My Biggest Concern with Gravity

[WeighingGravity]

I have a Tesla S with the all-glass roof; it's 7+ years old so I don't know exactly what generation of roof it was, but I've never had any complaints about the car being hard to cool or unreasonably hot and/or sunny inside. It is fairly darkly tinted.

I've heard complaints on here about Airs. Is their tinting not as dark, or does it boil down to the fact that the windshield extends much further (and maybe isn't as tinted?) I'd much rather have the glass roof even if I have to significantly tint it myself, but I'm honestly a little bit surprised this is even a topic given the total lack of issues I've had with my S.

 

[hmp10]

I have a Tesla S with the all-glass roof; it's 7+ years old so I don't know exactly what generation of roof it was, but I've never had any complaints about the car being hard to cool or unreasonably hot and/or sunny inside. It is fairly darkly tinted.

I've heard complaints on here about Airs. Is their tinting not as dark, or does it boil down to the fact that the windshield extends much further (and maybe isn't as tinted?) I'd much rather have the glass roof even if I have to significantly tint it myself, but I'm honestly a little bit surprised this is even a topic given the total lack of issues I've had with my S.

A lot of this probably depends on where you live.

Although our 2015 Model S had a metal roof, I drove a good many loaners in that time frame that had the glass roof. The glass roof on our 2021 Model S has a later generation of tinting that passes noticeably less IR into the cabin than earlier Teslas. So I actually have pretty good confidence in claims that tinting technology is still advancing and that Lucid will use the most recent for the Gravity.

 

[borski]

I have a Tesla S with the all-glass roof; it's 7+ years old so I don't know exactly what generation of roof it was, but I've never had any complaints about the car being hard to cool or unreasonably hot and/or sunny inside. It is fairly darkly tinted.

I've heard complaints on here about Airs. Is their tinting not as dark, or does it boil down to the fact that the windshield extends much further (and maybe isn't as tinted?) I'd much rather have the glass roof even if I have to significantly tint it myself, but I'm honestly a little bit surprised this is even a topic given the total lack of issues I've had with my S.

If you do nothing, it’s fine if you aren’t bald (said literally, not derisively). The glass will get warm but the car will stay cool, and it never really bothered me; if I got sunburnt or really hot, it would.

If you tint it, it’s much better. The heat rejection gets even better.

If you use the sunshades, there is absolutely no problem whatsoever.

 

[WeighingGravity]

Haha, thanks all. I'm not bald but I'm thinking this won't be an issue for me. (fyi I'm mid-atlantic so it's probably not as bad for me as it would be in Florida or Arizona) I'd probably tint before using sun shades - I can't imagine those don't sag or start to look funny, but either way it's good to know there are options just in case. (I do hope a blackout shade becomes available, aftermarket or otherwise, for all the windows for car camping at some point)

I was hoping Gravity would have an electrostatic tint option like the Rivian, but I'll take almost all the rest of the features of Gravity over R1S. Nobody's perfect.

 

[Knucklehead]

Haha, thanks all. I'm not bald but I'm thinking this won't be an issue for me. (fyi I'm mid-atlantic so it's probably not as bad for me as it would be in Florida or Arizona) I'd probably tint before using sun shades - I can't imagine those don't sag or start to look funny, but either way it's good to know there are options just in case. (I do hope a blackout shade becomes available, aftermarket or otherwise, for all the windows for car camping at some point)

I was hoping Gravity would have an electrostatic tint option like the Rivian, but I'll take almost all the rest of the features of Gravity over R1S. Nobody's perfect.

If you read back a few posts, my concern is due to how my wife feels about glass roofs.

Personally I don't have a problem, except the insulating capabilities in a metal roof definitely help reduce air conditioning (especially heating) requirements. If I get the Gravity for me, my secret plan is to get her to love it so she wants it for herself. Don't tell her!

But she will never get past the glass roof. I am counting on the sunshade with a little DIY added insulation to eliminate that as a concern for her.

 

[BobFM]

Haha, thanks all. I'm not bald but I'm thinking this won't be an issue for me. (fyi I'm mid-atlantic so it's probably not as bad for me as it would be in Florida or Arizona) I'd probably tint before using sun shades - I can't imagine those don't sag or start to look funny, but either way it's good to know there are options just in case. (I do hope a blackout shade becomes available, aftermarket or otherwise, for all the windows for car camping at some point)

I was hoping Gravity would have an electrostatic tint option like the Rivian, but I'll take almost all the rest of the features of Gravity over R1S. Nobody's perfect.

Being in the Mid-Atlantic, you should be good to go. In Texas, the summer heat and constant sunshine are brutal for any vehicle with a sunroof, not just Lucid (hence, why I tinted my Air, which helped dramatically). Other owners in AZ, same thing. As @borski mentioned, if you're nervous, add tint and sunshade and then it's not an issue...

 

[DeaneG]

...But she will never get past the glass roof. I am counting on the sunshade with a little DIY added insulation to eliminate that as a concern for her.

Lucid's roof sunshade for the Air blocks out maybe 95% of the light coming through, with tiny pinpoints of light remaining. It's a pleasant effect.

 

[MJAir23TheGoat]

Sunshades worked great. The Gravity is a beauty! Just get it in front of more uniformed car buyers with some better marketing.

 

[ViperSSD]

For me, its the weight of the decision

 

[kerplunk]

I know this is a crazy concern considering it is one of the differentiating features of Lucid, but I don't think I can get past the glass roof. Personally, I don't mind it, but my wife hates glass roofs. If I have the panoramic roof shade open when she gets in, she immediately closes it.

I can't get a car that she will only ride in at night. LOL.

From what I understand, Gravity may have a metal roof option in the future. However, it appears the model I would buy, the GT with just about every option, is only available with a glass roof right now. And I expect the metal roof might only be available on the Touring model when it is released later next year. But that model is going to be missing all the great things I love about the Gravity.

How are those of you with Airs dealing with the glass roof? Do you have family members who don't like it?

Has anyone tried covering the glass with vinyl to block the sun? I have read that putting reflective vinyl on glass roofs can cause them to crack in the summer heat. It seems strange that would happen since the sun is reflected more, but I guess it causes extreme heat build-up.

Any advice from Air people?

The make a tint that basically blocks the heat and it works very well.

 

[TahoeMichael]

For those who've seen a Gravity in person: how many panels of glass is the windshield/roof made up of? I assume it's not one giant continuous piece of glass, but I haven't seen a photo that makes it clear. I shudder to think what the cost of a replacing a chipped windshield would be if it meant one has to replace the whole roof as well.

And do we know for sure at this point that the roof doesn't have a variable tint control? For me, not having a tint control would be a compromise that conflicts with the "compromise nothing" tag line.

 

[frank4711]

For those who've seen a Gravity in person: how many panels of glass is the windshield/roof made up of? I assume it's not one giant continuous piece of glass, but I haven't seen a photo that makes it clear. I shudder to think what the cost of a replacing a chipped windshield would be if it meant one has to replace the whole roof as well.

And do we know for sure at this point that the roof doesn't have a variable tint control? For me, not having a tint control would be a compromise that conflicts with the "compromise nothing" tag line.

Similar to the Air! (Multiple glass but yes the front one is big) - But I don't care - Just make sure your insurance is covering glass lol

 

[Blue Lectroid]

For those who've seen a Gravity in person: how many panels of glass is the windshield/roof made up of? I assume it's not one giant continuous piece of glass, but I haven't seen a photo that makes it clear. I shudder to think what the cost of a replacing a chipped windshield would be if it meant one has to replace the whole roof as well.

And do we know for sure at this point that the roof doesn't have a variable tint control? For me, not having a tint control would be a compromise that conflicts with the "compromise nothing" tag line.

Legit concerns. They personally don’t bother me at all, but if they bother you too much perhaps it’s not the right vehicle for you…

 

[TahoeMichael]

Similar to the Air! (Multiple glass but yes the front one is big) - But I don't care - Just make sure your insurance is covering glass lol

My philosophy is to not insure against things I can afford. I figured that insurance for little things just pads the pockets of the insurance company. So I'll insure a house. And while I suppose I can afford to lose the entire value of the Gravity, I'd probably insure the car as a whole. But I carry relatively cheaper insurance policies and pay for broken glass myself.

 

[WeighingGravity]

The windshield is a single large piece of glass that goes back quite far; a lot further than a typical windshield. It extends all the way back over the driver’s head. But it is *not* a single contiguous pane all the way back to the roof. There is a divider over the drivers head that connects the second roof pane.

The latest OOS video just posted shows lots of interior shots that are helpful.

There is no active roof darkening. It is tinted. I have an all glass roof on my Tesla S and it’s never caused me any problems in the mid-Atlantic climate, but I can’t speak from experience about the Gravity’s roof tint or another climate. One could always tint the roof darker as needed.

 

[TahoeMichael]

The windshield is a single large piece of glass that goes back quite far; a lot further than a typical windshield. It extends all the way back over the driver’s head. But it is *not* a single contiguous pane all the way back to the roof. There is a divider over the drivers head that connects the second roof pane.

The latest OOS video just posted shows lots of interior shots that are helpful.

There is no active roof darkening. It is tinted. I have an all glass roof on my Tesla S and it’s never caused me any problems in the mid-Atlantic climate, but I can’t speak from experience about the Gravity’s roof tint or another climate. One could always tint the roof darker as needed.

I'd probably buy a metal roof if it was an option, but the lack isn't a deal breaker for me. I figured I'll buy the vehicle, and see what it's like before deciding if it's worth tinting or buying shades. I've never owned a glass roofed vehicle before, so I don't really know how to judge. Here in Lake Tahoe I'm at ~6400 ft altitude, and the sun can feel surprisingly hot.

 

[BobFM]

I live in central TX and can say that tinting the glass roof has definitely helped especially during 100+ degree days. The Lucid shades are also great if you go that route.

 

[flarbear]

The standard features listed in the "Comfort and Convenience Package" info box (standard meaning you don't have to get the package) list:

• Glass Canopy Roof with Heat & Sunlight Blocking Technology

That sounds like it is treated for both IR and UV blocking...

 

[L-Dude]

I have a glass roof in my Audi, and I am not a fan. It does make the admittedly tight rear seat feel roomier, but the glare on my dash and screens is a pita. And heat is an issue. Plus I've already had to replace it once due to road damage, so my AGT is going to have an aluminum roof.

 

[TahoeMichael]

I have a glass roof in my Audi, and I am not a fan. It does make the admittedly tight rear seat feel roomier, but the glare on my dash and screens is a pita. And heat is an issue. Plus I've already had to replace it once due to road damage, so my AGT is going to have an aluminum roof.

I came close to buying an Air, and then decided to wait for the Gravity. But if I'd bought the Air, a metal roof was going to be my choice. I'm guessing the Gravity will also eventually be offered with a metal roof option. But I don't think I'm prepared to put off my purchase for yet more time.

I'd be fascinated to know what fraction of Airs have been sold with glass roofs since the metal roof became available on all the models.