Lucid Air Grand Touring: A Bold New Era for Luxury Electric Sedans
The Dawn of a New Electric Dynasty: Unpacking the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s Revolutionary Impact
In the rapidly evolving landscape of automotive innovation, where established giants grapple with the imperative of electrification, a new contender has emerged, not merely to compete, but to redefine the very essence of the luxury electric sedan. Lucid Motors, though a relatively young entity founded in 2007 with its first vehicle concept blossoming in 2014, has achieved a feat that many legacy automakers are still striving for: a compellingly unique, high-performance, and luxuriously appointed electric vehicle that doesn’t just challenge the status quo, but fundamentally rewrites the rules. Having spent considerable time behind the wheel of the Lucid Air Grand Touring, and comparing it against the recently tested BMW i7 and Mercedes-AMG EQS, it’s abundantly clear that this California-based innovator is ushering in a fresh perspective, particularly for those seeking an unparalleled Lucid Air Grand Touring review experience that blends cutting-edge technology with an uncompromised driving spirit.
A Masterclass in Packaging: Redefining Full-Size Luxury
One of the most striking aspects of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is its uncanny ability to present the presence and interior volume of a full-size luxury sedan within a footprint that, paradoxically, mirrors a mid-size competitor. 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 is dimensionally comparable to the Mercedes-Benz EQE. Yet, it masterfully outmaneuvers its ostensibly larger rivals like the BMW i7 and Mercedes-AMG EQS in terms of cabin and cargo capacity. This remarkable spatial efficiency is a direct consequence of Lucid’s groundbreaking powertrain design. The incredibly compact electric motors, each fitting within the confines of a carry-on suitcase, liberate an astonishing amount of interior real estate.
This meticulous attention to packaging translates into tangible benefits for the occupants. While the trunk volume of 22.1 cubic feet is comparable to the EQS, the Air Grand Touring adds a substantial 10 cubic feet of additional storage in its “frunk” (front trunk), bringing the total to an impressive 32.1 cubic feet. This dwarfs the cargo capabilities of both the EQS and the i7, which notably lack a front trunk altogether. The contrast with the BMW i7, a vehicle that is a staggering 16.3 inches longer and 5.4 inches taller, yet offers similar interior room, underscores the sheer ingenuity of Lucid’s engineering. For EVs, where substantial battery packs are a necessity, efficient packaging isn’t just a luxury; it’s a critical determinant of practicality and desirability. This is where the Lucid Air Grand Touring range truly shines, offering practicality that belies its sleek exterior.
Beyond the sheer numbers, the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s aesthetic is a triumph of understated elegance. Its design eschews ostentatious displays for a sophisticated, sculpted form that commands attention without demanding it. The minimalist approach is evident in the flush-fitting door handles that retract seamlessly into the bodywork, and the elegant clamshell design of the front and rear storage compartments, which minimize unsightly shut lines. The distinctive full-width light bars at the front and rear serve as a signature element, reinforcing its low and wide stance, imbuing the Air with a commanding presence that speaks volumes through its sophisticated design. The expansive glasshouse, a defining feature, floods the cabin with natural light, enhancing the sense of spaciousness and providing an unobstructed panoramic view of the surroundings. This meticulous design approach significantly contributes to the overall allure of the Lucid Air Grand Touring price point, offering exceptional value.
The Thrill of the Electric Drive: Performance That Excites
A persistent concern among prospective EV buyers revolves around the perceived loss of driving engagement compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. My experience with the Lucid Air Grand Touring fundamentally dispels this notion. In an era where many high-performance gasoline sedans rely on turbocharged engines, automatic transmissions, and significant curb weights even before the addition of batteries, the driving experience is often reduced to synthesized engine notes. The transition to the utterly silent, yet profoundly engaging, driving experience of the Air Grand Touring is, therefore, surprisingly seamless and exhilarating.
While my test vehicle, the Grand Touring, delivers a formidable 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque—a figure that would satisfy all but the most extreme enthusiasts—it’s worth noting that Lucid’s performance variants, such as the higher-output models and the forthcoming Sapphire, offer even more breathtaking power figures. Nevertheless, the Grand Touring’s capabilities are nothing short of astounding. It achieves 0-60 mph in a mere three seconds, offering more than enough acceleration for any real-world scenario, be it merging onto a highway or navigating a challenging mountain pass. The standard all-wheel-drive system, powered by two permanent magnet electric motors, ensures tenacious grip and exhilarating acceleration off the line. Despite its considerable weight of 5,203 pounds, largely attributable to its substantial 112.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack, the Air Grand Touring masterfully masks its heft.
The driving experience is further enhanced by Lucid’s innovative approach to suspension. Eschewing complex air suspension systems, the Grand Touring utilizes robust steel springs and precisely tuned active dampers. This setup strikes an enviable balance, providing an engaging and dynamic feel on winding roads while maintaining a remarkably comfortable ride in urban environments. This duality is crucial for a luxury sedan, and the Air Grand Touring delivers it with aplomb. The agility and composed handling it exhibits when pushed through corners are nothing short of astonishing, rivaling, and in some aspects surpassing, established benchmarks.
The integration of brake-based torque vectoring plays a pivotal role in its remarkable cornering prowess. The vehicle remains remarkably flat and composed even when subjected to spirited driving, its substantial weight seemingly vanishing as it executes turns with uncanny precision. It behaves with the planted, responsive character of an electric Nissan GT-R, responding eagerly to steering inputs without any hint of understeer. This level of dynamic sophistication is a testament to Lucid’s engineering acumen, making the Lucid Air Grand Touring horsepower a truly usable and thrilling attribute.
While the electric power steering system, a necessary component for EV efficiency, could benefit from slightly more tactile feedback, providing earlier communication of front tire grip, the hydraulic braking system more than compensates. The brakes—six-piston calipers upfront with 15-inch rotors and four-piston calipers at the rear with 14.8-inch discs—offer ample stopping power for its acceleration capabilities, though for a vehicle of this magnitude and performance potential, slightly more aggressive brake bite could be considered an area for future enhancement.
Complementing the braking system is an always-on regenerative braking function, offered in Standard and High modes. While the absence of a “creep” mode or the ability to completely disable regeneration might be a minor adjustment for some drivers accustomed to traditional setups, the system’s calibration is remarkably smooth and intuitive. Within a day of driving, I found myself adapting effortlessly, utilizing the “go pedal” to manage speed with impressive finesse. On challenging roads, the additional deceleration provided by regenerative braking proved invaluable, allowing for more confident cornering and reduced reliance on the friction brakes. The seamless integration of this technology is a hallmark of the Lucid Air Grand Touring electric drivetrain.
Innovations in Luxury and Technology: A Glimpse into the Future
Stepping inside the Lucid Air Grand Touring is akin to entering a meticulously crafted sanctuary, a space that belies the company’s relative youth. The interior exudes an aura of quality and sophistication, with every surface, switch, and interaction conveying a sense of premium execution. There are no unwelcome rattles or imperfections to detract from the experience; instead, one finds a cabin befitting a luxury sedan of its caliber, offering a near-silent environment at highway speeds. The design language is refreshingly unique, characterized by its clean lines and thoughtful integration of technology.
My test vehicle featured the striking two-tone Tahoe interior option, a bold choice that pairs deep blue leather in the front with tan upholstery in the rear, complemented by tan accents throughout, including seat stitching and floor coverings. While this combination might sound unconventional on paper, it translates into a visually captivating and harmoniously balanced cabin in person, further exemplifying Lucid’s willingness to innovate beyond the predictable. In a segment often dominated by conventional black or brown interiors, Lucid’s adventurous approach adds a distinctive personality to the Air Grand Touring.
While the seats offer excellent side bolstering for spirited driving, they don’t quite reach the plush, cloud-like comfort of the chairs found in some ultra-luxury vehicles. However, they are sportier than traditional luxury sedan seats, providing a good balance for both dynamic driving and everyday comfort, a crucial aspect for any Lucid Air Grand Touring lease consideration.
The most significant departure from convention lies in the complete absence of physical buttons within the cabin. All functions are controlled via a sophisticated array of screens. While this approach undoubtedly contributes to the clean, minimalist aesthetic and maximizes interior space, it also presents a learning curve. The lack of tactile feedback from physical buttons means that confirmation of a selection often requires a visual check, a minor inconvenience that becomes more pronounced when accessing frequently used functions like the charge port cover, which, like all controls, is managed through the touchscreen interface. This reliance on touch-based controls, while modern, can sometimes interrupt the seamless flow of interaction, a point of consideration for those prioritizing immediate haptic feedback.
The infotainment system itself is a model of clarity and ease of use. Navigating its features is intuitive, and the ability to effortlessly swipe maps and media controls between the expansive 34-inch curved main display and the vertical folding screen on the center console is a particularly delightful interaction. However, the notable absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, standard features in virtually all contemporary vehicles, is a significant oversight. While Lucid has indicated these will be available in future software updates, their current unavailability is a drawback for many users who rely on these familiar smartphone mirroring platforms. For those considering a Lucid Air Grand Touring for sale, this is a critical factor to weigh.
During my tenure with the Grand Touring, I encountered a couple of minor technological glitches. The parking sensors occasionally exhibited over-sensitivity, triggering alerts even in the absence of obstacles. More concerning was a spurious alert indicating the trunk was opening while I was driving on the highway, thankfully proven to be a false alarm that necessitated a brief stop for reassurance. These are, understandably, the kinds of first-generation quirks one might expect from a nascent product, but they are worth noting in a comprehensive review.
Electrifying Performance and Unrivaled Range
At the heart of the Lucid Air Grand Touring lies a sophisticated 112.0 kWh battery pack, integrated with a groundbreaking 900-volt electrical architecture. This advanced system enables ultra-fast charging capabilities, reaching up to 300 kilowatts, and bestows the vehicle with an impressive EPA-estimated range of up to 516 miles when equipped with 19-inch wheels. Opting for the larger 21-inch wheels, as featured on my test vehicle, reduces this figure to 469 miles, a still exceptional testament to the vehicle’s efficiency. Regardless of wheel choice, the Grand Touring comfortably surpasses the range anxiety associated with electric vehicle ownership, matching and often exceeding the capabilities of its gasoline-powered counterparts. The ease and speed of charging, combined with this expansive range, make the Lucid Air Grand Touring electric range a game-changer.
Investment in the Future: Pricing and Value Proposition
The 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring commences with a base price of $139,650, inclusive of a $1,650 destination charge. My thoroughly optioned test vehicle, featuring the $2,000 21-inch Aero Blade wheels, the comprehensive $10,000 DreamDrive Pro driver-assistance system, and the $4,000 Surreal Sound Pro audio system, arrived at a total cost of $155,650. For comparative context, the similarly appointed BMW i7 I evaluated recently carried a sticker price of $151,995, while the Mercedes-AMG EQS tested earlier this year was priced at $165,020.
Crucially, when considering these figures, it’s important to acknowledge that both the BMW i7 and the AMG EQS offer less power, reduced range, smaller cabins, and less cargo capacity. This positions the Lucid Air Grand Touring not merely as a competitor, but as a vehicle offering a demonstrably stronger value proposition within its segment. The Lucid Air Grand Touring price reflects a superior blend of performance, luxury, and practicality.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in Luxury Electric Mobility
The Lucid Air Grand Touring stands as a profound testament to the power of fresh thinking and innovative engineering. It has successfully crafted a luxury electric sedan that not only rivals the established players but, in many critical areas, surpasses them. Its driving dynamics are more engaging and athletic than its German counterparts on twisting roads, while simultaneously delivering a level of comfort befitting a flagship luxury vehicle on everyday commutes. With an unparalleled range that effectively banishes range anxiety, the Grand Touring redefines what’s possible for electric mobility. The sheer performance, even in its non-Performance guise, is more than adequate for exhilarating driving experiences. For those seeking an exceptional electric luxury sedan, the Grand Touring is a compelling choice.
While no product is entirely without its imperfections, particularly in its first generation, the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s minor shortcomings—namely the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration and a few initial tech glitches—are overshadowed by its immense strengths. These are, I believe, acceptable trade-offs for a vehicle that represents such a monumental leap forward. Lucid Motors, though a young company, has delivered a product that has the undeniable capacity to disrupt a segment that, for too long, has arguably become complacent. For consumers, this healthy disruption is undoubtedly a win, offering a truly exceptional and forward-thinking alternative in the luxury automotive market.
Ready to experience the future of luxury electric driving? Discover the Lucid Air Grand Touring and schedule your personalized test drive today.
