The EQS has a bulbous appearance that I find off-putting. I also read reviews how the software is even worse and slower than the Lucid software. I actually think the i7 could be decent. I have some concerns because it’s even longer than the Air and may not fit comfortably in my garage. I agree with your overall list though. This is probably what it has been narrowed down to.
Alternatives to the Lucid Air
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you could be right about the network situation because most of the time I am parked in a garage although most of the time it appears my signal strength is good. Maybe it’s just my personal usage patterns
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absolutely agree with the EQS appearance and that's the main reason why I couldn't pull the trigger on one. I find the interior gaudy but it's fine overall. Software works great from my knowledge, but it is software so it's finnicky regardless. The EQS SUV looks way more normal, but like you said, still bulbous.
i7 looks pretty good in my opinion and hits a lot of points...but yeah, it's a really big car and get the same amount of interior space and less cargo. And less enjoyable to drive versus the lucid
Any car is going to have issues and I’m not sure that Lucid is any better or worse in that regard. The biggest challenge in owning one is the need to service it particularly given its limited service network and parts supply chain problems. At the same time though I’ve waited weeks for parts to be shipped from the UK on my Jaguar EV.
I would distinguish between necessities and annoyances in making a decision. Realize that all cars will annoy you in some way or another. Is waiting a few seconds for the mobile key to be recognized an acceptable tradeoff for gaining up 50-150 miles of range? Is having a flawless (good luck finding one) infotainment worth having a cheaper or cramped interior? Each of the vehicles you’re considering has pros and cons. It really comes down to priorities.
For me the Air, though far from perfect, delivers on my priorities. Those are primarily around range and charging speed. I can overlook a lot of annoyances because it delivers so well where it counts for me.
I would distinguish between necessities and annoyances in making a decision. Realize that all cars will annoy you in some way or another. Is waiting a few seconds for the mobile key to be recognized an acceptable tradeoff for gaining up 50-150 miles of range? Is having a flawless (good luck finding one) infotainment worth having a cheaper or cramped interior? Each of the vehicles you’re considering has pros and cons. It really comes down to priorities.
For me the Air, though far from perfect, delivers on my priorities. Those are primarily around range and charging speed. I can overlook a lot of annoyances because it delivers so well where it counts for me.
I'm on ATT and it can't connect anywhere. I agree with everything OP stated, great car to drive incredible looks, but the software is more than just issues with "no audio" it can get so severe to where it hinders the ability to move the car. These aren't just "annoyances" it's a "ok my car is saying there is an error and it can't drive, now I need to leave it in the middle of the road and hope no one hits it (btw I guess I'm liable for that if it does happen) and call Lucid Support, who then calls a tow truck to coordinate with, while I'm trying to get my kids to school, and oh; I just got the notification my conference call is starting in 30 minutes. Ok kids we are going to walk home and call mommy to see if she can turn around and comeback to get you to take you to school. Then in a few days I'll get a call from the service dept and they will let me know whats going on!" Which we all know service takes forever especially if you're dropped into the mix as opposed to having an appt.
But hey, we are just one OTA away baby!
But hey, we are just one OTA away baby!
Sometimes I wonder if I am even driving the same car as some of you guys. I have trouble understanding how some of the cars can be so good, and others are complete crap.
Software glitches notwithstanding I don't see how Air isn't the best car for those criteria. Frankly if Air were not an possibility I'd still be in an ICE car of which there are various excellent options.
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Acting, I definitely share some of your cons on the car, especially the issues with the audio system (I drive a 2025 Air). I also experienced the delay in Lucid shiping parts for repairs. In my case, it was my rear driver's side door (had to replaced it as a neighbor backed into my car while I was away)--it took Lucid about 6 weeks to send the replacement door to Las Vegas. I also detest the fact that after every update, when you push "Learn More", all one gets is something like "This update improves the robustness of the system." As others on this forum have noted, Lucid needs to provide the details (the what) of the robustness. Nevertheless, when my lease is up in 2028, I will either buy the car or I will lease another Lucid. Best car I have ever driven in my 75 years on this planet. Anyway, I wish you all the best with your future endeavors in getting a new car>
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If I was in the market to buy an EV today, the Audi A6 e-tron would be up there with the Lucid Air Pure. A6 range similar to the Pure with 20” wheels, slightly less cargo and passenger space in the Audi, but by no means cramped. Audi software should be more stable also…
I respectfully disagree, I just built something almost comparable to my Touring wich costs 102k, 91k right now with discounts. The same configuration Taycan costs 134k, but Taycan has HUD with this build. That is a significant cost increase over the AIr, not at all worth it. Only a Porsche fanboy would pay that much. A Macan with 600 plus hp, with similar build is 116k. Again , significantly more expensive than the Air.
Merc handles like a boat, its well written in reviews. They just abandoned that platform.
iX3 looks are a controversy, I hate the two buck teeth in the front. But BMW fans may like it.
Any way I look at it, nothing beats the AIr. Even when I take my fanboy glasses off.
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I thought I was the only one having a hard time digesting these new design... they introduced it with the iX
Perhaps by next a August the EV Cayenne will be out. That looks like it might be pretty nice.
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Have you considered a Touring? The AWD plus extra pep might give you a new experience. I still have over 2 years left on my 2025 Pure but I’d consider it myself.
I drove my father in laws EQS. Shame about that car because it’s a super smooth ride. It’s just quite ugly and not sporty in any way.
Sounds like the I5 could be a good option for you.
I drove my father in laws EQS. Shame about that car because it’s a super smooth ride. It’s just quite ugly and not sporty in any way.
Sounds like the I5 could be a good option for you.
I have considered the Touring - I actually have the AWD Pure which they no longer sell. My car was basically one of the first Pures they sold so it’s possible some of my problems were related to growing pains from that. I think another poster put it best - all of the cars have their upsides and downsides. I just have to decide which ones outweigh the others
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I always wonder if I am driving the same car as some of you guys. No problems like OP describes here. I could just not be as sensitive. I have trouble understanding how some of the cars can be so good, and others are allegedly non functional out of the box.
Sometimes it really does feel like a few of us are driving the calm, well-balanced Lucid that gently sips chamomile tea… while others somehow ended up with the high-energy version that needs daily meditation and maybe even a mild tranquilizer just to stay focused.
There certainly seems to be a split between the blessed ones whose cars behave beautifully from day one and the non-blessed mortals (I fall firmly into this group) whose Lucids like to show a bit more personality. Expectations matter, of course, but reliability truly does vary from car to car.
It is genuinely great that your experience has been smooth and trouble-free. For those of us in the non-blessed camp… that is exactly why this Lucid Recovery Group (LRG) is always open. We trade stories, share reboot techniques, awaiting the next OTA fixes, and keep each other laughing as the software does whatever it feels like doing next.
No doubt there are some cars that have more issues than others. That’s why we have lemon laws but yet not all cars are lemons. And the more advanced our vehicles become the greater the probability is that some will have issues.Sometimes it really does feel like a few of us are driving the calm, well-balanced Lucid that gently sips chamomile tea… while others somehow ended up with the high-energy version that needs daily meditation and maybe even a mild tranquilizer just to stay focused.
There certainly seems to be a split between the blessed ones whose cars behave beautifully from day one and the non-blessed mortals (I fall firmly into this group) whose Lucids like to show a bit more personality. Expectations matter, of course, but reliability truly does vary from car to car.
It is genuinely great that your experience has been smooth and trouble-free. For those of us in the non-blessed camp… that is exactly why this Lucid Recovery Group (LRG) is always open. We trade stories, share reboot techniques, awaiting the next OTA fixes, and keep each other laughing as the software does whatever it feels like doing next.
At the same time owners may have different tolerances for issues. I’ve seen a lot of the issues called out and realized that I’ve experienced the same problem. Yet it didn’t resonate with me in the same way it did with other owners.
My other car is a Mach-E. Like most things in life, there are trade-offs. Some stuff it does better than my Air: rock-solid software, excellent Blue Cruise, outside visibility, extensive dealer/service network. Some things are a toss-up, like front seat comfort. Per the OP's punch list; the Mach-E's rear seating room, interior, and stereo are worse than the Air. To be fair, you won't find another car with comparable rear seat legroom to the Air. Despite being an SUV, the Mach-E also has less luggage space than the Air. Battery (318 mile range), is fine for most trips. TLDR: The Ford is not a "luxury car" but is nice.