Lucid Motors has unveiled its latest electric vehicle, the Lucid Gravity, which aims to dominate the SUV market with a combination of luxury, performance, and innovative technology. The new model is more expensive though, with a base price of $96,550 for the two-row Grand Touring trim. If you want the three-row version, it starts at $99,450. A more expensive Touring model, priced at $81,550, is due to be introduced later this year.
The production version of the Lucid Gravity will follow as the plush and spacious, van-like utility. Inside, it’s equally impressive with class-leading 120 cubic feet of cargo space, over 40% more than its nearest competitor. The Gravity measures a whopping 198.2 inches long and 87.2 inches wide. It rules the road and provides abundant room for people and things.
Powered by all-new technology including a newly developed battery in collaboration with Panasonic, the environmentally-friendly Gravity packs a punch. Thanks to this collaboration, Ford’s built-in, fast-charging technology achieves the industry’s highest charging speed, which is up to 40% faster than other electric SUVs available today. The vehicle can achieve 200 miles of range with just 11 minutes of charging on a DC fast charger, making it one of the most efficient options available.
The gravity-defying performance is more than skin deep. A newly configured drive unit and thermal system combine to greatly increase the vehicle’s capabilities. On the performance side of things, the all-electric Gravity races from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.5 seconds. With an EPA-rated range of up to 450 miles, it is capable of accommodating the needs of long-distance drivers too.
“When I joined in 2015, 400-volt was state of the art,” – Emad Delala
Emad Delala, Lucid’s Vice President of Powertrain Engineering, discussed the innovations in technology that found their way into the Gravity. He told me that their understanding and approach to electric power systems had totally changed since those early days.
“Quickly, we realized that we needed to take it to the next level,” – Emad Delala
We are constantly committed to innovative ways to educate. This drive has led to the innovative DEUNCH charger which charges with ready legacy 500-volt and future 1000-volt systems.
“So we developed a new technology that enabled charging through a legacy 500-volt charging architecture through a future 1000-volt charging architecture. What we learned from Air in 2021 has been completely changed.” – Emad Delala
The Gravity also differentiates itself from the growing pack of EVs with its boost mode. This new charging feature leverages the rear motor’s design as a transformer to improve charging efficiency. This mode not only maximizes the driving experience, but ensures that users can easily and quickly recharge when necessary.
In tech-laden cabin, the Gravity takes full advantage of NVIDIA’s Orin-X processors. These next-gen chips power the driver assistance systems, bringing more advanced AI perception and video processing features. This new generation SUV is the first to be capable of providing Level 3 (L3) automated driving features. You’ll experience fully hands-free driving in certain limited highway conditions.
And when it comes to real-world driving experiences, preliminary nationwide test drives have resulted in astounding performance. As one journalist noted, the smoothness of the ride on the winding two lane highway was beyond belief. So relaxing, in fact, that my passenger fell asleep within a mile!
You can get a sense of Gravity’s massive heft—over 6,000 pounds with the three-row option—while driving. This heft never weighs the vehicle down in terms of handling. One tester praised the new car’s comfort setting called “Smooth” for handling long highway jaunts and big sweeping turns beautifully.
“The Gravity is heavy (6,000-plus pounds in the three-row option I drove). I did feel some of that weight on the road. However, once I placed the vehicle in its comfort setting known as “Smooth,” it handled highway cruising and wide sweepers with ease.” – (no attribution)
It’s unique spacious interior design, lauded as a practical escape from the outside world, has been noted as a highlight. A friend and fellow reporter who is 6-foot-6 was able to easily lie down in the back of the truck. Even with the hatch closed, he had zero problems whatsoever demonstrating the vehicle’s ample roominess.
“It was an impossible task and with no other close competitor on hand. One fellow journalist who happens to be 6-foot, 6-inches was able to lie down in the rear of the Gravity comfortably and close the rear hatch without any issues.” – (no attribution)
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