Buying a Used Dream Edition Performance in 2024

[hmp10]

You should start a blog

Carpal tunnel syndrome would be the death of me.

 

[terrycs]

I know it's not a foolproof way of identifying, and people swap wheels all the time, but the GT-P had different 21" wheels than the regular GT.

This one:

Autotrader - page unavailable

appears to be a GT-P based on the VIN, and has the GT-P wheels. It's also (a) an incredible deal, and (b) for sale at the same dealer I bought my first GT from.

Looks like the link is already down. But you’re right. I believe the GT-P is the only Air that features the NON-STEALTH aero-sport wheels from the factory.

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

Someone posted this Lucid VIN decoder:
Lucid-vin-structure.1099/

You see that the position 7 letter tells you the power output. The "A" is the Dream Edition ... the "B" is the regular GT. You see that if one sees the "D" here then you have the GT-P, making it really easy to determine what car you have. What I want to know is how one tells a DE-P from a DE-R ? The R version of the Dream Edition is limited in power in Sprint mode, and does not increase power over Smooth when in Swift mode. I see that re-sellers are very careful to avoid showing the badge on the right rear, but now I'm wondering if not all have it ? Can one determine between the Performance version or the Range version from the VIN ? I almost made an offer on a DE locally, then at the last moment discovered it was the Range version being
advertised as the "Performance" version. I discovered this by meticulously scanning photos of the rear, and trying to see if the badge showed the "R" or the "P". This is VERY difficult, as you are looking for the leg of the "R" which is very hard to see, as the body of the letters look the same. I can't determine which version is being offered from the VIN. ?? Anyone ?

For example.... which version is this one ?
all Dream Editions are sold as "performance"

Also Borski I understood that all the DEs were sold and not leased, but I couldn't understand why so many came on the market after 2-3 years ?

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

Is this the only way to tell which DE is being offered for sale ? I see ALL of them being advertised as "Performance 1111 hp " versions, and almost made an offer on one near me until I was able to do a pixel analysis of the (low quality) photo the seller posted showing the "P" and a second leg = "R". This is very hard to see. It seems people go out of their way to NOT take a photo of the rear badge. The header on the offering said Performance. I'm glad I didn't drive all day only to meet a scammer. Buyer beware.
DE-P vs DE-R

The Range edition does not increase power in "Swift" mode = it's the same as "Smooth" mode. The DE-P ups the power in "Swift" mode = this is where I want to play. I'm most likely to want extra power when passing in Swift, not the brut-force 1111 hp in Sprint for top speed drag racing.

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

anyone see the badge on this one ?

How about this one?

 

[borski]

This thread is the one you’re looking for:
Post in thread 'Various Air trims total power in Lucid VIN.'
https://lucidowners.com/threads/various-air-trims-total-power-in-lucid-vin.1115/post-25553

My VIN:
50E A1 DA A 1 N A 0 *****
The 50E means it’s a Lucid.
The A1 means it’s an Air, Gen 1
The D means Dream
The A means Performance (this would be C for Range)
The next A defines the body type/restraint system (different for Europe)
The 1 is a check digit
The N means 2022 build year
The A means built in Arizona
The 0 means built for the US market
Last five digits are a random sequence number (not sequential)

 

[borski]

Also Borski I understood that all the DEs were sold and not leased, but I couldn't understand why so many came on the market after 2-3 years ?

won’t see mine up for sale yet

 

[CoulombsCruiser]

I know it's not a foolproof way of identifying, and people swap wheels all the time, but the GT-P had different 21" wheels than the regular GT.

This one

Autotrader - page unavailable

appears to be a GT-P based on the VIN, and has the GT-P wheels. It's also (a) an incredible deal, and (b) for sale at the same dealer I bought my first G

I know it's not a foolproof way of identifying, and people swap wheels all the time, but the GT-P had different 21" wheels than the regular GT.

This one:

Autotrader - page unavailable

appears to be a GT-P based on the VIN, and has the GT-P wheels. It's also (a) an incredible deal, and (b) for sale at the same dealer I bought my first GT from.

The link won’t populate, but was this particular one white by chance?

 

[tonybot]

The link won’t populate, but was this particular one white by chance?

It was white. I clicked the link and that time it was working.

 

[Spin Doctor]

Yeah it's no longer on the JS Autohaus website either so I suspect it's sold. Given the price - High 50s IIRC - I'm not surprised, it was a great deal if you didn't mind the miles (in the 30s I think so NBD)

 

[scal_air]

Wow, maybe @xponents is getting a really good graduation gift!!!

 

[PCorkett]

View attachment 25036
Is this the only way to tell which DE is being offered for sale ? I see ALL of them being advertised as "Performance 1111 hp " versions, and almost made an offer on one near me until I was able to do a pixel analysis of the (low quality) photo the seller posted showing the "P" and a second leg = "R". This is very hard to see. It seems people go out of their way to NOT take a photo of the rear badge. The header on the offering said Performance. I'm glad I didn't drive all day only to meet a scammer. Buyer beware.
DE-P vs DE-R

The Range edition does not increase power in "Swift" mode = it's the same as "Smooth" mode. The DE-P ups the power in "Swift" mode = this is where I want to play. I'm most likely to want extra power when passing in Swift, not the brut-force 1111 hp in Sprint for top speed drag racing.

I never heard that the Range Edition doesn’t increase power in Swift mode. Where did you find that from?

Best I could find was this motor trend article which stated regarding the R:

Lucid Air models have three drive modes, named Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Smooth limits the motors to 670 hp and lb-ft, softens the dampers and the brake-pedal feel, and removes some heft from the steering. Lickfold said Swift mode allows 784 hp, and it firms everything up dynamically. Sprint is full-power mode, 933 horses' worth

2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R Exclusive First Drive: Mic Drop!

Lucid Motors’ excellent electric luxury sedan—its first-ever car, by the way—is absolutely a serious threat to Tesla and other luxury carmakers.

www.motortrend.com

But it is an older article.

 

[xponents]

I never heard that the Range Edition doesn’t increase power in Swift mode. Where did you find that from?

Best I could find was this motor trend article which stated regarding the R:

Lucid Air models have three drive modes, named Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Smooth limits the motors to 670 hp and lb-ft, softens the dampers and the brake-pedal feel, and removes some heft from the steering. Lickfold said Swift mode allows 784 hp, and it firms everything up dynamically. Sprint is full-power mode, 933 horses' worth

2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R Exclusive First Drive: Mic Drop!

Lucid Motors’ excellent electric luxury sedan—its first-ever car, by the way—is absolutely a serious threat to Tesla and other luxury carmakers.

www.motortrend.com

But it is an older article.

I believe you are correct, although Swift does have more torque!

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

I never heard that the Range Edition doesn’t increase power in Swift mode. Where did you find that from?

I'm looking for the source. This information is well-hidden. Guess what : the "Swift" setting on the Lucid GT and the Lucid Dream Edition "Range" version does not up the power from "Smooth" mode. All "Swift" does is tighten the suspension and steering.
However, somewhere (I"m looking for it) I read that the "Swift" mode in the Dream Edition Performance ( and the rare GT-P ) DOES up the power in "Swift" mode (which is what everyone expects).
This is the whole reason I became interested when every listed offering advertised "Performance". They are not. This is "advertising to sell". It's a "concept" of a plan.

The Dream Edition Range version seems to be reduced in performance in exactly the mode I prefer.

I'm still looking for the reference. I will post it when I find it.

Best I could find was this motor trend article which stated regarding the R:

Lucid Air models have three drive modes, named Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Smooth limits the motors to 670 hp and lb-ft, softens the dampers and the brake-pedal feel, and removes some heft from the steering. Lickfold said Swift mode allows 784 hp, and it firms everything up dynamically. Sprint is full-power mode, 933 horses' worth

Thanks for that. I read contradicting information that specifically said, in the "Range " edition of the Dream Edition the power in Swift is the same as Smooth, 670 hp, and only the Dream Edition Performance gives 784 hp in Swift, and then the full 1111 hp in Sprint. Nearly all literature I have read does not mention the mid-range power. Everyone is focused on the 1111 hp. What is the delivered power in your "Swift" mode ? Anyone know ? Did you know it's the same as "Smooth"?

I am looking for the source. Either way, I'm trying to find out if the VIN tells us what power version the two Dream Edition variants are. I'm looking at the VIN decoder seventh position letter: "A" indicates the full 1111 hp.
What is the letter associated with the "crippled" Range Edition ? I have seen two "Dream Edition" for sale that were advertised as "performance". Both were the lower-powered "Range" versions. Nobody wants them.

2022 Lucid Air Dream Edition R Exclusive First Drive: Mic Drop!

Lucid Motors’ excellent electric luxury sedan—its first-ever car, by the way—is absolutely a serious threat to Tesla and other luxury carmakers.

www.motortrend.com

But it is an older article.

Thanks for the link. I wish I could remember saving the links to the research I've done. And, since most of the writing stopped at the end of the Dream Edition production, the "news" is stale. Perhaps and insider can clear this up? I know the 0-60 mph times show a trivial difference (2.7sec vs 2.5 secs = real world translates to 3.5 seconds or "under 4 secs". The difference for me is the "Swift" mode, and the passing power mid range. I was disappointed to learn that
"Swift" mode in my GT is the same as "Smooth" mode re power.

 

[Rogue]

I'm looking for the source. This information is well-hidden. Guess what : the "Swift" setting on the Lucid GT and the Lucid Dream Edition "Range" version does not up the power from "Smooth" mode. All "Swift" does is tighten the suspension and steering.
However, somewhere (I"m looking for it) I read that the "Swift" mode in the Dream Edition Performance ( and the rare GT-P ) DOES up the power in "Swift" mode (which is what everyone expects).
This is the whole reason I became interested when every listed offering advertised "Performance". They are not. This is "advertising to sell". It's a "concept" of a plan.

The Dream Edition Range version seems to be reduced in performance in exactly the mode I prefer.

I'm still looking for the reference. I will post it when I find it.

Thanks for that. I read contradicting information that specifically said, in the "Range " edition of the Dream Edition the power in Swift is the same as Smooth, 670 hp, and only the Dream Edition Performance gives 784 hp in Swift, and then the full 1111 hp in Sprint. Nearly all literature I have read does not mention the mid-range power. Everyone is focused on the 1111 hp. What is the delivered power in your "Swift" mode ? Anyone know ? Did you know it's the same as "Smooth"?

I am looking for the source. Either way, I'm trying to find out if the VIN tells us what power version the two Dream Edition variants are. I'm looking at the VIN decoder seventh position letter: "A" indicates the full 1111 hp.
What is the letter associated with the "crippled" Range Edition ? I have seen two "Dream Edition" for sale that were advertised as "performance". Both were the lower-powered "Range" versions. Nobody wants them.


Thanks for the link. I wish I could remember saving the links to the research I've done. And, since most of the writing stopped at the end of the Dream Edition production, the "news" is stale. Perhaps and insider can clear this up? I know the 0-60 mph times show a trivial difference (2.7sec vs 2.5 secs = real world translates to 3.5 seconds or "under 4 secs". The difference for me is the "Swift" mode, and the passing power mid range. I was disappointed to learn that
"Swift" mode in my GT is the same as "Smooth" mode re power.

Throttle response is quicker in Swift, but the available horsepower in Swift in my GT-P is the same. I believe you found a source that was incorrect, and as a result, you have been sent on a rabbit hunt.

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

Here's a new one for me, not the first I've seen:

By Joey Klender

Posted on August 25, 2021





Lucid frontman Peter Rawlinson has spent plenty of years in the electric vehicle realm, so he definitely has an idea of what goes into creating a fast, luxurious, and effective electric car. Prior to his time at Lucid, Rawlinson was one of the key members of Tesla’s Model S development team back in the early 2010s, before leaving the company to pursue his own interests, eventually landing at Lucid Motors. As the electric vehicle sector continues to develop quite nicely in the grand scheme of things, with both exclusively electric companies and legacy automakers all contributing to the sustainable energy transition, Lucid is set to deliver its first vehicle, the Air Dream Edition sedan, later this year, and Motortrend got an in-depth and exclusive look at the car that could quite possibly be the king of the hill when it enters the market.

Design​

One of the sharpest vehicles in the automotive sector, the Air Dream Edition was outfitted in Eureka Gold for this breakdown by Motortrend. Reminiscent of the Citroën DS redesigned for Blade Runner, the car is simple yet futuristic in its design. It’s a long sedan, and in photographs almost reminds me of an older Ford Taurus in its “boaty” nature. However, it is much more pleasing to the eye, in my opinion. (The Ford Taurus was my second car. I drove it to class in college, and Lord, I hated that thing.)

Credit: MotorTrend

Sleek and luxurious, the reviewers were more particular to this interior than that of the Tesla Model S, stating that “every Tesla since day one has seemingly shipped without a finished interior, Lucid not only crafted a perfectly wonderful luxury-car cabin, but it also smartly avoided the screens über alles aesthetic that plagues cars like the Mercedes EQS.” Truth is, the Air interior is still relatively simplistic, and while it does have a few more bells and whistles than the Tesla Model S, it is not all that different other than an extended instrument cluster, a repositioned center screen, and more material options.



Dream Edition Range

Three Drive Modes​

The Air will come with three available drive modes, as Lickfold was curious about the condition of the roads that the Air was being tested on by MotorTrend. He suggested Lieberman leave it in Swift Mode, the second option, between Smooth and Sprint.

• Smooth Mode: Motors limited to 670 horsepower, softens dampers and brake pedal feel, the steering wheel is “free” feeling
• Swift Mode: Motors limited to 670 horsepower, much firmer feel than smooth mode, suitable for quicker driving on winding roads, but still holding back some performance
• Sprint Mode: Motors can reach full 933 horsepower potential, dampers are very hard, extremely sporty driving feel with “Tesla Plaid-like battery conditioning” for battery performance.

Swift Mode brings out about 75% of the total power output, according to Emad Dlala, Lucid’s Senior Director of Efficiency and Energy Technology.

**********************************************************
Note that the Motor Trend piece that is referred has some errors. This is why I'm looking for a Lucid Motors source, or confirmation from owners / insiders here.
Here is the motor trend article on the Range Dream Edition, which directly contradicts what is above:

What is the power in "Swift" mode Dream Edition R ?

"Here's the other kicker: Lickfold was (needlessly, as it turned out) worried about the road quality up on Angeles Crest, and he strongly suggested I leave the Air in Swift mode. Lucid Air models have three drive modes, named Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Smooth limits the motors to 670 hp and lb-ft, softens the dampers and the brake-pedal feel, and removes some heft from the steering. Lickfold said Swift mode allows 784 hp, and it firms everything up dynamically. Sprint is full-power mode, 933 horses' worth, with the dampers set to extra flinty. Also, Sprint does some sort of Tesla Plaid-like battery conditioning where you sit and wait while all 6,600 cells are cooled or heated to an ideal temperature. Our drive time was limited, and 784 horsepower seemed like plenty, so I left the Air in Swift mode.

So what is it ?

 

[Rogue]

Here's a new one for me, not the first I've seen:

By Joey Klender

Posted on August 25, 2021





Lucid frontman Peter Rawlinson has spent plenty of years in the electric vehicle realm, so he definitely has an idea of what goes into creating a fast, luxurious, and effective electric car. Prior to his time at Lucid, Rawlinson was one of the key members of Tesla’s Model S development team back in the early 2010s, before leaving the company to pursue his own interests, eventually landing at Lucid Motors. As the electric vehicle sector continues to develop quite nicely in the grand scheme of things, with both exclusively electric companies and legacy automakers all contributing to the sustainable energy transition, Lucid is set to deliver its first vehicle, the Air Dream Edition sedan, later this year, and Motortrend got an in-depth and exclusive look at the car that could quite possibly be the king of the hill when it enters the market.

Design​

One of the sharpest vehicles in the automotive sector, the Air Dream Edition was outfitted in Eureka Gold for this breakdown by Motortrend. Reminiscent of the Citroën DS redesigned for Blade Runner, the car is simple yet futuristic in its design. It’s a long sedan, and in photographs almost reminds me of an older Ford Taurus in its “boaty” nature. However, it is much more pleasing to the eye, in my opinion. (The Ford Taurus was my second car. I drove it to class in college, and Lord, I hated that thing.)

Credit: MotorTrend

Sleek and luxurious, the reviewers were more particular to this interior than that of the Tesla Model S, stating that “every Tesla since day one has seemingly shipped without a finished interior, Lucid not only crafted a perfectly wonderful luxury-car cabin, but it also smartly avoided the screens über alles aesthetic that plagues cars like the Mercedes EQS.” Truth is, the Air interior is still relatively simplistic, and while it does have a few more bells and whistles than the Tesla Model S, it is not all that different other than an extended instrument cluster, a repositioned center screen, and more material options.



Dream Edition Range

Three Drive Modes​

The Air will come with three available drive modes, as Lickfold was curious about the condition of the roads that the Air was being tested on by MotorTrend. He suggested Lieberman leave it in Swift Mode, the second option, between Smooth and Sprint.

• Smooth Mode: Motors limited to 670 horsepower, softens dampers and brake pedal feel, the steering wheel is “free” feeling
• Swift Mode: Motors limited to 670 horsepower, much firmer feel than smooth mode, suitable for quicker driving on winding roads, but still holding back some performance
• Sprint Mode: Motors can reach full 933 horsepower potential, dampers are very hard, extremely sporty driving feel with “Tesla Plaid-like battery conditioning” for battery performance.

Swift Mode brings out about 75% of the total power output, according to Emad Dlala, Lucid’s Senior Director of Efficiency and Energy Technology.

**********************************************************
Note that the Motor Trend piece that is referred has some errors. This is why I'm looking for a Lucid Motors source, or confirmation from owners / insiders here.
Here is the motor trend article on the Range Dream Edition, which directly contradicts what is above:

What is the power in "Swift" mode Dream Edition R ?

"Here's the other kicker: Lickfold was (needlessly, as it turned out) worried about the road quality up on Angeles Crest, and he strongly suggested I leave the Air in Swift mode. Lucid Air models have three drive modes, named Smooth, Swift, and Sprint. Smooth limits the motors to 670 hp and lb-ft, softens the dampers and the brake-pedal feel, and removes some heft from the steering. Lickfold said Swift mode allows 784 hp, and it firms everything up dynamically. Sprint is full-power mode, 933 horses' worth, with the dampers set to extra flinty. Also, Sprint does some sort of Tesla Plaid-like battery conditioning where you sit and wait while all 6,600 cells are cooled or heated to an ideal temperature. Our drive time was limited, and 784 horsepower seemed like plenty, so I left the Air in Swift mode.

So what is it ?

I just posted as an owner of a GT-P... There is no difference in horsepower between smooth and swift.

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

I just posted as an owner of a GT-P... There is no difference in horsepower between smooth and swift.

I'd agree with you if you were correct. The nice thing about the GT-P and the Dream Edition P is the "Swift" mode DOES increase power over "Smooth" mode.

or so I've read... could you post your source ?

also this:
decoding Lucid VIN

see the engine codes " A, B, C, D " in position 7 of the VIN? These are max output. It's nearly impossible to find a reliable source for the "Swift" mode power on different versions. I have read that the "regular" GT DOES NOT INCREASE POWER in "Swift" mode. I have read that the GT-P does. Which supports Borski's claim that the GT-P is for those who "missed" the chance for the DE=P production run.

A = 828 kW dual motor = 1125 hp Dream Edition Performance ?
B = 597 kW dual motor = 811 hp GT
C = 695 kW dual motor = 945 hp Range Edition? what is this one? Is this the code that says: Dream Edition Range ?
D = 783 kW dual motor = 1064 hp GT-P

 

[Cosmo Cruz]

Also, the 19" tires offered on the Dream Edition Range are not nearly up to "Sprint" mode.
In any version of the AIR, proper summer rubber really changes what this car can do. I learned this the hard way... thank goodness the stability controls are smarter than I. In the first weeks of ownership I went right out and bought a set of 21" wheels/tires for my GT (which I drive almost exclusively in "Smooth" mode).
What a difference!

If you enjoy "sport" driving, get yourself some proper "summer" rubber.

 

[borski]

I'm looking at the VIN decoder seventh position letter: "A" indicates the full 1111 hp.
What is the letter associated with the "crippled" Range Edition ?

C, as I described here:
Post in thread 'Buying a Used Dream Edition Performance in 2024'
https://lucidowners.com/threads/buying-a-used-dream-edition-performance-in-2024.9356/post-238184