Lucid pipeline holds crossover, lower-priced EVs

Lucid Motors chose the executive Air sedan as its debut model, which set records for efficiency and range but has stalled in the sales race. The EV startup could have better luck with the Gravity crossover next year.

When Lucid began production of the Air in late 2021, analysts suggested the market for a large sedan might be constrained given the weakness of the segment and the loyalty enjoyed by established luxury players.

Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson countered that the global sedan market was strong enough for a new player and that Lucid was offering a unique EV product with unheard-of range — more than 500 miles per charge on top trims.

Events over the past two years worked against Lucid, starting with production issues at its Arizona factory when demand was relatively high last year. In the first half of 2023, the Lucid said it delivered just 2,810 Airs to customers.

But help is coming for the brand, which has burned through billions of dollars but still has the backing of its majority owner, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia.

The young automaker is expected to deliver the Gravity by the second half of next year, perhaps reigniting some of the brand excitement when the Air first launched to effusive reviews from automotive journalists.

Lucid is also working on a smaller, less-expensive platform for more mainstream luxury vehicles to compete with Tesla's popular Model Y crossover.

Air: Lucid has been working down the trim ladder for the four-door sedan, which kicked off with the limited-run Dream Edition that started at $170,500 with shipping. This year, the EV maker began delivering its base Pure trim that starts at $83,975 with shipping.

Next up is an ultraperformance luxury trim, Sapphire. The three-motor, 1,234-hp Air Sapphire will come fully loaded at $250,575 with shipping when deliveries start this year. The company is estimating acceleration of 0 to 60 mph in a blazing 1.89 seconds, beating Tesla's Model S Plaid. A redesigned Air is possible in 2027.

Gravity: Lucid is taking the in-house technology that makes the Air both lightning fast and extremely efficient and applying it to a three-row crossover. "This luxury electric SUV will offer comfortable seating for up to seven adults and their gear, the driving dynamics of a sports car, and greater electric range than any SUV on the market today," Lucid said.

The crossover has been testing on public roads in the U.S. with a camouflage wrap. Lucid has not announced pricing, but it should be similar to or greater than the Air sedan on which it's based. In addition to a larger interior than the Air, the Gravity will have new, high-resolution interior displays.

A formal reveal of the crossover is expected this year, according to Lucid, with production in 2024. AutoForecast Solutions expects the first Gravity deliveries to come in the third quarter of 2024.

Midsize platform: After building its halo vehicles, the Air sedan and Gravity crossover, Lucid intends to make more mainstream vehicles within the luxury segment, Rawlinson has said. The less expensive vehicles — with a target of around $50,000 — are expected mid-decade. The first is likely a crossover to battle against Tesla's Model Y.

AutoForecast Solutions estimates production will start in late 2025 with the first customer deliveries in early 2026. Rawlinson has also suggested a rival to Tesla's Model 3 sedan but hasn't offered any details.