The Lucid Gravity has been aptly described as a “Scandi flickable” three-row crossover for the primary time in automotive historical past. For these unfamiliar, the Scandinavian flick is a rally driving maneuver the place a driver steers in the other way earlier than getting into a flip, initiating a slide by the nook. Notably, whereas it could be tempting to take such liberties with a Lucid Gravity, an upscale electrical SUV, most drivers doubtless gained’t try it. Nonetheless, doing so would possibly simply be value their time.
The Gravity represents a big milestone for Lucid, a California-based electrical automobile start-up aiming to compete with main automakers. Just like Lucid’s Air sedan, the Gravity showcases spectacular engineering, even when it strays from perfection. This automobile is a testomony to the eagerness and enthusiasm of those that designed it.
Lucid has launched the Gravity within the Grand Touring trim, priced beginning at $96,550 for a five-seat association. The totally geared up, seven-seat fashions obtainable for testing have been priced at $127,150. An $81,650 Touring variant is forthcoming, although particular specs and launch dates have but to be confirmed.
Positioned on the excessive finish of the luxurious SUV market, the Gravity Grand Touring boasts outstanding efficiency figures, with 824 horsepower and 909 pound-feet of torque delivered by its twin electrical motors. It could actually speed up from 0 to 60 miles per hour in simply 3.4 seconds, making it one of the crucial highly effective SUVs at present obtainable.
Regardless of its energy, the Gravity excels in effectivity, reaching an admirable vary of 450 miles on a 112 kWh (gross 123 kWh) battery. The seven-seat check fashions, geared up with bigger wheels and summer time tires, reported a spread of 386 miles. Notably, the Gravity can journey practically so far as a Cadillac Escalade IQ whereas using a battery about half its measurement, contributing to a weight financial savings of roughly 3,000 kilos in comparison with the Escalade.
Earlier than indulging within the entertaining expertise of taking the Gravity off-road, we explored its capabilities on the freeway and mountain roads within the beautiful Los Padres Nationwide Forest. Using Lucid’s complete driver-assistance system, Dream Drive Professional, the Gravity delivered an exceptionally snug and quiet experience, with solely minimal noise and occasional bumps from the obtainable 22-inch entrance and 23-inch rear wheels.
Transitioning from highways to winding roads revealed the Gravity’s distinctive dealing with. Geared up with the $2,900 Dynamic Dealing with Bundle, which options three-chamber air springs and rear-wheel steering, the automobile’s efficiency was excellent. The Bilstein adaptive dampers throughout the automobile line improve its grip and supply drivers with glorious suggestions on dealing with. The steering feels finely tuned, and the spectacular energy can simply entertain all passengers.
Nonetheless, the Gravity does have its quirks. The regenerative braking mechanism solely engages by lifting the throttle, much like Tesla’s strategy. This may occasionally pose a problem for individuals who desire blended braking techniques and will end in diminished effectivity if drivers decide out of one-pedal driving. The one-pedal mode works effectively in commonplace driving conditions however requires cautious modulation throughout spirited maneuvers. The brake pedal really feel, which goals to imitate that of a Porsche 911 GT3, has a imprecise sensation that detracts from driver confidence and may benefit from refinement.
The Gravity’s inside is a mix of innovation and complexity. It incorporates a dual-screen structure—with an higher show for gauges and infotainment and a decrease display for local weather management and automobile settings. Whereas visually interesting and useful with important laborious buttons, it requires a studying curve for brand new customers. Controls, together with distinctive “D-pads” on the steering wheel, handle varied settings, enhancing the general person expertise regardless of a necessity for recalibration.
Sadly, the check fashions exhibited software program glitches, together with nonfunctional head-up shows and lane-keeping help that did not deactivate regardless of showing disabled in settings. Construct high quality additionally fell brief in some areas, with noticeable panel gaps and noise points, attributed to the automobiles being rushed to the media occasion with out thorough pre-delivery inspections.
However, for fanatics, the Gravity presents a compelling choice that blends innovation with a ardour for engineering. Lucid goals to ship a product that stands out from established opponents by incorporating distinctive options, like a rear-wheel steering system that maximizes inside area and sooner charging capabilities.
The Gravity’s future holds much more pleasure with an upcoming “Terrain” mode, set to be launched through an over-the-air replace. This mode transforms the SUV into an agile performer off-road, permitting for totally disengaged stability management, whereas nonetheless holding traction management energetic for managed drifting and maneuverability on filth programs.
General, the Lucid Gravity is a automobile that embodies the spirit of its engineers, showcasing their dedication and keenness for driving. Whereas it is probably not good but, it provides an intriguing mix of efficiency, effectivity, and innovation in a three-row SUV. How typically can one declare they discovered a automobile with such character?
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