Lucid Gravity First Drive: An electric SUV that doesn’t make compromises

Summary

Lucid has spent years working on its second EV — a plush van-like SUV designed to be the category killer that could take market share from the likes of other luxury EV and internal combustion people haulers like the Rivian R1S, Cadillac Escalade IQ, BMW X7, and Audi Q8. The Saudi-backed company’s aim was to create an SUV without compromise — a lofty goal other automakers have tried and failed at before. After a first drive in the EV, which has a starting price of $96,550, it’s clear the company did more than just focus on luxurious touches. Although there are plenty. The Lucid Gravity may just be over-engineering at its best. The EV is loaded with tech and upgrades from its predecessor, the Lucid Air sedan. Peter Rawlinson, the former Lucid CEO and CTO, who stepped aside in February, may no longer be at the company, but his engineering fingerprints are all over the new Lucid Gravity. And while customers may never see the tech under the proverbial hood, they will experience it. The Lucid Gravity has up to 450 miles of EPA-rated range, a zero to 60 mph time under 3.5 seconds, and charging times that are unheard of for current EVs. The Gravity can charge up to 200 miles in just 11 minutes on DC fast charging, according to the company, thanks to a new boost mode that leverages the rear motor as a transformer to boost charging. All of this luxury, tech, and spaciousness do come with a price. The vehicle’s price tag ranges between 96,550 for the two-row Grand Touring trim to $99,450 for the three-row version. A “cheaper” $81,550 Touring model is expected to arrive later this year. Lucid Gravity’s tech guts Image Credits:Lucid Engineers working on Gravity took what they learned from Lucid Air Sapphire and the Lucid Air, to create the company’s new Gen 2 system that underpins the SUV. That includes a new battery developed in partnership with Panasonic (which Lucid says offers a 40% charging speed improvement over the competitive set) , a new drive unit, a new thermal system...