Lucid Gravity Takes Electric SUVs to a New Dimension.
Lucid uses its outstanding engineering to develop a luxurious family SUV.
The Lucid Air, a luxury electric sedan, made its debut in 2020, exceeding expectations in terms of range, efficiency, and charging times. Despite being a remarkable first entry into the market, the natural limitations of a sedan to attract a wide audience make the Lucid Gravity, scheduled for 2025, crucial for the brand’s future. This SUV will be offered in two-row, five-passenger configurations as well as three-row, seven-passenger options, intending to capture a larger segment of buyers looking for additional space or a vehicle that suits their families and lifestyles.
However, the Gravity will compete in a saturated market that includes models such as the Cadillac Escalade IQ, the Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV, the Rivian R1S, and the Volvo EX90, in addition to the two-row BMW iX. Like the Air, the Gravity aims to stand out for its efficiency, offering a spacious interior and sporty handling. Nevertheless, Lucid has opted for a similar approach to its sedan, starting with high-priced models. The only version available for the 2025 model year is the Grand Touring, which will have a starting cost of $96,550 but can exceed $100,000 with options.
In terms of design, the Gravity, although a large SUV, weighs less than 6,000 pounds thanks to extensive use of aluminum, which is noteworthy for its category. Its drag coefficient of 0.24 is better than that of other competitors like the EQS SUV. The Gravity's aerodynamic shape is quite unique, featuring a flat, straight hood and a streamlined rear that gives it an unusual appearance. Its design not only optimizes aesthetics but also maximizes interior space, providing more headroom in the front row and more legroom in the second row compared to the EQS SUV.
The Gravity also boasts a substantial trunk and a front trunk space of 8.1 cubic feet. Inside, the minimalist design is enhanced with a screen positioned higher on the dashboard, improving driver visibility. It includes a 34-inch display and an 11-inch central panel with functional controls. A premium audio system with 22 speakers is also available.
In terms of performance, the Gravity features a powerful dual-motor powertrain with a 123 kWh battery pack that delivers 828 horsepower and 909 lb-ft of torque. The vehicle is expected to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 3.4 seconds, thus approaching several competitors in the realm of electric SUVs. Additionally, its air suspension and drive modes (including an off-road mode) provide remarkable versatility.
The projected range of the Gravity is up to 450 miles, more than many of its rivals in the market. It has a charging port compatible with Tesla charging stations and achieves fast charging that allows for recovering 200 miles of range in less than 12 minutes. This efficiency in charging and its bidirectional charging capability are other features that set it apart.
With a base price of $96,550, the Gravity Grand Touring sits at the higher end of its segment. However, despite additional options that may raise its cost, it seems to justify its price with the quality of its finishes and its driving dynamics. Compared to its direct competitors like the Cadillac Escalade IQ and the Volvo EX90, the Gravity offers advantages in terms of range and performance, demonstrating that Lucid’s proposition to build a rational and capable electric SUV deserves recognition.
