Lucid has dedicated years to developing its second electric vehicle, a luxury SUV designed to rival other high-end electric and internal combustion vehicles, such as the Rivian R1S, Cadillac Escalade IQ, BMW X7, and Audi Q8. The Saudi-backed company aimed to create an uncompromising SUV, a challenging objective that many automakers have previously attempted without success. Priced initially at $96,550, the vehicle not only emphasizes luxury but also incorporates extensive technological advancements.
The Lucid Gravity represents an example of superior engineering, featuring numerous technological upgrades from its predecessor, the Lucid Air sedan. Despite the departure of Peter Rawlinson, the former CEO and CTO, his engineering contributions are evident in the new model. While the cutting-edge technology might not be visible to customers, its advanced features significantly enhance the user experience.
The Lucid Gravity boasts an impressive range of up to 450 miles per Environmental Protection Agency rating, acceleration from zero to 60 mph in under 3.5 seconds, and exceptionally fast charging capabilities. The vehicle can be charged for up to 200 miles in just 11 minutes using DC fast charging, facilitated by a new boost mode that transforms the rear motor into a transformer to enhance charging.
This luxury vehicle’s price ranges from $96,550 for the two-row Grand Touring model to $99,450 for the three-row version. A more affordable $81,550 Touring model is expected to be released later in the year.
Engineers leveraged their experience from the Lucid Air Sapphire and Lucid Air to create the company’s new Gen 2 system, which supports the SUV. This includes a new battery developed with Panasonic, offering a 40% improvement in charging speed compared to competitors, a new drive unit, thermal system, and charging system.
The Lucid Gravity can charge at 225 kW on 500-volt chargers (compatible with Tesla’s V3 chargers) and up to 400 kW on 1000-volt chargers (compatible with Tesla’s new V4 chargers, set to be unveiled later this year). Engineers designed a system utilizing the vehicle’s motor and inverter to increase charging voltage without additional hardware, and implemented a plug-and-charge system to streamline payment and charge initiation.
These changes align with Tesla’s North American Charging standard introduced last year while the Gravity was nearing completion. Emad Delala, Lucid’s senior vice president of powertrain, noted that the standard prompted significant redesigns when the Gravity was about 70% developed in late 2022 and early 2023.
Besides charging improvements, Lucid made hardware enhancements to support its infotainment system and allow the addition of more automated driving features. The company utilizes NVIDIA’s Orin-X processors for AI perception and video processing, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8295 for infotainment, and Infineon TC397 for vehicle dynamics and body control.
Currently, the Gravity offers Level 2 automated driving, which requires driver attention despite automating some driving tasks. Lucid aims to achieve Level 3, which could allow hands-off, eyes-off driving on highways in certain conditions. The forthcoming Dream Drive 2 Pro upgrade to the Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) will introduce visualization of up to five lanes of traffic, curve speed control, lane change assistance, curb rash alert, and automated parking.
The Lucid Gravity is engineered to provide ample space for passengers and cargo, boasting an interior capacity of 120 cubic feet, reportedly 40% more than its nearest competitor. Lucid’s use of electronic diffusers instead of traditional fuses minimizes the need for regular access and replacement, optimizing interior space for passengers and cargo.
During a demonstration event in Los Olivos, California, the spaciousness of the Gravity was highlighted as participants attempted, unsuccessfully, to fit cargo from the Gravity into a Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV. A journalist, six feet, six inches tall, comfortably lay in the rear of the Gravity with the hatch closed, demonstrating the vehicle’s capacity.
At 198.2 inches in length and 87.2 inches in width, the Lucid Gravity is nearly as large as a Chevrolet Suburban, which enables its expansive interior. Typically, vehicles of this size are unwieldy on the road, but the Gravity offers a surprisingly pleasant and agile driving experience. During a test drive from Nipomo, California, along winding roads, the vehicle displayed impressive handling characteristics, especially when set to its comfort setting known as “Smooth.” The adaptive dampers and air springs effectively smoothed out the ride, and rear-wheel steering increased the vehicle’s agility, particularly on narrow, single-lane roads and off-road conditions.
The vehicle’s design includes a “squircal” steering wheel, combining a squared-off circle with precise electrically-assisted rack and pinion steering, ensuring responsive handling. Lucid’s one-pedal drive system is intuitive, reducing the need for brake use on winding roads.
After extensive development, the seven-passenger all-electric SUV offers remarkable range, efficiency, agility, and versatility, appealing to affluent buyers seeking an American-made vehicle distinct from Tesla offerings.
