with its class-leading range of up to 516 miles, the Grand Touring effectively banishes range anxiety for good. While it may seem paradoxical to describe an 819-horsepower sedan as being “more than quick enough,” the reality is that its performance is simply immense, and for most users, the additional power of the Performance or Sapphire models would be purely for bragging rights.
However, no first-generation product is entirely without its imperfections. The absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, particularly given their ubiquity and consumer preference, remains a significant oversight. Furthermore, as is often the case with cutting-edge technology, my test vehicle, likely subjected to rigorous press use, exhibited a few minor software glitches.
Despite these first-generation foibles, I would readily overlook them given the sheer strength and innovation of the overall package. Lucid Motors, though a relatively young company, has produced a debut product that is not merely competitive but has the potential to profoundly disrupt a segment that, for too long, has adhered to a predictable formula. The Lucid Air Grand Touring is not just a car; it’s a glimpse into the future of automotive luxury and performance, and discerning buyers are undoubtedly the beneficiaries of this bold new direction.
Are you ready to experience the future of electric luxury? Explore the Lucid Air Grand Touring and discover a driving experience that redefines expectations. Contact your nearest Lucid Motors dealership to schedule a test drive and witness firsthand the innovation and performance that sets this exceptional vehicle apart.
