Clear skies: more than meets the eye

Positioned in the premium segment, the Lucid Air combines the minimalist appearance of a Tesla Model S with the luxurious interior in the style of a Mercedes-Benz EQS and performance that exceeds that of a Porsche Taycan Turbo S. Sounds promising!

Although the Lucid Air is the brand’s first and so far only model, in terms of power levels and WLTP range it is still available in four versions: Pure (487 hp / 660 to 725 km), Touring (629 hp / 648 to 725 km). ), Grand Touring (830 hp / 783 to 839 km) and Dream Edition, available in two variants: Performance (1126 hp / 799 to 861 km) and Range (946 hp / 828 to 883 km).

All versions are based on the same technical platform, which represents a true innovation and is called LEAP (Lucid Electric Advanced Platform). It takes the downsizing of mechanical components to an unprecedented level. All major components are designed and developed by Lucid. We would also like to remind you that Lucid supplies the battery packs and motors for Formula E. Many elements of the Lucid Air come from racing to ensure the best possible performance. The battery operates with a voltage of 800 V and enables a charging power of 300 kW. About 15 minutes of charging time is sufficient for a range of 400 km.

Another heart of the Lucid are the engines. He owns two of the same type. The motor, called ActiveCore, offers the best power density on the market. With a weight of 74 kg and a size so small that it fits in a suitcase, it develops a power of up to 679 hp. In addition, the planet gear is integrated directly into the housing. This reduction in mechanical elements made it possible to significantly increase the passenger space and achieve a total trunk volume (front and rear) of more than 910 liters, while at the same time integrating the entire drive system for maximum vehicle efficiency.

The style of the Lucid Air is based on the concept from 2016. This statement sounds logical, as the design also stems from the search for optimal efficiency. The drag coefficient, the famous drag coefficient, is only 0.197, which is a record. This unique series is extremely slim and is characterized by a front with a striking light signature using LEDs – also produced ‘in-house’.

About the dimensions: The Lucid Air is 4.98 m long, 1.94 m wide and 1.41 m high. The wheelbase is 2.96 m and the weight, depending on the version, is between 2360 and 2375 kg. The trunk – the Lucid Air has no tailgate – provides access to the spacious interior with a capacity of 627 liters through a narrow opening. However, this is compensated by the addition of a ‘frunk’ (composition of ‘front’ and ‘trunk’ for ‘front trunk’) with a capacity of 283 liters and a very large opening.

The interior is incredibly spacious. Although the windscreen offers good forward visibility – especially with the panoramic roof available on top versions – the visual impression of spaciousness can be reduced due to the limited window area on the sides. The spaciousness is also partly limited by the enormous side supports in the door area.

The cockpit upholstery is made of high-quality materials: leather (choice of real or artificial leather), textile and various types of wood. Everything seems authentic and sustainable. Plastic is only used as a material for some insulated brushed aluminum inserts and less visible furniture. The refinement continues in the seats, with numerous levels of adjustment and five massage programs to reduce fatigue while driving.

Another point is the conventional ergonomics of the driver’s compartment. A normal steering wheel, normal steering column switches but also some classic scroll wheels and buttons on the steering wheel spokes and the center console for standard controls. At the front, the driver will find a 34-inch digital display as the instrument cluster and for infotainment. This feature is accompanied by a second slide-out screen on the center console that displays the function used above and also provides access to additional vehicle settings that can be adjusted with a tap.

The three driving modes offered: ‘Smooth’, ‘Swift’ and ‘Sprint’ influence the acceleration, the recuperation braking and the damping/steering. With the Lucid Air, one-pedal driving is also possible – without any adjustments, apart from the power of the two-stage recuperation brake. The overall comfort is very high, but the car is harder than a Mercedes EQS, which is a real exception in the segment. The sporty side is more present in the American model than in the German one.

Considering the power and torque of the engines on all four wheels, the acceleration feeling is great. Equally impressive is the speed of the chassis in the Air, which corners flatly and always stays on track. We missed extra rear-wheel steering, which would improve cornering agility.

However, everyone agrees on one point: consumption. Our one-day trip took us along side roads, highways without speed limits and highways in Switzerland. Without paying attention, we arrived at an average consumption of 6.9 kWh/100 km or 698 km range for the Grand Touring. This is simply a record that puts the Lucid above all electric cars produced to date. Now you can imagine what range would be possible with ‘conscious’ use or on city or suburban streets that are particularly favorable in terms of energy recovery.

Even though we had to wait a long time, the Lucid Air is not just hot air. The perfect car does not exist, especially when it comes to electric cars, but the Air is very close. Words don’t always follow actions, but the Lucid Air presents a level of performance never seen before. Now all someone needs is the necessary change of CHF 125,000 for the Air Pure, 145,000 for the Touring or 175,000 for the Grand Touring. The Dream Edition for CHF 210,000 is already sold out.