In a comprehensive review of the Lucid Air, an innovative electric vehicle, car enthusiast and reviewer, Watson from Car Wow, took a closer look at its features, design, performance, and drawbacks.
The Lucid Air is the brainchild of a former Tesla chief engineer, who aimed to outperform his former employer. The car boasts bold claims of exceptional performance and aerodynamics. However, as Watson embarked on a detailed examination, some aspects left him intrigued.
Starting with the exterior, the Lucid Air showcases a wide design accentuated by Chrome strips and an impressive light bar. Although Lucid claims it has the largest unbroken light bar on any car, Watson noted the presence of visible breaks in the light. Nevertheless, he praised the integration of the spoiler into the boot lid and admired the sleek, aerodynamic shape.
Moving to the interior, the Lucid Air offers a luxurious experience. High-quality materials adorn the dashboard, including alcantara suede and solid panels. However, Watson observed slight creaking in the steering wheel and seats, detracting from the overall solid feel. The infotainment system impresses with its sleek design, resembling the aesthetics of a Porsche Taycan. Though some controls are touch-sensitive, Watson appreciated the inclusion of shortcut buttons for essential functions. Ample storage space, wireless charging, and a decent-sized glove box further enhance the practicality of the vehicle.
One of the standout features of the Lucid Air is its panoramic glass roof, providing an immersive experience. However, the mounted sun visors restrict the view when the sun is low, leaving Watson yearning for an option to detach them. He also highlighted the abundance of legroom in the rear seats but cautioned that taller passengers might find the headroom limited due to the sloping roofline.
Regarding performance, the Lucid Air boasts impressive power, with the most potent variant delivering 111 horsepower and 1,390 newton meters of torque. Watson tested its acceleration and found it to be extremely quick. However, he noticed that the large alloy wheels and firm suspension resulted in a slightly bumpy ride. One-pedal driving was possible thanks to the significant regenerative braking system, although it took some time to adjust to its aggressive nature. The car handled corners well, remaining flat, but Watson felt that the steering lacked a connection to the road.
While the Lucid Air excelled in many aspects, some shortcomings were highlighted. The white stitching on the dashboard reflected excessively in the windscreen, causing distraction. The lack of an individual driving mode to personalize settings and low placement of rear cameras that quickly accumulate dirt were identified as areas for improvement.
The review also touched upon pricing, noting that the Lucid Air’s entry-level model in Europe starts at over £150,000, while the performance model exceeds £190,000. Comparatively, the Lucid Air is pricier than a Tesla Model S but offers a more premium feel.
In conclusion, Watson recommended shortlisting the Lucid Air for its impressive performance and overall luxury. However, he expressed reservations about its steep price tag, suggesting that prospective buyers carefully consider their options.
Overall, the Lucid Air demonstrates ambition and innovation in the electric car market, but its performance and luxury aspects are not without question.
