NEWARK, Calif. – Spread across the scenic mountain roads of the Bay Area, the 2024 Lucid Air lineup gleams in the sun, from the entry-level Pure model to the formidable Sapphire. Today, I’ll experience each variant, showcasing their dynamics in settings more typically associated with Porsches and BMW M series vehicles. On the surface, the Lucid Air may appear to be a sleek luxury sedan, but the driving experience quickly reveals it as a true electric sports car.
Lucid set the stage for this evaluation just 20 miles from its Newark, California headquarters. The previous evening, I had the opportunity to hear CEO Peter Rawlinson discuss the cutting-edge electric powertrain technology that powers the Air, reinforcing the brand’s reputation for efficiency and power. This is exemplified by Aston Martin’s agreement to use Lucid’s electric motors and battery systems, as well as Formula E’s adoption of their technology. With this background, it’s no wonder these EVs exhibit such impressive performance.
2024 Lucid Air Sapphire
Lucid Air Sapphire
The Sapphire is a marvel of understated yet intense performance. While it parallels the Tesla Model S Plaid with sub-two-second 0-60 mph times, the Sapphire’s starting price is significantly higher by $160,000. This price disparity becomes clear once behind the wheel; the Sapphire is a polished powerhouse with meticulous build quality, while the Plaid leans towards a more rugged muscle car feel.
The Sapphire boasts a powerful yet delicatively balanced chassis, enabling it to nimbly tackle winding roads. With specially designed wide Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and robust carbon-ceramic brakes, the Sapphire handles with no drama and a steady poise unseen in many EVs. Moving to interiors, the sport bucket seats offer immense comfort and support, crucial for maintaining control during high-speed maneuvers.
Lucid Air Grand Touring
Lucid Air Grand Touring
Next up is the Grand Touring, delivering 819 horsepower with its dual-motor setup. While not as performance-centered as the Sapphire, the Grand Touring still offers plenty of thrills. The clean, unfussy interior design stands out with a restrained display screen that avoids the overwhelming tech overload of some competitors.
The seats are comfortable and strategically low, enhancing the driving experience. Though Lucid has yet to integrate the Sapphire’s advanced suspension and stability control settings into the Grand Touring, it still provides a smooth, dynamic drive.
2024 Lucid Air Pure
Lucid Air Pure
Out of all the Lucid Air variants, the Pure stands out as the top choice for everyday driving. Despite being the slowest within the lineup, it offers an exhilarating drive with a 4.5-second 0 to 60 mph acceleration and an impressive 419-mile range. The single-motor, rear-wheel-drive setup delivers just the right amount of power for spirited mountain driving.
With a finely tuned in-house stability control system, the Pure provides a fluid and enjoyable driving experience. The responsive regenerative braking allows for seamless deceleration and acceleration through corners without needing the restraint demanded by the more powerful models. Additionally, the Pure’s agility is further enhanced by its lighter weight and more balanced feel due to the absence of a front motor.
The Pure’s steering is particularly noteworthy, offering a more refined and natural feel compared to other models in the lineup. Priced at $71,475, with the option for improved dynamics through a 20-inch wheel package costing an additional $1,750, the Pure stands out as a value-packed option in the luxury EV market.
Lucid Air Touring
Lucid Air Touring
The Touring model rounds off the Lucid Air lineup, presenting a compelling midrange option with 620 horsepower and a 3.4-second 0-60 mph time. Priced at only $8,000 more than the Pure, it offers significant power upgrades and the assurance of all-wheel drive for enhanced all-weather performance.
Despite a technical glitch with Apple CarPlay during the test, the Touring model reflects Lucid’s meticulous attention to detail. Offering a balanced ride courtesy of adaptive dampers and steel springs, it’s a finely tuned machine for both everyday use and spirited driving.
The Lucid Air lineup exemplifies what a new automotive brand can achieve with the right expertise and vision. Whether you’re exploring the exhilarating Sapphire, the balanced Touring, or the value-packed Pure, each model offers a remarkable driving experience that pleases driving enthusiasts. As the most affordable model, the Pure arguably delivers the best blend of performance and value, maintaining its place as a standout in the high-performance EV market.
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Jack Carney, Editor of Automotive.fyi
