At its latest Know-how & Manufacturing Day, Lucid Motors, the US automobile producer, unveiled a brand new mid-range SUV via a shadowy teaser picture. This upcoming mannequin is predicted to be priced considerably decrease than earlier luxurious choices and is about to launch in 2026.
Because the third car in Lucid’s lineup, following the Air and the Gravity luxurious SUV (which is predicted to debut in 2025), the brand new SUV will leverage Lucid’s expertise to offer the identical vary as its opponents whereas using a smaller battery. Manufacturing is anticipated to start on the finish of 2026.
Costs will begin at roughly $50,000, making it about $20,000 cheaper than the Air, which begins at $69,900 within the US, and round $30,000 cheaper than the Gravity, priced at a minimal of $80,000.
The teaser picture reveals a smooth silhouette, paying homage to the Gravity, that includes a flat windscreen, smaller facet home windows, and enormous wheels, with the Lucid title prominently displayed on the entrance. The hood seems extra sculpted in comparison with the Gravity, and the design of the rear roof pillar is altered, with the beltline taking an upward flip relative to the strictly horizontal line of the Gravity. Total, the brand new mannequin appears sportier.
This mid-range SUV could function a premium various to the Tesla Mannequin Y, which has a beginning value of $31,490 within the US. Nonetheless, any value comparisons are untimely till extra particulars in regards to the powertrains and batteries are launched. The fundamental model of the Air options rear-wheel drive, suggesting that the brand new mannequin will probably supply a single motor on the entry degree, with an estimated output between 340 and 408 PS. For comparability, the Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary RWD produces 347 PS.
Based on EV-Database, the Air Pure is provided with a 92 kWh battery that gives a variety of as much as 464 miles. Whereas the brand new mannequin’s battery will likely be smaller, it’s designed to match the competitors when it comes to vary. It might not journey so far as the Air however needs to be aggressive with the Tesla Mannequin Y Lengthy Vary RWD, which achieves 373 miles based on WLTP requirements.
Lucid has indicated that the brand new SUV will characteristic a brand new drive unit known as Atlas. This drive unit usually encompasses the motor, inverter, and transmission, usually built-in right into a single casing, and is at the moment below growth.
In comparison with rivals, the Atlas unit goals to offer extra energy density, greater most output, and decreased kWh prices. Its compact measurement will probably improve inside area, and it’s designed to function extra effectively, thereby extending vary or probably permitting for a smaller battery. This encompasses a proprietary software program stack supposed to maximise the {hardware}’s potential, together with a powertrain management system with options corresponding to torque vectoring, traction management, and battery administration.
When it comes to software program, all Lucid automobiles obtain steady updates via over-the-air expertise. The newest replace, Lucid UX 2.4, launched enhancements to the elective Dream Drive Professional help bundle, a brand new voice management system, and an up to date sat nav map design.
Lucid additionally highlighted the Gravity throughout the occasion. Firm CEO Peter Rawlinson described it as “the perfect SUV ever” and praised its environment friendly drive unit. Manufacturing of the Gravity is about to start this 12 months, and by 2025, it should characteristic a NACS charging connection, permitting entry to over 15,000 Tesla Superchargers. Know-how improvements from the Air will likely be integrated into the Gravity.
Concerning specs, Lucid’s web site signifies the Gravity will present a variety of as much as 435 miles, all-wheel drive with as much as 800 PS, and a 0-60 mph time of lower than 3.5 seconds. Just like the Air, the Gravity will make the most of a 900-volt structure, enabling extraordinarily quick charging capabilities of as much as 300 kW. Though the Gravity’s dimensions weren’t revealed throughout the November launch, the web site states it’s roughly 5 centimeters longer than the Air, with an 8-centimeter longer wheelbase, and is 14 centimeters taller.
When it comes to deliveries, Lucid reported surpassing its whole 2023 gross sales within the first eight months of the 12 months, attaining over 6,001 items delivered out of 8,428 produced. If this development continues, reaching the goal of 9,000 deliveries for the 12 months appears possible.
In conclusion, 2024 seems to be promising for Lucid Motors. With financing showing steady and gross sales progressing based on plan, the Gravity’s upcoming launch is predicted to considerably enhance deliveries, though it could stay out of attain for the typical client. In the end, substantial gross sales progress for Lucid could hinge on the success of those new mid-range fashions, with the SUV doubtlessly being joined by a sedan within the close to future.
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