Lucid Gravity Review - Will this save Lucid?

Summary

In this video, the host explores the Lucid Gravity, an electric SUV that's poised to be a game-changer for the brand. While Lucid has previously excelled in sedans, the Gravity represents their first foray into the popular SUV market. With impressive range, sleek design, and high-tech features, including NACS charging, this vehicle packs both power and efficiency. The host highlights its exceptional interior space, luxury, and the driving experience, comparing it to competitors like the Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X. Despite some software quirks, the Gravity stands out as a complete, enthusiast-friendly package with the potential to become Lucid's bestselling vehicle.

Takeaways

• 😀 Lucid's new vehicle, the Gravity, marks their first entry into the SUV market, aiming to expand their appeal beyond sedans and attract more mainstream buyers.
• 🚗 The Lucid Gravity offers a 450-mile range on paper, but real-world tests have shown a more realistic range of around 386 miles with the version tested.
• ⚡ Lucid Gravity features impressive technology, including an NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, which allows direct charging at Tesla Superchargers in the U.S.
• 🛠️ The vehicle has a spacious, highly functional interior with versatile seating options, including folding rear seats for maximizing storage capacity.
• 🔊 The interior boasts high-quality materials, including leather seating, Dolby Atmos speakers (22 in total), and a highly quiet, insulated cabin.
• 🚙 Despite some software issues with the key fob, the Gravity offers smooth daily driving with good ergonomics and intuitive software.
• 🖥️ The Gravity’s software features two separate touchscreen environments: a 12.5-inch screen for controls and media, and a larger touchscreen for navigation and climate control.
• 🚶‍♂️ The Gravity’s third-row seats are spacious enough for adult passengers, though it’s slightly less roomy than other seven-seaters like the Cadillac Escalade IQ.
• 🛠️ The Lucid Gravity’s driving experience combines comfort with performance, featuring sharp, responsive steering and minimal body roll for a nearly 7,000 lb vehicle.
• 💡 Despite the Gravity's lack of Apple CarPlay at the time of testing, Lucid’s software is intuitive, stable, and responsive, offering features like massaging seats and customizable driving modes.
• 💰 While the Gravity might not immediately turn Lucid's financial situation around, it holds strong potential to become the company's best-selling model due to its popularity in the U.S. SUV market.

Q & A

What is the main significance of the Lucid Gravity for Lucid Motors?

The Lucid Gravity represents Lucid's first entry into the SUV market, a popular category in the U.S., which could potentially help the company gain broader appeal and improve sales. It's expected to be a game-changer for the brand, despite the challenges Lucid faces with profitability.

How does the design of the Lucid Gravity differ from the Lucid Air?

The Lucid Gravity shares some design features with the Lucid Air, such as the front visor and sleek silhouette. However, the Gravity adopts a more SUV-like form, with elements that may remind some of a minivan, especially in its side profile, though the design still maintains an aerodynamic and functional appeal.

What is the expected range of the Lucid Gravity, and does it meet expectations in real-world driving?

The Lucid Gravity is advertised to offer up to 450 miles of range, but in real-world driving, the highest recorded range was 386 miles, with factors like wheel size and added weight affecting efficiency. While it falls short of the advertised range, it still provides impressive mileage for an electric SUV.

What are the key performance features of the Lucid Gravity?

The Lucid Gravity boasts an all-wheel-drive, dual-motor architecture, with 828 horsepower, offering impressive acceleration and performance. It can reach 0-60 mph in about 3.5 seconds, despite software limitations that may be intentionally constraining performance for a future higher-performance model.

How does the Lucid Gravity compare to other electric SUVs in terms of driving experience?

The Lucid Gravity offers a highly refined driving experience, with sharp, responsive steering, minimal body roll, and a smooth suspension that handles rough roads well. Compared to rivals like the Rivian R1S or Tesla Model X, the Gravity feels more balanced, offering a better combination of sportiness and luxury.

What are some of the notable interior features of the Lucid Gravity?

The interior of the Lucid Gravity features high-quality materials like Tahoe brown leather, massaging seats, a 12.5-inch touchscreen, and a second touch screen for easy access to various controls. It also boasts 22 Dolby Atmos speakers and a spacious cabin with ample storage, making it both luxurious and practical.

Does the Lucid Gravity support Tesla Superchargers?

Yes, the Lucid Gravity is the first vehicle in Lucid's lineup to support the NACS (North American Charging Standard) port, allowing it to charge directly at Tesla Supercharger stations in the U.S. without needing an adapter, a significant advantage for long-distance driving.

What improvements could be made to the Lucid Gravity's software features?

While the software is intuitive and stable, one major drawback is the absence of Apple CarPlay, which is expected to come via an over-the-air update. Additionally, the touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel, though high-tech, were not frequently used by the reviewer, suggesting they might not be as practical as initially thought.

What is the significance of the Lucid Gravity's third-row seating?

The third-row seating in the Lucid Gravity is a key feature that makes it a viable family vehicle, offering decent legroom and practical amenities like USB-C charging ports and vents. Although the third-row space isn't as spacious as some competitors, it still provides enough comfort for adults on short trips.

Can the Lucid Gravity save Lucid Motors from its financial struggles?

While the Lucid Gravity has the potential to become Lucid's best-selling vehicle due to its popularity in the SUV market, it's unlikely to solve the company's financial problems on its own. Lucid is not yet making significant profits on its vehicles, but the Gravity could help the brand attract more buyers, especially if a more affordable version is introduced.