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Consumer Reports really likes the Lucid Air according to a recent edition of the "Talking Cars with Consumer Reports" video podcast. The team gives their first-drive impressions of the $140,000 Lucid Air Grand Touring and the consensus is resoundingly positive.
Host Jon Linkov is joined by CR engineer Gabe Shenhar and Technician Ryan Pszczolkowski as they discuss the finer points of the Air GT. Their opinions were formed by driving an Air GT rented from Lucid for a few hours each and should be considered first impressions rather than the results of the exhaustive testing Consumer Reports is famous for. CR has ordered their own Lucid Air Touring for that purpose.
Range, Looks, Handling
The panelists praised the Air GT for its impressive range, which Shenhar felt was not far from matching the range of traditional ICE vehicles and gave drivers peace of mind when tackling long journeys. All three complimented the Air's styling, while Pszczolkowski called it "very well sorted out dynamically." The Air's responsive steering, smooth ride and agile handling made it "drive smaller than it is" according to the Automotive Technician.
The Air GT's power delivery was another topic for applause, with all agreeing that while there's obviously a lot of power under your right foot using it doesn't snap your neck. The Air reportedly brings in its power in more of a smooth, measured fashion than the Model S and never feels darty or nervous.
The reviewers were impressed by the interior's quality, saying that it provided a "sense of occasion" and commending the decision to use tactile buttons for some of the Air's interior functions.
The Bad
CR's initial review wasn't all positive for the Lucid Air, with the panel mentioning that the steeply raked windshield and thick roof rail made tasks like using an ATM a little awkward. Both Gabe and Ryan mentioned banging their head on the imposing structure, with the latter also raising the issue of what he referred to as "dismal" headroom in the back. As he points out, if you're going to compete with the Mercedes S-Class the rear seat should be better.
Rear legroom was described as adequate and will be helped in the testing of CR's Lucid Air Touring which removes batteries from the pack under the rear footwell for more occupant space.
The Lucid Air Dream Edition and Grand Touring use larger 22-module batteries while the cheaper Air Touring and Air Pure ditch four of those for improved rear legroom.
All in all the Consumer Reports team really liked the Lucid Air GT based on their first impressions. It's not without its compromises, but on the whole the experts were excited by its technology. The Air has value both as an individual driver's car and as a technological flagship from which the current cutting edge of EV technology can trickle down. It's for these reasons that the Lucid Air Grand Touring is every bit a $140,000 car.
Watch the whole episode here:
Related Story: Lucid Beats Fraud Lawsuit, Did Not Mislead Investors
Images by Lucid Motors licensed by CC BY 4.0.
James Walker is an Automotive Journalist at Torque News focusing on Lucid Motors. If it's got wheels he's interested, and he's looking forward to seeing what kind of cars the EV revolution brings us. Whether it's fast, slow, new, or old, James wants to have a look around it and share it in print and on video, ideally with some twisty roads involved. You can connect with James on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
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