The Lucid Air electric luxury sedan launched as a challenger to the Tesla Model S in 2022. As we often see with new electric vehicles (EVs), the first was an expensive, fully loaded model with exclusivity and a price tag to match. Two years later, the 2024 Lucid Air has a lineup with four distinct trims and a starting price that makes the Lucid a possible dream for shoppers with a more modest luxury car budget.
Efficiency, Efficiency, Efficiency
The Air’s design is lovely, and the tech is futuristic, but Lucid’s primary concern is efficiency. By obsessing over the efficiency of the motors and the efficient airflow over and around the body, Lucid created the highest-range EV in the U.S. With a maximum combined efficiency rating of 137 MPGe, the Air is more efficient than the Tesla Model S. Its 4-door EV rivals from Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Audi all get less than 100 MPGe. Translation: the Lucid goes farther and uses less electricity than each of its rivals.
So, aside from the range benefit and lower fuel costs, how does better efficiency make the Lucid Air a better EV? Lucid can afford to use smaller, lighter batteries by focusing intensely on efficiency. The Lucid Air is still a pretty heavy car, but it’s also a big sedan. The curb weight of the base Pure model is 4,536 pounds. That’s about 200 pounds lighter than the lightest Mercedes-Benz S-Class and almost 1,000 pounds lighter than its EV counterpart, the Mercedes-EQ EQS Sedan.
Driving the Lucid Air
That relatively svelt curb weight contributes to the car’s class-leading efficiency and makes driving a blast. Driving all four models in the Lucid Air lineup on curvy roads through the redwoods of Northern California, each trim had a unique personality while all four shared many of the same virtues. In every case, the Air felt highly competent in turns and delivered the exciting acceleration synonymous with EVs.
As you work up the Lucid Air model range, the power, weight, and price tag all tick upward. The more you’re willing to spend, the more luxury and high-tech features you get.
The most affordable Pure trim is the one to get. This one reminded me of a more traditional luxury sport sedan from mainstays like BMW and Mercedes-Benz. “Pure” is the right name for it. It’s rear-wheel drive, boasts 430 horsepower, and has an impressive 419-mile EPA-estimated range. What more could you want — other than all-wheel drive (AWD)?
The Touring model is the Lucid Air lineup’s most affordable dual-motor AWD trim. The Touring dials up the horsepower to 620, and the range is almost identical to that of the Pure at 411 miles. The extra thrust compared to the single-motor powertrain was quite noticeable. As much as we like the Pure, we wouldn’t blame you for considering an extra 190 hp and AWD for only an additional $8,000. It’s the best value in the Air family.
The Grand Touring trim is where performance and range go to the next level. It has 819 hp and a world-beating maximum range of up to 516 miles. Lucid gave the Grand Touring trim wider rear wheels than the lower trims, which helps gracefully bring all that power to the road. It also comes standard with the contents of the Comfort and Convenience Package, which includes a power frunk (front trunk), soft-close doors, heated rear seats, 4-zone climate control, and power sunshades.
Finally, the Lucid Air Sapphire is as wild as its spec sheet and price tag imply. 1,234 hp and zero-to-60 mph in 1.89 seconds, priced at a quarter-million dollars. Traveling from a dead stop to 60 mph in under two seconds is a visceral experience similar to a steep drop on a roller coaster, except this is a ride you can turn and stop at your discretion. And it’s very good at turning and stopping, too.
Something for everyone
The Lucid Air has a significant price spread across its model range. It’s unusual to have a price gap of $179,100 between the base trim and the top trim. For most drivers, the dual-motor AWD Touring trim has the best balance of performance and luxury with a price tag that’s about right for a luxury sedan of this caliber, regardless of fuel source. We can confirm from experience that every Lucid Air is outstanding.
See this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Air models near you.
