After clocking 6,000 miles in my Lucid Air Pure, it’s time to share a comprehensive review for those considering making the switch to this all-electric sedan. Having spent considerable time reading reviews myself before purchasing, I aim to provide an honest and balanced perspective, highlighting both the exceptional aspects and areas where Lucid has room for improvement. My benchmark for comparison was the Mercedes EQE, but the Lucid’s superior range, horsepower, and the practicality of the frunk ultimately swayed my decision. Entering this purchase, I was fully aware I was venturing into new territory – a novel car from a nascent manufacturer, acknowledging the nascent service network and its distance from my location. To mitigate potential long-term risks, I opted for a lease while also investing in Lucid stock, demonstrating my belief in the company’s potential.
My Lucid Air Pure is equipped with Dream Drive Pro, the standard sound system, massaging front seats, and 19-inch wheels. This review will be structured into “Goods” and “Others” to provide a clear and concise evaluation, much like a post-flight debriefing.
The Goods: Exceptional Aspects of the Lucid Air Pure
Unrivaled Comfort and Quiet Cabin:
The Lucid Air Pure sets a new standard for automotive comfort. The seats are genuinely luxurious, providing exceptional support for long drives. The spaciousness, particularly in the backseat, is remarkable. During charging stops away from home, the rear cabin transforms into a comfortable mobile office. Furthermore, the Lucid Air Pure boasts an incredibly quiet cabin, surpassing any vehicle I’ve previously owned or driven. Opting for the Pure trim specifically mitigated the forward motor noise present in higher trims, contributing to a serene driving experience. Road noise is also impressively suppressed, making for a truly peaceful ride.
Blistering Performance and Practical Range:
Performance is where the Lucid Air Pure truly shines. It’s the fastest car I’ve ever owned, with power readily available. I’ve rarely needed to venture beyond the “Smooth” driving mode, as the car’s inherent power is more than sufficient for everyday driving and confident highway merges. Coming from a background of internal combustion engine vehicles, the transition to electric has been seamless, largely due to the impressive range capabilities of the Lucid.
Range anxiety, a common concern for EV adopters, has become a non-issue thanks to the Lucid’s efficient battery and my home charging setup. Approximately 75% of my charging, totaling around 1275 kWh since September, has been done conveniently at home using my Lucid charger. Maintaining the battery charge between 30% and 80% for daily use, and only charging to 100% for extended trips exceeding 200 miles, provides ample range for my needs. The convenience and reliability of home charging have fundamentally altered my perception of EV ownership, making it difficult to envision returning to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Head-Turning Aesthetics and Practicality:
The Lucid Air Pure is undeniably a beautiful car. Having previously owned a Jaguar F-Type convertible, which garnered considerable attention, the Lucid attracts an equal, if not greater, number of admiring glances. Beyond its visual appeal, the trunk and frunk offer unparalleled cargo space. The sheer volume is incredibly practical, even if not utilized daily, it provides immense flexibility and utility.
Tech-Forward Features and Over-the-Air Updates:
While some tech features require refinement (detailed below), others are genuinely impressive. The massage seats, while infrequently used by myself, are a consistent hit with passengers, particularly my wife and daughters. The seat and steering wheel heating are exceptionally effective, quickly providing warmth in colder weather. The over-the-air (OTA) update capability is a standout feature, offering ongoing improvements and feature enhancements. The upgrades to Dream Drive Pro and the sound system via OTA updates have been noticeable and appreciated, demonstrating the evolving nature of the vehicle.
The Others: Areas for Improvement in the Lucid Air Pure
Dream Drive Pro – Underwhelming in its Current State:
Dream Drive Pro (DDP), Lucid’s advanced driver-assistance system, is arguably the most disappointing aspect of the car. While I remain hopeful for future improvements through software updates, its current performance is, at best, average. The system’s inconsistency is a major drawback; when functioning optimally, it merely achieves an average level of performance compared to competitors. The mechanical tumblers for cruise control and volume control feel clunky and less refined than expected in a luxury vehicle. Furthermore, the frequent unavailability of Highway Assist on well-marked three-lane highways is perplexing and diminishes the utility of DDP. Independent reviews, such as the “Out of Spec” video review, accurately reflect these shortcomings. Investing in DDP was a deliberate choice for its promised capabilities, and the current realization of those capabilities is underwhelming.
Ergonomics and Controls – Minor Annoyances:
Certain ergonomic design choices are less intuitive than traditional setups. Mirror and wheel adjustments being relegated to the pilot panel, while understandable for a “set it and forget it” philosophy, proves inconvenient when occasional adjustments are needed. Physical controls for these functions would enhance usability. Similarly, the absence of a readily visible percentage charge display on the glass cockpit is a minor oversight. While this information is accessible within the pilot panel’s detailed directions, a more prominent display would be preferable for quick glances.
Fast Charging Speeds – Room for Optimization:
Fast charging performance has been somewhat disappointing. Despite utilizing Electrify America “350 kW” chargers (included for one year), the maximum charging rate achieved has been 210 kW, significantly below the advertised potential. This limitation appears to stem from both station-imposed limits and the car’s charging curve. While still reasonably fast, it falls short of expectations for peak charging speed.
Service Anxiety – A Lingering Concern:
While range anxiety has been effectively eliminated, it has been replaced by “service anxiety.” Living 90 miles from the nearest service center in Tysons, VA, was a known factor at the time of purchase. Initially, this distance seemed manageable, anticipating only annual service visits. However, two recurring issues have amplified service concerns:
- Frunk Misalignment: The frunk lid tolerances were out of specification, causing trim displacement above the passenger headlight when opened. This issue was noticed shortly after delivery. Scheduling a service appointment proved challenging due to travel and limited availability. Mobile service was initially declined, then scheduled and subsequently postponed due to “end of quarter” priorities, causing significant inconvenience.
- Wiper and High Beam Assist Malfunctions: Intermittent failures of the wiper system and high beam assist function have become a recurring issue. The “Wiper Failure, Contact Customer Care” warning has appeared multiple times, often accompanied by the high beam assist malfunction alert. Troubleshooting with customer care, including soft and “two-button” boots, has not permanently resolved the problem. The unpredictable nature of the wiper issue, particularly concerning scheduling service appointments, adds to the anxiety. The reliance on software-driven systems for essential functions like wipers and lights, coupled with a distant service location and limited loaner vehicle availability, creates a potential point of friction in ownership.
Conclusion: A Promising EV with Maturing Pains
Overall, the Lucid Air Pure offers a compelling blend of luxury, performance, and range, establishing itself as a strong contender in the EV market. The comfort, quietness, and sheer driving pleasure are undeniable highlights. However, the shortcomings in Dream Drive Pro and the emerging service-related anxieties prevent an unqualified recommendation at this juncture. The wiper issue, in particular, while potentially minor in itself, underscores the complexities of resolving service needs with a geographically limited service network.
Currently, my stance on the Lucid Air Pure is a “hold.” The vehicle possesses immense potential, and over-the-air updates offer a pathway to address some of the software-related shortcomings. However, tangible improvements in Dream Drive Pro performance and a more robust service experience are necessary to elevate the Lucid Air Pure from a promising EV to a truly exceptional one.
