2021 Lucid Air: A Game-Changer in Electric Vehicles

The 2021 Lucid Air promises to outshine the Tesla Model S when it comes to range and acceleration. However, for its top-tier models, exceptional performance comes at a premium price. Nonetheless, the base model’s pricing appears competitive with its rivals.

Pricing Overview

The base Lucid Air starts at $77,400, excluding destination fees (Lucid is still determining the exact destination charge). Importantly, the Air is expected to qualify for the full federal tax credit, which would effectively lower the price to $69,900. In comparison, the Tesla Model S, which no longer qualifies for this credit, begins at $70,620, including a $1,200 destination charge.

Performance Specs

Performance specifications for the base model are promising. Lucid estimates it will deliver up to 480 hp and provide a range of 406 miles on a single charge. Additionally, it can gain 300 miles of range in just 20 minutes when using a DC fast charger. The entry-level Air is set to launch following the initial release of the higher-end models.

Upgraded Models

As you move up the lineup to the Touring variant, the price increases to $95,000 before considering tax credits and destination charges. This model offers 620 hp, allowing it to reach 60 mph in only 3.2 seconds. Furthermore, it can complete the quarter mile in 11.4 seconds, achieving a speed of 123 mph. Notably, like the base model, the Touring boasts a claimed driving range of 406 miles.

Lucid describes the Touring and the following Grand Touring as the “heart” of their lineup. The Grand Touring delivers an impressive 517 miles of range, surpassing Tesla’s offerings. This powerful model provides 800 hp, enabling a brisk 3.0-second dash to 60 mph, and a quarter-mile time of just 10.8 seconds while reaching 133 mph. The price for this model starts at $139,000.

Top-Tier: Dream Edition

The most elite model, the Dream Edition, features an astounding 1,080 hp. Lucid claims that this top-tier trim can hit 60 mph in a mere 2.5 seconds and complete a quarter-mile in 9.9 seconds at 144 mph. These luxurious models include high-end materials like Bridge of Weir leather, Eucalyptus wood, and custom wheels, with prices starting at $169,000. In contrast, Tesla’s most expensive Model S is the upcoming Plaid, estimated to reach 60 mph in under two seconds and starting at $141,190, including destination fees.

Production Timeline

The 2021 Lucid Air is set to begin production at Lucid’s Casa Grande, Arizona facility in spring 2021. The Dream Edition will be available first, followed by the Grand Touring in summer, and the Touring towards the end of 2021. The base model is anticipated to arrive in early 2022.

Pricing Summary

• Base Model: $77,400
• Touring: $95,000
• Grand Touring: $139,000
• Dream Edition: $169,000

*Prices exclude state and federal tax credits and destination charges.