Lucid Air Grand Touring: A New Era of Electric Luxury Sedans Unveiled
As a seasoned automotive journalist with a decade immersed in the industry, I’ve witnessed the transformative power of electrification firsthand. The landscape of luxury motoring, once dominated by established titans, is now being reshaped by innovative newcomers. Among these, Lucid Motors stands out, a California-based automaker that, despite its relative youth, has boldly challenged conventions. Their flagship sedan, the Lucid Air Grand Touring, isn’t merely a competitor; it’s a paradigm shift in what we expect from a premium electric vehicle. Having recently experienced this remarkable machine, I can attest that it offers a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and unparalleled luxury, setting a new benchmark for the segment.
The automotive world is replete with established brands that boast heritage stretching back decades, accumulating vast reserves of engineering expertise. Yet, this longevity can sometimes breed complacency, a reliance on well-trodden paths. Lucid Motors, founded in 2007 with vehicle development commencing in 2014, embodies a different approach. They’ve arrived with a fresh perspective, unburdened by outdated practices, and this agility is palpable in the Lucid Air Grand Touring. In a segment where many luxury sedans have become remarkably similar in their offerings and driving dynamics, the Air distinguishes itself as a breath of invigorating air.
My recent extended drive of the Lucid Air Grand Touring provided an intimate understanding of its capabilities, particularly when juxtaposed with the latest offerings from automotive royalty like the BMW i7 and the Mercedes-AMG EQS. While these established players represent the pinnacle of their respective brands, the Lucid Air Grand Touring presents a distinct and, dare I say, superior proposition. It’s not just an electric vehicle with impressive specifications; it’s a masterclass in design, engineering, and driver engagement, offering an 819 horsepower electric symphony with a remarkable estimated range of up to 516 miles. This isn’t even the most potent iteration of the Grand Touring, which speaks volumes about Lucid’s ambitious vision.
Beyond the Powertrain: A True Luxury Contender
One might be tempted to focus solely on the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s groundbreaking electric powertrain, and indeed, it’s a marvel. However, to do so would be to overlook its fundamental strength: it is, at its core, a direct and formidable competitor to the venerable Mercedes-Benz S-Class. But the Air doesn’t stop there. It manages to imbue its luxurious form with the agility reminiscent of a BMW M5 and the raw, immediate acceleration akin to a Ferrari 458 Italia. The result is an extraordinary automotive experience that defies easy categorization. This remarkable feat is achieved through a combination of innovative engineering and a deep understanding of driver expectations, even before considering the most powerful variants on the horizon.
Dimensions and Design: The Art of Efficient Packaging
The initial impression of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is one of surprising proportions. While it competes in the full-size luxury sedan segment, its exterior dimensions – measuring 195.9 inches in length, 76.2 inches in width, and 55.4 inches in height, with a wheelbase of 116.5 inches – are more akin to a mid-size electric sedan like the Mercedes-Benz EQE. This compact external footprint belies the Air’s astonishingly spacious interior and generous cargo capacity, rivaling and even surpassing that of larger, established luxury vehicles.
This packaging prowess is a direct consequence of Lucid’s revolutionary electric motor technology. The two compact, permanent magnet electric motors, one powering each axle, are so small they could fit inside a carry-on suitcase. This remarkable miniaturization liberates an immense amount of interior volume, allowing for unparalleled passenger comfort and storage solutions. The trunk, while comparable in size to that of the EQS at 22.1 cubic feet, is augmented by a front trunk (frunk) offering an additional 10 cubic feet, totaling a significant 32.1 cubic feet of combined cargo space. In contrast, both the EQS and the BMW i7 lack this front storage. The i7, for example, is a staggering 16.3 inches longer and 5.4 inches taller than the Air, yet offers similar passenger headroom and legroom with a smaller trunk. This stark comparison underscores the critical importance of intelligent packaging in electric vehicle design, especially when accommodating substantial battery packs.
Beyond the sheer numbers, the Lucid Air Grand Touring’s aesthetic is captivating. It avoids the ostentatious “look at me” styling that can often plague high-end vehicles. Instead, its design is understated yet commanding, drawing appreciative glances wherever it goes. The vehicle’s proportions are dominated by a long wheelbase and short front and rear overhangs, prioritizing the passenger cabin. This design choice, coupled with the low-mounted battery pack, achieves a perfect 50/50 weight distribution, enhancing both stability and driving dynamics.
The Air embodies a sleek, aerodynamic philosophy. Retractable door handles seamlessly blend into the bodywork, and the clamshell design for the front and rear storage compartments minimizes visible shut lines, contributing to a fluid, uninterrupted silhouette. The lighting elements, both front and rear, are elegantly minimalist, featuring a distinctive wide lightbar that serves as a signature visual cue. Its low-slung, wide stance exudes a confident presence without resorting to aggressive styling.
However, arguably the most striking design element of the Lucid Air Grand Touring is its expansive glasshouse. These generous windows flood the cabin with natural light, creating an airy and inviting atmosphere. They also provide exceptional visibility, enhancing the feeling of spaciousness and connection to the outside world. This thoughtful integration of natural light is a key contributor to the Air’s overall sense of spaciousness and luxury.
The Driving Experience: An Electric Revelation
A common apprehension surrounding electric vehicles is a perceived lack of driving engagement compared to their internal combustion engine counterparts. I can definitively state that this concern is unfounded, particularly with the Lucid Air Grand Touring. In an era where many high-performance gasoline sedans rely heavily on turbocharging, automatic transmissions, and substantial weight, the sensory feedback often comes down to engine sound – a facet increasingly artificial due to extensive sound deadening. Consequently, the transition to an utterly silent driving experience offered by EVs like the Lucid Air is far less jarring than one might expect. Moreover, the Air Grand Touring is anything but a passive experience behind the wheel.
The Grand Touring model I tested delivers an impressive 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque. While the higher-performance variants boast even more power, this level is more than sufficient for exhilarating acceleration, reaching 60 mph in approximately three seconds. This prodigious output is managed by two permanent magnet electric motors, providing standard all-wheel drive and a surge of power that is both immediate and utterly addictive.
Despite its potent performance, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is a substantial vehicle, weighing in at 5,203 pounds, largely due to its substantial 112.0-kilowatt-hour battery pack. However, this weight is masterfully masked. The Air employs a sophisticated yet elegantly simple suspension system, eschewing complex air springs for steel springs and active dampers. This setup is expertly tuned to provide a delightful balance: responsive and engaging on a winding road, yet supremely comfortable for daily commuting. The three selectable drive modes – Smooth, Swift, and Sprint – allow drivers to tailor the vehicle’s response to their preferences, further enhancing its versatility.
While acknowledging its luxury sedan status, it’s imperative to discuss the Air’s handling prowess on challenging roads. The way it navigates corners is nothing short of astonishing. Many vehicles in this segment strive for a balance between luxury and sportiness, but few achieve it with the grace and precision of the Lucid Air GT. When pushed through a bend at speed, it remains remarkably flat and composed, exhibiting exceptional grip. This is partly attributed to its brake-based torque vectoring system, which intelligently distributes power to the wheels, effectively mitigating understeer and making the substantial curb weight feel virtually nonexistent. The experience is akin to driving an electric Nissan GT-R; you simply point it where you want to go, and it obliges with uncanny accuracy.
The exhilarating forces generated during rapid acceleration and spirited cornering are undeniably exhilarating. However, it’s worth noting that the electric power steering, while precise, doesn’t transmit a wealth of tactile feedback from the road. You might hear the front tires begin to lose grip before you distinctly feel it. Conversely, the hydraulic braking system is a beacon of feedback, providing ample communication through the pedal. The standard GT is equipped with robust six-piston front calipers gripping 15-inch steel rotors, complemented by four-piston rear calipers and 14.8-inch discs. While powerful, these brakes represent a minor compromise; for a sedan of this weight and performance capability, a touch more stopping power would be a welcome addition.
To compensate for this, Lucid has integrated an always-on regenerative braking system. Drivers can select between two modes: Standard and High. Crucially, there is no “off” setting, meaning that upon lifting off the accelerator, the vehicle begins to slow down, regardless of the selected drive mode. While the lack of complete deactivation might initially seem restrictive, it becomes intuitive remarkably quickly. Within a day of driving, I found myself adapting to this system, and on a spirited drive, the added deceleration is a valuable asset.
In urban driving scenarios, I predominantly utilized the High regenerative braking setting, significantly reducing the need to engage the physical brakes. The system’s calibration is seamless and exceptionally smooth, allowing for precise modulation even at low speeds. Its low learning curve ensures that even drivers new to regenerative braking will not experience jarring deceleration when simply lifting off the accelerator pedal. This sophisticated integration of regenerative braking enhances efficiency and contributes to an exceptionally refined driving experience.
Interior Craftsmanship and Innovative Luxury
Stepping inside the Lucid Air Grand Touring is an experience that transcends the typical expectations of a young company’s inaugural product. The cabin exudes an immediate sense of quality and meticulous craftsmanship. Every surface, touchpoint, and interaction feels deliberate and premium, befitting a vehicle commanding a price in the upper echelons of luxury motoring. At highway speeds, the cabin is remarkably serene, a testament to Lucid’s commitment to acoustic refinement. However, the interior layout is refreshingly unconventional.
My test vehicle featured the striking two-tone Tahoe interior, a sophisticated combination of deep blue leather in the front and tan upholstery in the rear, accented with complementary tan stitching and floor mats. While this palette might sound daring on paper, it translates into a visually stunning and uniquely inviting environment in reality, further exemplifying Lucid’s willingness to challenge conventional design norms. In the typically conservative executive sedan segment, a black or brown interior would have been acceptable, but Lucid has injected a sense of playful innovation.
However, the seats themselves, while supportive and well-bolstered, don’t quite reach the opulent, cloud-like comfort of the BMW i7’s truly Rolls-Royce-esque chairs. While perhaps not as plush for relaxed cruising, they offer excellent lateral support, striking a balance between sporty engagement and long-distance comfort, a departure from the traditional, less supportive seats found in many luxury sedans.
A notable aspect of the Lucid Air GT’s interior is its complete absence of physical buttons. All vehicle functions are controlled through a series of integrated screens. While this approach undeniably contributes to a clean, minimalist aesthetic and conserves space, it was the one element of the GT that I found challenging to fully embrace. The lack of haptic feedback, common with physical buttons, makes it difficult to confirm selections without direct visual confirmation. Even seemingly simple actions, like opening the charging port, require screen interaction, leading to frequent glances at the displays to ensure the correct input.
Despite this minor quibble, the infotainment system itself is exceptional – intuitive, responsive, and remarkably easy to navigate. The ability to effortlessly swipe maps and music controls between the expansive 34-inch curved main display and the vertically oriented folding screen in the center console is a delightful user experience. Nevertheless, the absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, now considered an industry standard, is a significant omission. While these features are slated for future over-the-air updates, their current unavailability is a noticeable gap.
During my time with the GT, I encountered a couple of minor technological glitches. The parking sensors occasionally exhibited excessive sensitivity, triggering alerts for clear spaces. More concerningly, the trunk erroneously indicated it was opening while I was driving at highway speeds. Thankfully, it was a false alarm, but it necessitated a safe stop to verify. While such minor issues are understandable in a first-generation product, they are worth noting for potential buyers.
Battery Technology and Range: Redefining Long-Distance EV Travel
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is equipped with a substantial 112.0 kWh battery pack, underpinned by a cutting-edge 900-volt electrical architecture. This advanced system enables ultra-fast charging capabilities, with peak charging speeds reaching up to 300 kilowatts. When configured with the optional 19-inch wheels, the Air Grand Touring boasts an impressive estimated range of up to 516 miles. Opting for the larger 21-inch wheels, as on my test vehicle, reduces this figure to a still highly commendable 469 miles. Regardless of wheel choice, the Lucid Air Grand Touring offers more than ample range for virtually any journey. It has definitively crossed the threshold where range anxiety becomes a relic of the past, on par with, if not exceeding, the convenience of refueling a gasoline-powered vehicle, without the need for frequent stops.
Pricing and Value Proposition: A New Standard for Luxury EVs
The 2023 Lucid Air Grand Touring carries a base price of $139,650, inclusive of a $1,650 destination charge. My meticulously appointed test vehicle, equipped with desirable options such as the $2,000 21-inch Aero Blade wheels, the advanced $10,000 DreamDrive Pro driver-assist system, and the immersive $4,000 Surreal Sound Pro audio system, commanded a total price of $155,650. For comparative context, the similarly equipped BMW i7 I tested recently was priced at $151,995, while the Mercedes-AMG EQS, driven earlier this year, came in at $165,020.
It is crucial to reiterate that both the BMW and the AMG models, at comparable or higher price points, offer less horsepower, reduced range, smaller cabins, and less cargo capacity. While the Lucid Air Grand Touring may occupy a similar pricing bracket to its closest rivals, its value proposition is significantly more compelling. It delivers more performance, greater efficiency, and superior utility for the investment.
Concluding Thoughts: A Bold Vision Realized
The Lucid Air Grand Touring is a powerful testament to the disruptive potential of a fresh start in the automotive industry. It demonstrates how unburdened innovation can yield a truly groundbreaking product. On challenging roads, its driving experience is demonstrably more engaging and athletic than that of its German counterparts, while still providing comparable levels of comfort on urban commutes. Coupled with its exceptional range, which effectively banishes range anxiety, the Grand Touring is more than adequately swift for its considerable power output. For those not chasing ultimate bragging rights, the standard Grand Touring offers a performance envelope that is more than sufficient.
Despite its many accomplishments, the Lucid Air Grand Touring is not without its imperfections. The aforementioned absence of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is a notable drawback, especially considering their widespread adoption and user preference. Furthermore, my test vehicle, likely subjected to rigorous press mileage, did exhibit a few minor technological hiccups, which, while understandable in a first-generation product, are still worth noting.
However, these minor quibbles are, in my experienced opinion, easily overshadowed by the sheer brilliance of the overall package. Lucid Motors, though a young company, has delivered a product that is not merely competitive but transformative. Its first major offering is poised to significantly disrupt a luxury sedan segment that, for too long, has allowed complacency to creep in. For consumers, this increased competition and innovation can only lead to better choices and more exciting vehicles, and for that, we should all be grateful.
If you’re looking to experience the future of luxury electric mobility and discover a vehicle that redefines expectations, the Lucid Air Grand Touring awaits. Take the next step and schedule your personal test drive today to witness this automotive revolution firsthand.
