Lucid Air
Feather light, fast as the wind
- Articulate Tesla challenger
- Flight of fantasy
- Daydream believer
In the US, the wait was finally over as the first Lucid Air Dream Edition models rolled off the production line. On this side of the pond, the striking American luxury EV is available to pre-order in the Netherlands, Germany and Switzerland. Belgium is set to be added to the list soon.
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Lucid Air: Challenging Tesla with its record range
With the launch of the Air, Lucid is declaring itself in direct competition to the equally impressive Tesla Model S Plaid. The Air Dream Edition Performance is the most powerful of the five models offered by the Silicon Valley-based Californian brand. It has an output of no less than 1,111 hp. With its aerodynamic, aviation-inspired shape and drag coefficient of just 0.21, this rocket goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 2.7 seconds and is purported to have an estimated WLTP range of 780 km.
The second variant of the Air Dream Edition replaces the moniker "Performance" with "Range", and trades in some of the 1,111 hp for even more range (up to 900 km). At 933 hp it is still a beast of a car, though. These Dream Edition top versions are followed by the Air Pure – with 480 hp and a 653 km range – the Air Touring – delivering 620 hp and the same range as the Pure – and a fifth variant, the Air Grand Touring, which has 819 hp and an estimated range of 845 km. All these other models also boast remarkable acceleration times, sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 4 seconds or less.
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Tech-packed elegance
When the Lucid Air is released in Belgium, designer Derek Jenkins' sleek, flowing lines promise to turn lots of heads, as will the stunning, spaceship-worthy micro-lens array headlights and amazing tail lights. The electrochromic glass roof in the top models controls the light entering the interior, offering a true Business Class experience.
The rear seat passengers can recline to an almost fully horizontal position, allowing the occupants to watch the clouds float by. From a tech perspective, the Air's intuitive, easy-to-use Lucid User Experience (Lucid UX) includes Amazon Alexa and a host of integrated apps on two screens: a 34-inch curved 5K Floating Glass Cockpit Display and the Pilot Panel, a second touchscreen for all the extras. There's plenty of hardware too, ranging from a 21-speaker Surreal Sound system to a mix of analogue and digital switches on the steering wheel and in the cabin.
An airworthy road warrior
Lucid knows it takes more than guts to go head to head with Tesla. The company, which has only just started making cars, already has a market capitalisation of more than USD 23 billion. However, it knows drivers will primarily judge the Air on its handling characteristics, which should be excellent thanks to the permanent all-wheel drive and semi-active dampers. The tremendous acceleration and remarkable range are the result of the powerful electric motors and battery pack that can be charged with 300 kW peak power in the top versions. Fifteen minutes should be all you need to add 400 km of range.
With the knowledge that the battery pack of the Dream Edition and Grand Touring is an impressive 113 kWh, it's hardly surprising that this EV will come with a hefty price tag, too. The prices for Belgium are not yet available, but in the Netherlands the Air Dream Edition (Performance and Range) are set to cost €222,000. If rumours are to be believed, the entry-level version will be around €80,000. Fortunately, LeasePlan offers attractive lease prices that also factor in the Lucid Air's expected high trade-in value.
Lucid Air specifications
Lucid Air Pure | Lucid Air Grand Touring | Lucid Air Touring | Lucid Air Dream Edition | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Electric Range* | 540km | 530km | 660km | 645km |
Acceleration 0-100kph | 4.2sec | 3.4sec | 3.2sec | 2.7sec |
Top Speed | 200kmph | 250kmph | 270kmph | 270kmph |
Drivetrain | Rear | AWD | AWD | AWD |
Battery Capacity | 88.0kWh | 88.0kWh | 113.0kWh | 113.0kWh |
Fastcharge Time | (54->432 km) 16min | (53->424 km) 16 min | (66->528 km) 20 min | (65->516 km) 20 min |
* Range is based upon manufacturer's projected EPA estimated range when equipped with 19” wheels. Vehicle specifications are subject to change and EPA estimated ranges are not currently available. Actual range will be dependent on many factors, including battery age, driving habits, charging habits, temperatures, accessory use, and other factors as described in the owner's manual. – Lucidmotors.com
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