Lucid Motors has constantly demonstrated its skill to design spectacular and classy autos, however the true problem lies in convincing shoppers to buy them. Regardless of the exceptional effectivity and long-range functionality of the Air, the model’s debut sedan has struggled in a market more and more dominated by SUVs. Final yr, Lucid offered merely 6,001 models, which pales compared to the 50,000 models offered by rival startup Rivian. Nonetheless, Lucid’s new mannequin, the Gravity, goals to vary that development.
The Gravity, a three-row household SUV, is designed to attraction to a broader viewers than the modern Air sedan. Preliminary impressions following a short take a look at drive recommend that the Gravity has vital potential, despite the fact that the pre-production model requires some further tuning.
Lucid has launched the Gravity with the Grand Touring trim, priced at $94,900, whereas a extra inexpensive Touring model is about to launch in late 2025 beginning at $79,900. Key specs embody an roughly 120 kWh battery, a powerful 450-mile EV vary, an output of 828 horsepower, 909 lb-ft of torque, a 0-60 mph acceleration time of three.4 seconds, all-wheel drive, and a twin motor setup.
Manufacturing of the Gravity commenced in December at Lucid’s Arizona facility, which additionally manufactures the Air. Whereas the corporate has not disclosed a selected timeline for buyer deliveries, it’s anticipated that these will start within the first half of the upcoming yr.
By way of driving expertise, the transient take a look at drive in Malibu offered perception into the SUV’s dealing with and person interface. The Gravity options three distinct driving modes: Easy, Swift, and Dash. Even in its most comfy setting, the Gravity exhibited spectacular cornering capabilities, standing out amongst bigger SUVs. Switching to Dash mode enhanced responsiveness and made for a extra exhilarating drive, with minimal physique roll and memorable agility.
Though the take a look at car included an elective dealing with package deal with superior suspension and rear-wheel steering, it seems that most patrons will prioritize consolation and cargo capability over sporty efficiency. An prolonged assessment of the Gravity’s capabilities in on a regular basis driving eventualities is eagerly awaited.
The bizarre “squircle” steering wheel design obtained blended reactions. It permits for an unobstructed view of the digital show, a bonus that units it aside from many typical steering wheels that usually obscure a part of the gauge cluster.
The Gravity’s digital person interface is visually interesting and seems to be extra user-friendly than that of the Air. The interface consists of a giant, curved show behind the steering wheel and a secondary display screen positioned above the dashboard, making it simpler for drivers to entry data rapidly.
Moreover, the Gravity options touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel that mimic smartphone gestures. Whereas it stays to be seen how intuitive these controls are, early impressions point out that they’re practical, with room for enchancment.
The Gravity’s inside exudes a way of house and luxurious, with beneficiant room throughout all three rows. Even taller passengers will discover ample legroom and headspace, notably within the third row. An expansive glass roof enhances the inside’s ethereal really feel, whereas Lucid’s give attention to environment friendly packaging offers extra room for passengers and cargo in comparison with opponents.
In conclusion, whereas a short take a look at drive and examination of the Gravity’s options don’t yield definitive judgments, the preliminary expertise was optimistic. The Gravity is fulfilling to drive, comfy, and boasts impressively aggressive specs. Whether or not this mannequin can considerably enhance Lucid’s gross sales would require additional analysis, however hopes are excessive for its affect available in the market.
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