What are the actual differences between "Smooth," "Swift" and "Sprint" for the Air Pure

petergottlieb

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Does anyone know in concrete terms what the different driving modes mean for an Air Pure? I mostly drive in smooth, and can't tell much of a difference in Swift. Putting it in Sprint does seem to make it quicker when I launch it, but I am interested in knowing what the real differences are. Is engine power limited in Smooth, like it is with the more powerful cars? If so, by how much? Does anyone know what the data is on this?
 
Does anyone know in concrete terms what the different driving modes mean for an Air Pure? I mostly drive in smooth, and can't tell much of a difference in Swift. Putting it in Sprint does seem to make it quicker when I launch it, but I am interested in knowing what the real differences are. Is engine power limited in Smooth, like it is with the more powerful cars? If so, by how much? Does anyone know what the data is on this?
Here is a technical data sheet for a 2024 Pure and it addresses what is adjusted for each mode specifically with regard to suspension, handling and braking. I don’t think you’ll find exact numbers of what is being changed.


Some of the adjustments are shared across drive modes.
 
My Pure is AWD. More like current touring AWD. Smooth is way faster in acceleration than my previous Lexus ls 430 which was close to 5 seconds for 9 to 60mph!
 
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I was trying to find specs on the three different modes for the other models.
You can find maximum power data is reported and even headlined.
But I don't drive in "Sprint" mode.
As far as I got was decoding the 7 th letter of the VIN

I was trying to find data for "Swift" mode in the various models, like what is the hp/torque and damper setting.
Some models seem to have three modes of power, while others are the same in Smooth and Swift. Things like that.
It's not that it matters, I mean you can feel it when you drive, but I like data and fooling with data.

I gave up trying to make sense of it. Perhaps it doesn't matter, hence "The Office" meme = "they are the same"

So if you find anything out please share.
 
My Pure is AWD. More like current touring AWD. Smooth is way faster in acceleration than my previous Lexus ls 430 which was close to 5 seconds for 9 to 60mph!
coming from a Model Y, the chill mode was very chill,slow acceleration as expected. In smooth on my AT, seems like it still has all the power. haven't used anything higher than smooth because of this. I really wanted some with much slower acceleration/power for the lowest level, to save energy(battery),but seems if you step on it in smooth, the AT will get up very fast
 
coming from a Model Y, the chill mode was very chill,slow acceleration as expected. In smooth on my AT, seems like it still has all the power. haven't used anything higher than smooth because of this. I really wanted some with much slower acceleration/power for the lowest level, to save energy(battery),but seems if you step on it in smooth, the AT will get up very fast
Smooth doesn’t get full power. Swift tightens the suspension and still isn’t full power. Sprint is full power. (in touring)
 
I'm not sure how accurate this is, but I asked ChatGPT and this is the response.


Smooth

  • Comfort-first mode—softest suspension, gentle steering and braking.
  • Most energy-efficient, tailored for maximum range with easy powertrain responsereddit.com+14publications.infotainment.prod.atieva.com+14insideevs.com+14.
  • Practically full power still available—Smooth isn’t “crippled,” just more relaxed (e.g., an AWD Pure still launches faster than many ICE cars) .

🌀 Swift

🏁 Sprint


In a Nutshell

ModeSuspensionSteering/BrakingPowerRegen BehaviorRide Height
SmoothSoftRelaxedFullStandard or High regenStandard
SwiftMediumSharperMore responsiveLower regen in StandardStandard
SprintFirmestPrecise & sharpMaxSame as Swift/Sprint regenLower

Owners Say...

From r/Lucid:
“If you take a Lucid to the track … it will still destroy any performance sedan.”
“In smooth mode doing 30 mph it does feel a little bit like a 69’ coupe deville… but … put your foot in it in smooth, the AT will get up very fast.”publications.infotainment.prod.atieva.com+3reddit.com+3lucidupdates.com+3publications.infotainment.prod.atieva.com+7lucidmotors.com+7lucidupdates.com+7lucidupdates.com+10reddit.com+10reddit.com+10

TL;DR:

  • Smooth = comfy and efficient—yet still fairly quick.
  • Swift = sporty everyday balance—firmer feel and snappier response.
  • Sprint = unleash full performance + optional Launch Mode, best for high-speed bursts.
You can choose how hard or soft you want the ride, how aggressive the throttle and regen feel, and whether to access the full punch of the powertrain. Let me know if you want tips on when to pick each—for range, daily driving, or track fun!
 
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