EV-startup Lucid Motors has revealed the production-spec version of its first model, the all-electric Air, which looks to position itself as a leader in EV technology, range, and performance.

Set to launch in the US in the second quarter of 2021 with production taking place at a new factory in Arizona, the model is the product of over 20 million miles of real-world testing and positions itself as a real Tesla-killer, with it featuring dual-motor all-wheel drive architecture and advanced battery technology to help it deliver some seriously impressive numbers on every front.

From launch, a total of four model variants are set to be rolled out, starting with the top-spec Dream Edition and Grand Touring that sits below it, before the one-up-from-base Touring model joins the lineup at the tail-end of 2021 and the unnamed base model becomes available the following year.

Although range and performance details are yet to be confirmed for the sub-US$80,000 base Air, the US$95,000 Air Touring will produce 620bhp (462kW) which is enough to see it launch from 0-60mph (0-97km/h) in 3.2 seconds, before covering the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds, before charging on to a limited top speed of 155mph (249km/h). Additionally, it boasts an EPA range estimate of 406 miles (653km) when fitted with 19-inch aero-style wheels.

Stepping up to the US$139,000 Air Grand Touring sees power bumped up to a hefty 820bhp (611kW) that cuts its 0-60mph time to just 3.0 seconds and its quarter mile time to 10.8 seconds, while it can hit an even higher top speed of 168mph (270km/h). Thanks to a 113kWh extended-range battery pack, its EPA range estimate is increased to a truly impressive 517 miles (832km).

But it’s the US$169,000 Air Dream Edition that delivers the most staggering performance figures of the lot – with a whopping 1080bhp (805kW) on tap, it’s able to get from 0-60mph in a sickeningly-fast 2.5 seconds, before covering the quarter mile in an astounding 9.9 seconds, making it the only electric sedan to break into the nine-second bracket. Its claimed range drops slightly to 503 miles (809km) when fitted with 19-inch wheels, and 465 miles (748km) when fitted with a 21-inch set.

Helping it achieve its impressive range claims is a class-leading 0.21 drag coefficient, along with a race-proven Battery Management System and what it claims to be “world-class energy density” and energy efficiency from its big battery pack.

Additionally, the Lucid Air claims to be the world’s fastest-charging car with the ability to charge at 20 miles (32km) per minute when connected to a DC Fast Charging network, which translates to a charge rate of 1200 miles (1931km) per hour.

Inside, the Air claims class-leading interior room, with its airy (pardon the pun) cabin featuring a 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit 5K display that appears to float above the dashboard, along with a retractable Pilot Panel in the centre stack.

Thought has been given to ensuring the interior materials used are as environmentally-conscious as possible, with the use of sustainably-sourced woods including eucalyptus, walnut, and red oak, along with alpaca wool textiles. Bridge of Weir leather is also optionally available, with it chosen due to the company claiming the lowest carbon footprint of any leather-maker in the world.

A clear sign of its clever packaging, the Air claims cargo capacity of 280 litres in its frunk, and 739 litres in its rear luggage compartment, both of which see it lead its EV rivals significantly.

Its advanced driver-assistance system, Lucid DreamDrive, claims to combine the most comprehensive sensor suite on the market with an advanced Driver Monitoring System, which with 32 sensors, high-resolution LIDAR, and geo-fenced HD mapping is able to provide both Level 2 and 3 driver assistance technologies.

Additionally, an advanced in-house developed Micro Lens Array headlight system and built-in Amazon Alexa implementation will also feature.

Although the Lucid Air will launch in the US next year, it’s yet to be confirmed what other markets will receive it.

Patrick Jackson
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