There are a handful of American start-ups that, like Tesla, want to make our world a bit more beautiful and cleaner with high-tech electric vehicles. Think of Fisker, Canoo, or Rivian. Sometimes with success, but not without risk given the recent bankruptcy of Fisker. However, Lucid is a contender. Partly thanks to the necessary liquidity from Saudi Arabia, a partnership with Aston Martin, and a top engineer who was at the cradle of the Tesla Model S.

Extremely low CW value

At 4.97 meters long and 1.93 meters wide, the Air competes with cars like the Tesla Model S or the BMW i5. What is striking, however, is the height difference. At 1.41 meters, the Air is about ten centimeters lower than the BMW, which is undoubtedly due to the very low CW value of the Air. This is only 0.21, which should have a favorable effect on energy consumption and therefore also on the maximum range.

On the box 

The low CW value prevents a somewhat comfortable entry, especially considering the current trend of cars with a higher entry. The seating comfort, on the other hand, is good. The seats are large and well-shaped and the only thing that stands out is the somewhat ‘on the trestle’ seating position. This is the result of the battery that is incorporated into the floor, which means that the seat cannot be lowered.

An example of beautiful materials

In the interior, the Lucid Air, even in the entry-level model, is a paragon of beautiful materials such as velour, real leather, and beautiful stitching. The finish is at a high level, but disappointing (in terms of quality perception) are the somewhat rickety switches for the climate control and those on the steering wheel.

Swipe screen 

Looking at the three displays, we see that the Air is a bit older. The menu structure is fine, the operation is too. In particular, the moderate speed is disappointing, and the start-up procedure of, for example, the navigation system could be smoother. The digital instrumentation and the vertical screen a bit lower on the center console are beautiful. Here you can fine-tune the car to your taste. A nice gadget is the possibility to swipe this screen upwards, after which you will find extra storage space behind it.

Spacious and lavish

In the back, the Air is comfortable. In terms of seat, leg, and certainly headroom, it outclasses the BMW and Tesla. The boot is also large with 480 or a maximum of 1835 liters and there is also storage space in the front, also known as frunk. The content of this is extremely generous with 285 liters.

1251hp 

The Air is available in four flavors. Tested RWD Pro with a 442 hp and 747 km range, AWD Touring with 629 hp and 725 km range, AWD Grand Touring with 812 hp and 839 km range, and a top model the AWD Sapphire with a staggering 1251 hp. The first two versions have a 92 kWh battery, a 22 kW onboard charger, and a DC peak speed of 200 kW, partly thanks to 800-volt technology. From the Grand Touring onwards, however, we see an immense 112 kWh battery and the DC speed is also higher with a maximum of 253 kW.

Premium driving dynamics

For the test, an old Pro model was driven. In contrast to the Pro that is now available, this car is equipped with an extra electric motor on the front axle. Just like with the interior, Lucid has focused on sporty and premium driving characteristics with the Air, something in which they have certainly succeeded.

The car drives well and is pleasantly stable, and the driving dynamics, steering feel and balance are also at a high level. However, it is not a car that invites. For example, a BMW i5 involves you more in driving, while the Model S is a slightly better all-rounder thanks to air suspension all around (the Lucid Air has a normal chassis).

Less economical than expected

Where it excels is in straight-line stability and driving comfort at higher speeds. Something that, thanks to the ingenious technology developed in-house and which allows the brand to be seen as a purveyor of future electric Aston Martins, you should be able to maintain for a long time.

Practice? Slightly less favorable than expected. The Lucid Air Pro AWD consumed an average of 17kWh/100km during the test. Comparable to the BMW i5 that I tested earlier and even slightly less economical than the Tesla Model S Long Range.