Considering Used 2022 Lucid Air GT... Qs about performance

[bosbrucec]

Hi Lucid owners, Plaid S owner has Qs about Lucid Air GT. I recently test drove a 2022 Lucid Air GT (not performance but with Pirelli P Zero summer only tires) with 12k miles on it and really liked the interior (I love contrasting interiors, though not 100% fan of front seats different color from rear concept), but felt like, even in sprint mode, even on the highway at 50-80 mph, stepping on the accelerator it wasn't giving me close to 800 hp / 885 lb-ft torque. It wasn't slow but seemed like I had to keep it floored and it was gradually giving me the power as though spooling up turbos which of course it doesn't have. It was 60% SOC and it was 20 degrees outside.

I am VERY attuned to wheels losing traction and expected these summer perf tires might but I didn't feel or hear anything resembling that, but is it possible the car is overly cautious due to temperature/tires or actually sensing possible slip? I did not try a launch which I will do next time with my draggy but hoping to get some feedback from owners... Without getting GT Performance (or Sapphire), can reducing traction control allow it to be more direct/immediate in power delivery?

Also, I have seen many videos talking about how much improved 2024/5 Lucid Air GT is, but I don't see much specific about what has changed that can't be updated by software... I've seen people drifting Air GT and I definitely don't need that, but I enjoy putting my Plaid S into track mode and hanging the tail out some of the time, and have enjoyed doing donuts in the snow in my Mach E RWD, Taycan 4S, and both Tesla 3P/ S Plaid. Curious as to whether any significant hardware changes related to handling?

Finally any advice someone could give me on service (I was going to check the VIN with Lucid service, then schedule / pay for a yearly maintenance to have them veryify everything is fully functional and no damage that might void warranty) or what is going on with Tesla Supercharger access which I understand has been "coming soon" for a while but may be limited to < 50KW rate on Lucid Air?

Thanks for any input as I consider going for a bit more luxury and a little less immediate kick-in-the-butt power than Plaid S but just feel like the Air GT I was driving must not have been giving me all the car can/should...

 

[TakeDuo]

I have a 22 GT. It manages power to ground very good. Launching in Sprint mode will generate some tire slippage in a straight line but the computer does a fantastic job of having it just on the precipice of breaking loose.

You won’t be disappointed.

 

[Bus Driver]

Hi Lucid owners, Plaid S owner has Qs about Lucid Air GT. I recently test drove a 2022 Lucid Air GT (not performance but with Pirelli P Zero summer only tires) with 12k miles on it and really liked the interior (I love contrasting interiors, though not 100% fan of front seats different color from rear concept), but felt like, even in sprint mode, even on the highway at 50-80 mph, stepping on the accelerator it wasn't giving me close to 800 hp / 885 lb-ft torque. It wasn't slow but seemed like I had to keep it floored and it was gradually giving me the power as though spooling up turbos which of course it doesn't have. It was 60% SOC and it was 20 degrees outside.

I am VERY attuned to wheels losing traction and expected these summer perf tires might but I didn't feel or hear anything resembling that, but is it possible the car is overly cautious due to temperature/tires or actually sensing possible slip? I did not try a launch which I will do next time with my draggy but hoping to get some feedback from owners... Without getting GT Performance (or Sapphire), can reducing traction control allow it to be more direct/immediate in power delivery?

Also, I have seen many videos talking about how much improved 2024/5 Lucid Air GT is, but I don't see much specific about what has changed that can't be updated by software... I've seen people drifting Air GT and I definitely don't need that, but I enjoy putting my Plaid S into track mode and hanging the tail out some of the time, and have enjoyed doing donuts in the snow in my Mach E RWD, Taycan 4S, and both Tesla 3P/ S Plaid. Curious as to whether any significant hardware changes related to handling?

Finally any advice someone could give me on service (I was going to check the VIN with Lucid service, then schedule / pay for a yearly maintenance to have them veryify everything is fully functional and no damage that might void warranty) or what is going on with Tesla Supercharger access which I understand has been "coming soon" for a while but may be limited to < 50KW rate on Lucid Air?

Thanks for any input as I consider going for a bit more luxury and a little less immediate kick-in-the-butt power than Plaid S but just feel like the Air GT I was driving must not have been giving me all the car can/should...

If you want brute, grab-you-by-the-scrotum passing performance that compares to a Plaid, you really need to be looking at either a used Air GT-Performance or an Air Sapphire.

I own a Sep 2022-build Air GT. Milquetoast compared to what you’re looking for. My priority was maximum range. I came from a Model S75D myself and passing performance in that was relatively soggy compared to the Air GT I drive now. I’m not the best person to ask about this, who you really want is someone to chime in who still owns a Plaid along with their Air. (@hmp10 possibly?)

Likewise I’ll leave it to others to chime in about your other questions.

 

[DeaneG]

It could be that the GT's battery was cold during your test drive.

There are no handling-related changes between model years of the Air GT. But the GT, GT-P, Dream P, and Sapphire variations of the Air have different handling characteristics.

 

[bosbrucec]

If you want brute, grab-you-by-the-scrotum passing performance that compares to a Plaid, you really need to be looking at either a used Air GT-Performance or an Air Sapphire.

I own a Sep 2022-build Air GT. Milquetoast compared to what you’re looking for. My priority was maximum range. I came from a Model S75D myself and passing performance in that was relatively soggy compared to the Air GT I drive now. I’m not the best person to ask about this, who you really want is someone to chime in who still owns a Plaid along with their Air. (@hmp10 possibly?)

Likewise I’ll leave it to others to chime in about your other questions.

I've had to the (temporarily) king of power a couple of years and willing to walk back on the brutal... Just feel like I was not getting the power I expected from reviews on Air GT.. If the tires/temperature (for grip or battery power) or SOC might explain that would be helpful to know... Does it operate much more slowly as batteries warm up? Maybe I'm spoiled and can't go backwards in power but I'm hopeful I can trade a little power for better refinement and daily handling...

 

[bosbrucec]

It could be that the GT's battery was cold during your test drive.

There are no handling-related changes between model years of the Air GT. But the GT, GT-P, Dream P, and Sapphire variations of the Air have different handling characteristics.

Thanks ... That helps... So the reviews I've seen of drifting the Air GT (non Perf) are in theory possible with any GT, I just need to turn the traction down and maybe find another few things to tweak... Again, if Tesla gave me a 4th driving option apart from "Chill, Sport, Plaid" that let me slightly reduce traction control and increase rear power bias as a daily driving mode I'd probably be a lot more happy with it... In any normal driving mode it is brutally quick and safe but also lacking any sporty steering / power oversteer feeling (very safe, very boring). A bit more steering feel/handling for a bit less power is what I want (and my wife wants massaging seats )...

 

[Neurio]

it was 20 degrees outside

You definitely do not want to drive the summer performance tires in sub-45 degrees, or you risk catastrophic failure of the tires. Given that you live in the cold, you'd be better off with all season tires on smaller wheels, or just not driving the Air in colder weather.

 

[bosbrucec]

You definitely do not want to drive the summer performance tires in sub-45 degrees, or you risk catastrophic failure of the tires. Given that you live in the cold, you'd be better off with all season tires on smaller wheels, or just not driving the Air in colder

 

[bosbrucec]

I’m well aware of the perils of driving on summer performance tires during the winter, but not exactly an option to put different tires on a used car for a test drive. I’ve driven my plaid s on summer and all season tires and didn’t notice as much of a drop in power even on the rare cold days I kept the summers on. I’m just trying to figure out if lucid traction control due to tires and cold might be why it felt slower than expected. Will definitely try to warm battery and pick warmer day for next drive.

 

[Blue Lectroid]

I have a couple of thoughts. I own a ‘25 Air GT and I have driven in a 2024 Tesla Model S Plaid five or six times, but only drove one myself twice, so my thoughts on driving dynamics of the Plaid are limited.

I presently have a ‘22 Air GT loaner while my ‘25 is in for service.

1. BOTH the 22 and 25 AGT are identical in terms of driving dynamics. They are geared differently (or I should say that their drive ratios are different) than the Tesla and the Tesla gives much more of a kick right off the line whereas the Lucid I find hits its acceleration and passing stride north of 50 mph. That said the Lucid in non-Performance or Sapphire configs IS slower than the Plaid, but still faster than 99% of cars on the road.

I greatly prefer the road feel and driving dynamics of the Lucid in every way other than straight line acceleration to the Tesla, which is why I bought the AGT rather than a Plaid.

The build quality and efficiency of my 25 is noticeably better than the ‘22 loaner I have. Panel gaps are tighter and more consistent, infotainment system is more responsive / faster and the efficiency seems to be at least 15% better (perhaps even approaching 20%) than the ‘22. Of course, the ‘25’s are 70% more money!

 

[Steveinarizona]

Hi Lucid owners, Plaid S owner has Qs about Lucid Air GT. I recently test drove a 2022 Lucid Air GT (not performance but with Pirelli P Zero summer only tires) with 12k miles on it and really liked the interior (I love contrasting interiors, though not 100% fan of front seats different color from rear concept), but felt like, even in sprint mode, even on the highway at 50-80 mph, stepping on the accelerator it wasn't giving me close to 800 hp / 885 lb-ft torque. It wasn't slow but seemed like I had to keep it floored and it was gradually giving me the power as though spooling up turbos which of course it doesn't have. It was 60% SOC and it was 20 degrees outside.

I believe that Lucid has a governor control on the test drives/. It has an earlier stop on the speed but I don't know whether the governor impacts on acceleration as well.

 

[Batteryman]

If you can afford it, get a 2025 MY, heat pump, better motor isolation, upgraded hardware.

 

[bosbrucec]

I believe that Lucid has a governor control on the test drives/. It has an earlier stop on the speed but I don't know whether the governor impacts on acceleration as well.

Thanks this was a used lucid at a Cadillac dealership so should not have had any limiter. I test drove a touring last year at lucid and understood they limited it to something like 90% .

 

[Bus Driver]

If you can afford it, get a 2025 MY, heat pump, better motor isolation, upgraded hardware.

Did you mean “Model Y” or “model year”? Given context I’m thinking you meant the latter.

 

[borski]

Hi Lucid owners, Plaid S owner has Qs about Lucid Air GT. I recently test drove a 2022 Lucid Air GT (not performance but with Pirelli P Zero summer only tires) with 12k miles on it and really liked the interior (I love contrasting interiors, though not 100% fan of front seats different color from rear concept), but felt like, even in sprint mode, even on the highway at 50-80 mph, stepping on the accelerator it wasn't giving me close to 800 hp / 885 lb-ft torque. It wasn't slow but seemed like I had to keep it floored and it was gradually giving me the power as though spooling up turbos which of course it doesn't have. It was 60% SOC and it was 20 degrees outside.

I am VERY attuned to wheels losing traction and expected these summer perf tires might but I didn't feel or hear anything resembling that, but is it possible the car is overly cautious due to temperature/tires or actually sensing possible slip? I did not try a launch which I will do next time with my draggy but hoping to get some feedback from owners... Without getting GT Performance (or Sapphire), can reducing traction control allow it to be more direct/immediate in power delivery?

Also, I have seen many videos talking about how much improved 2024/5 Lucid Air GT is, but I don't see much specific about what has changed that can't be updated by software... I've seen people drifting Air GT and I definitely don't need that, but I enjoy putting my Plaid S into track mode and hanging the tail out some of the time, and have enjoyed doing donuts in the snow in my Mach E RWD, Taycan 4S, and both Tesla 3P/ S Plaid. Curious as to whether any significant hardware changes related to handling?

Finally any advice someone could give me on service (I was going to check the VIN with Lucid service, then schedule / pay for a yearly maintenance to have them veryify everything is fully functional and no damage that might void warranty) or what is going on with Tesla Supercharger access which I understand has been "coming soon" for a while but may be limited to < 50KW rate on Lucid Air?

Thanks for any input as I consider going for a bit more luxury and a little less immediate kick-in-the-butt power than Plaid S but just feel like the Air GT I was driving must not have been giving me all the car can/should...

1) It was cold. Next time, try turning on battery preconditioning (from the charging menu) for 20-30 min just to get the battery warmed up. You don’t have to do this, of course, but for a test drive it’s important; on a real drive you’ll warm it up as you drive it.

2) The GT isn’t a Plaid. It’s a regular Model S competitor. You want a used DE-P or GT-P (or Sapphire ) for that same power.

3) Off the line, the Plaid will feel faster. At 60-70mph, the Air will whip the plaid if you floor it. That’s the main difference. The gear ratio for the Model S makes it feel great from 0-60, and basically drop immensely after that. The Lucid feels good 0-60, but *really* shows its prowess when *at* speed.

 

[Blue Lectroid]

Did you mean “Model Y” or “model year”? Given context I’m thinking you meant the latter.

Model Year 25...there were a bunch of hardware updates to the Air that happened in the 2025 model year. They are detailed elsewhere on the Forum...

Thread 'Why is No One Talking About All of the Improvements to the 2025 GT?!?'

Nov 30, 2024

WHY ARE WE NOT TALKING ABOUT THIS MORE????

I have posted in several other threads on the Forum about my recent journey from driving a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance for the past six years to ordering Lucid Air Grand Touring (including this thread) and rather remarkably, I only learned of some SIGNIFICANT improvements to the Grand Touring starting in the 2025 Model Year AFTER making the decision to buy a 2025 model rather than trying to save some $$ on an earlier model year. Even my wonderful Lucid Rep at my local Studio (Alexxa Irizarry) did not mention the majority of those listed...

• Blue Lectroid
• Replies: 89
• Forum: Ordering / Pricing / Production / Delivery

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[Blue Lectroid]

1) It was cold. Next time, try turning on battery preconditioning (from the charging menu) for 20-30 min just to get the battery warmed up. You don’t have to do this, of course, but for a test drive it’s important; on a real drive you’ll warm it up as you drive it.

2) The GT isn’t a Plaid. It’s a regular Model S competitor. You want a used DE-P or GT-P (or Sapphire ) for that same power.

3) Off the line, the Plaid will feel faster. At 60-70mph, the Air will whip the plaid if you floor it. That’s the main difference. The gear ratio for the Model S makes it feel great from 0-60, and basically drop immensely after that. The Lucid feels good 0-60, but *really* shows its prowess when *at* speed.

@borski, I very rarely disagree with you, but here I would say that the Air GT is more of a hypothetical midpoint between a Tesla Model S and a Model S Plaid as opposed to just comparing it straight up to the vanilla Model S. And, any one of the air line (from Pure right on up) handle significantly better once you get into the curvy / fun stuff!

 

[bosbrucec]

1) It was cold. Next time, try turning on battery preconditioning (from the charging menu) for 20-30 min just to get the battery warmed up. You don’t have to do this, of course, but for a test drive it’s important; on a real drive you’ll warm it up as you drive it.

2) The GT isn’t a Plaid. It’s a regular Model S competitor. You want a used DE-P or GT-P (or Sapphire ) for that same power.

3) Off the line, the Plaid will feel faster. At 60-70mph, the Air will whip the plaid if you floor it. That’s the main difference. The gear ratio for the Model S makes it feel great from 0-60, and basically drop immensely after that. The Lucid feels good 0-60, but *really* shows its prowess when *at* speed.

(1) Thanks for the input... I will try preconditioning a bit next time... My Plaid S and the Taycan GTS I drove the same morning were as cold as the Lucid AGT, so either Lucid is just much more conservative in allowing power to flow at cold temperatures or something else (more conservative traction control?) was at play here... . Next time I'll also do a draggy launch as that would be hard cold numbers not "this feels like power is handed out to me very slowly."
(2) Understood, but after 2 years of having the fastest car I've ever seen on the road that isn't another Plaid S (not yet seen a Sapphire, Nevera, or Taycan Turbo GT next to me ) I no longer feel the need to scratch that itch, so I'm willing to lose 200 hp but I just need to feel I'm actually getting something faster than my old Model 3P which this GT did not feel like. I'm mostly interested in used Lucid/Taycan because you can get a nearly new car with multiple years warranty remaining for half the price of new at this point and but I may keep the Tesla (though I'd love to distance myself from Musk these days).
(3) I think you are confused on Model S variants... Plaid S Peak HP is at 60 mph, 60-130 is 4.7 seconds (more brutal than launch!) compared to 60-130 of LAGT 7 seconds ... I think you are thinking of previous generation Tesla Model S Performance/Ludicrous which was 9.3 seconds 60-130 (after 2.3 sec 0-60 acceleration tanks). The LAGT I drove did not feel like a 7 second 60-130 car (though I only went 50-95 on test drive and it did feel like it was slowly doling out more hp while I kept it floored).

 

[borski]

@borski, I very rarely disagree with you, but here I would say that the Air GT is more of a hypothetical midpoint between a Tesla Model S and a Model S Plaid as opposed to just comparing it straight up to the vanilla Model S. And, any one of the air line (from Pure right on up) handle significantly better once you get into the curvy / fun stuff!

Fair. I meant solely from a power delivery perspective, not as an overall machine or handling.

 

[bosbrucec]

Fair. I meant solely from a power delivery perspective, not as an overall machine or handling.

I would say Air GT (according to the specs/reviews I've seen) is, acceleration wise (not handling!) very comparable to previous 2 generations (P100D / Raven) Performance Model S... the old performance/ludicrous S is a good bit quicker to 60 but the Air GT is a good bit quicker above 60 mph so they all end up between with quarter miles of 10.5 to 10.7 seconds.