Overview: 2023 Lucid Air
Lucid has introduced some exciting updates for the 2023 model year. One of the most noteworthy changes is the new Stealth Look appearance package, which is available as an optional add-on for the Air. This $6000 package replaces the Air's exterior brightwork with dark gray alternatives and swaps the car's 20- or 21-inch high-polish wheels with black ones, giving it a sleek and blacked-out look. However, it is not available for the base Pure trim.
Lucid has also added a new Sapphire performance model, which boasts a more powerful three-motor drivetrain and delivers over 1200 horsepower. This high-performance model is priced at $250,650, making it the most expensive option.
For those looking to make a more budget-conscious purchase, the Touring model is an excellent choice. Priced at $109,050, it offers a lot of features and amenities at a more reasonable cost than the Grand Touring trim. The Touring model comes with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, in-dash navigation, and an estimated driving range of 425 miles per charge.
All Lucid models come standard with three years of complimentary charging via the Electrify America charging network. While the Dream Edition models have sold out, the Grand Touring trim is an excellent alternative for those who want to maximize luxury and are willing to pay for it.
Price and Variants: 2023 Lucid Air
Lucid has introduced some exciting updates for the 2023 model year. One of the most noteworthy changes is the new Stealth Look appearance package, which is available as an optional add-on for the Air. This $6000 package replaces the Air's exterior brightwork with dark gray alternatives and swaps the car's 20- or 21-inch high-polish wheels with black ones, giving it a sleek and blacked-out look. However, it is not available for the base Pure trim.
Lucid has also added a new Sapphire performance model, which boasts a more powerful three-motor drivetrain and delivers over 1200 horsepower. This high-performance model is priced at $250,650, making it the most expensive option.
For those looking to make a more budget-conscious purchase, the Touring model is an excellent choice. Priced at $109,050, it offers a lot of features and amenities at a more reasonable cost than the Grand Touring trim. The Touring model comes with 20-inch wheels, leather upholstery, in-dash navigation, and an estimated driving range of 425 miles per charge.
All Lucid models come standard with three years of complimentary charging via the Electrify America charging network. While the Dream Edition models have sold out, the Grand Touring trim is an excellent alternative for those who want to maximize luxury and are willing to pay for it.
| Model |
Price |
| Pure |
$89,050 |
| Touring |
$109,050 |
| Grand Touring |
$155,650 |
| Grand Touring Performance |
$180,650 |
| Sapphire |
$250,650 |
Power and Performance: 2023 Lucid Air
The Air sedan comes in different models with various electric motor configurations and power outputs. The entry-level version features a single electric motor at the rear, producing 480 horsepower, while higher-end models have dual electric motors for all-wheel drive and greater horsepower ratings. For instance, the Touring model generates 620 horses, and the Grand Touring produces 1050 horsepower. We had the chance to test the Grand Touring and Grand Touring Performance trims, and they both delivered impressive acceleration, with the former clocking a 3.0-second 0-60 mph time that can be easily repeated using launch mode. Surprisingly, the Touring model, which has lower power output, matched that time as well. However, the Touring model falls short of the Grand Touring's performance when it comes to reaching higher speeds, as it takes longer to hit 130 mph. Despite using conventional steel coil springs instead of air springs, the Air sedan provides a smooth and comfortable ride, especially in Smooth drive mode, except for some noticeable road noise on rough surfaces when equipped with the 21-inch wheels on low-profile tires.
Recently, Lucid released a new flagship model, the Air Sapphire, featuring three electric motors, including one at the rear, and claiming to generate over 1200 horsepower. According to Lucid, this setup provides insane acceleration, allowing the car to compete with the likes of the Tesla Model S Plaid. The Air Sapphire also boasts a top speed of 200 mph.
Range, Charging and Battery: 2023 Lucid Air
Interior: 2023 Lucid Air
The Air is designed as a high-end vehicle, featuring a striking interior that boasts top-of-the-line materials and state-of-the-art technology. Lucid takes pride in the sedan's roomy cabin, especially the spacious back seat that can comfortably accommodate up to three adults. For those seeking ultimate comfort, an optional Executive Rear Seating upgrade is available, which includes a reclining function. The Air's panoramic glass roof adds to the feeling of openness and offers excellent outward visibility. The front center console is thoughtfully designed with ample storage space, including a retractable lower touchscreen and a large center-console bin that houses cupholders and smartphone slots. Additionally, the front trunk (or "frunk") offers a generous 10 cubic feet of cargo capacity.
Infotainment and Connectivity: 2023 Lucid Air
The Lucid Air boasts a state-of-the-art connectivity system that includes two touchscreens. The upper screen is integrated into the digital gauge cluster, while the lower screen is tablet-like and retractable. The infotainment system features voice recognition technology that can understand natural speech patterns, and it also includes an assistant that learns the user's preferences for music and climate control settings. The steering wheel includes physical controls for ease of use, including toggles for temperature and fan speed and a roller for adjusting the audio volume.
Safety and Warranty: 2023 Lucid Air
The Air from Lucid comes equipped with a range of advanced safety features to assist drivers on the road, and the company is also working on developing Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. Although these features won't be immediately available, they can be installed using over-the-air updates within the next three years. If you're interested in learning more about the vehicle's safety rating, you can visit the websites of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Some key safety features offered by the Air include:
- Automated emergency braking and forward-collision warning
- Rear cross-traffic alert and blind-spot monitoring
- Lane-keeping assist and adaptive cruise control
When it comes to warranties and maintenance coverage, Lucid's offerings are similar to Tesla's. The company doesn't provide complimentary maintenance, but its warranty covers the following:
- A limited warranty for four years or 50,000 miles
- A powertrain warranty for eight years or 100,000 miles
