The electric vehicle market has seen rapid evolution and the Lucid Air has emerged as a leading contender, with several advantages over Tesla’s Model S.
Formerly, the Tesla Model S was the only choice for an electric sedan, but now, options abound in terms of price, performance, function, and electric range. While Model S once led in terms of range and efficiency, it has been superseded. The Lucid Air, with its impressive power and extended range, now takes the crown. Here are the top 10 attributes that give Lucid Air the edge over the Model S.
- Greater Variety of Trims with Lucid Air
Although not all Lucid Air models are yet available, six trims are promised: Pure, Touring, Grand Touring, Dream Edition Range, Dream Edition Performance, and Sapphire. In contrast, Model S offers only two trims: base and Plaid. Each Air model (excluding Sapphire) is powered by two electric motors, with power outputs varying across the range.
- The Lucid Air Sapphire Outperforms the Plaid
The Lucid Air Sapphire, the top model in the Air lineup, outshines the Model S Plaid in terms of power, speed, and performance. Its tri-motor all-wheel-drive setup is superior to the Model S Plaid, boasting 1,200 horsepower versus Plaid’s 1,020.
- The Lucid Air Outranges Tesla
Lucid Motors challenges Tesla’s once unbeatable range, with the basic Lucid Air offering a superior range to the Model S. Furthermore, the range of the Air models only improves from the base model, while the Model S range drops with the Plaid model.
- Faster Charging with the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air surpasses Model S in charging speed. Despite Model S’s access to Tesla’s substantial Supercharger network, the Lucid Air’s ultra-high 900V+ electrical architecture and its access to a growing, 350kW fast-charging infrastructure nationwide allow it to charge more quickly.
- The Air Provides More Affordable and Customizable Options
The Lucid Air presents more complicated but also more versatile pricing and customization options compared to the Model S. While the Air’s prices may initially seem higher, the introduction of a single motor, RWD Pure model priced at $87,400 makes it competitive. Plus, customers can add personalized touches to their Air model.
- Superior Aesthetics of the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air’s sleek, aerodynamic design inspired by aircraft makes the Model S appear outdated. Moreover, the optional Glass Canopy and newly announced Stealth Look exterior upgrade add unique visual appeal to the Lucid Air.
- A More Luxurious Interior in the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air’s interior design trumps the Model S, with a 34-inch floating Glass Cockpit panel and a retractable central Pilot Panel. The cabin is also characterized by high-quality materials and sustainable finishes inspired by the natural landscapes of California.
- Greater Comfort in the Lucid Air
The Lucid Air offers interior room for five, with superior legroom in the rear cabin compared to the Model S. Higher trims come standard with heated, ventilated, and optionally massaging seats wrapped in genuine leather.
- The Lucid Air Offers Advanced Driver Assistance Systems
The Lucid Air’s Dream Drive exceeds Tesla’s self-driving capabilities. This advanced driver assist system, featuring a rich 32-sensor suite and utilizing the NVIDIA Drive platform, offers autonomous driving capabilities superior to Tesla.
- Lucid Air Offers Three Years of Free Charging
Lucid offers an identical warranty to Tesla: four-year/50000-mile basic coverage, and eight years/100,000 miles for the powertrain and battery. While Tesla provides an extended warranty on the powertrain and battery, Lucid offers three years of free fast charging at Electrify America stations.
