If you’re only going to sell one car, it better be outstanding.
The Lucid Air electric car finally hit the market in 2020 after facing years of financial uncertainty. Lucid plans to introduce an SUV called the Gravity and a series of smaller, more mainstream models, but for now, the Air remains Lucid’s only product four years post-launch. Despite this, the Air has diversified, offering multiple configurations to cater to different needs.
Since its debut, Lucid has frequently updated the Air lineup and is doing so again for the 2024 model year. The lineup now includes the base rear-wheel-drive Pure, all-wheel-drive Touring, maximum-range Grand Touring, and peak-performance Sapphire.
This reorganization provided a perfect reason to revisit the Air and compare the four versions. Recently, Digital Trends had the chance to drive all four models back-to-back on scenic roads and highways in the Hudson Valley, just outside New York City.
If you’re after a fast and luxurious electric vehicle with a range suitable for road trips, the Lucid Air Pure base model might be all you need. For 2024, the Pure loses its all-wheel-drive option but retains the rear-wheel-drive version, starting at $71,400. It delivers an impressive 419 miles of range with its 88-kilowatt-hour battery pack, outperforming a Tesla Model S, which needs nearly 100 kWh for 402 miles.
Though the single-motor Pure is the least powerful Air model, it still packs a punch with 430 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque. This 4,564-pound sedan can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in an estimated 4.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 124 mph. The Pure is also surprisingly fun to drive, even more so than its more powerful Touring and Grand Touring siblings.
The Pure model feels particularly nimble, especially around corners, partly because its unpowered front axle enhances steering responsiveness. Though it’s not a small car, maneuvering it down winding roads felt as precise and thrilling as a cinematic space battle. We didn’t miss the extra power from other Air versions when the road straightened out, as the Pure is plenty quick.
In terms of creature comforts and tech, the Pure doesn’t fall short. It features the same 34.0-inch display found in the pricier models, with most controls accessible through a lower touchscreen called the Pilot Panel. While it supports wireless Apple CarPlay, it disappointingly lacks Android Auto connectivity. The interior comes with synthetic upholstery for sustainability reasons rather than cost.
The Touring model is another carry-over but now stands as the least expensive way to get an all-wheel-drive powertrain in an Air, given the removal of the dual-motor Pure for 2024. Priced at $79,400, the Touring offers 620 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque, achieving zero to 60 mph in 3.4 seconds and a top speed of 140 mph. It has a larger 92-kWh battery, but its range dips slightly to 411 miles.
The Air Touring is all about smoothness and serenity, prioritizing a comfortable ride over sportiness. On the highway, it lives up to its name by offering a plush ride that makes long drives appealing. It handles twisty roads well, but its focus is more on comfort than agility.
In comparison to the Pure, the Touring offers all-wheel drive and quicker acceleration but has similar cabin features. The interface and standard driver-assist features, such as adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring, are pretty much identical in both models. However, more advanced features are available as options.
The Grand Touring model is the real headline-grabber with its 516-mile range from a 112-kWh battery pack, making it the longest-range EV currently available. It also boasts the fastest charging capability in the lineup, recovering 200 miles of range in just 12 minutes at a suitable DC fast-charging station. The price for this model is a steep $111,400.
For 2024, Lucid dropped the previous 1,050-hp Grand Touring Performance, leaving the standard Grand Touring with 819 horsepower and 885 pound-feet of torque. It accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 3.0 seconds and has a top speed of 168 mph. Although the performance difference between the Touring and Grand Touring models is slight, the driving experience is notably laid-back, akin to a Rolls-Royce despite its Ferrari-like specs.
Inside, the Grand Touring doesn’t differ much from the Pure and Touring models, mainly due to Lucid’s decision to maintain consistent interior quality across different trims. The Grand Touring’s extensive range showcases Lucid’s engineering prowess and offers a strong counterargument to range anxiety concerns.
The Sapphire model is Lucid’s answer to the Tesla Model S Plaid, featuring a tri-motor powertrain with a single front motor and dual rear motors, delivering a whopping 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 pound-feet of torque. Performance stats are equally impressive: zero to 60 mph in 1.8 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 8.9 seconds at 158 mph, and a top speed of 205 mph. It has a 118-kWh battery pack that provides a range of 427 miles, though actual range might be less with spirited driving.
Beyond just adding an extra motor, the Sapphire includes upgrades like unique suspension tuning, carbon-ceramic brakes, and staggered wheels with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S summer performance tires, making it a well-rounded performance vehicle.
What’s striking about the Sapphire is its well-balanced driving experience. It’s not just about straight-line speed; the steering and suspension also play significant roles, providing an engaging driving experience. Despite its intense power, it feels precise and connected, making it not just fast but also enjoyable to drive. Comfort levels remain decent, and it offers more range than any other EV available. However, with a price tag of $250,500, it needs to excel in all these aspects.
Overall, the Lucid Air has gained attention for its impressive range and charging speeds, but its entire lineup underscores the versatility of the Air platform. The latest lineup reorganization offers clearer distinctions between models than BMW i7 or Mercedes-Benz EQS while providing more options than Tesla, which has reduced its Model S variants. With this lineup, Lucid is effectively filling multiple niches with just one car.
Some issues remain, such as the Air’s styling and its touchscreen-heavy interface, which even controls basic adjustments like mirrors and steering wheel alignment. The Air Touring mostly serves to fill a price gap, and the cheapest model, Air Pure, is still a luxury vehicle, which can be a barrier considering high prices are a major obstacle to EV adoption. Despite these challenges, the Air lineup is well-positioned to compete with Lucid’s rivals until more models become available.