Gravity Plan B

[privacylaw]

What makes these models interesting is that the Gravity would have outpaced them and been delivered before those models even arrived on the market. However, Lucid’s delayed delivery of the Gravity has forced it to compete against them in an already crowded market, rather than having a slight head start. If someone is informed that they can expect a Gravity in 8 to 12 weeks, compared to seeing a Cadillac available now, Lucid will undoubtedly lose sales due to this disparity even though the Gravity is a hands down better vehicle. While Lucid may adhere to the “Compromise Nothing” philosophy, many people do make compromises, and in this case, the compromise is to purchase from another brand that currently has inventory available.

"Compromise Nothing" is starting to look a lot more like, "compare nothing" because they can't deliver any product. We had planned on delivery to be 8 months late (ish) and even with that buffer, we're now without a SUV to haul us around - so we're borrowing friends cars. Talk about pain in the @ss.

 

[hmp10]

I'll wait a very good while for my DE, but at some point if it just doesn't happen, I will move on. I need that space and utility.

My brother has a 2018 Model 3 that he's ready to shed. But he is so intrigued by the prospect of the mid-size Earth that he is hoping to hold off until he sees what Lucid introduces in late 2026.

However, assuming that Lucid even meets the teased introduction date, if its road to production and delivery plays out anything like the Gravity's has since its November 2023 introduction, he will not make it until then. It could easily mean an Earth not being delivered to him until late 2028.

The ability and/or willingness to wait years to get a product after it is unveiled will get progressively thinner as Lucid moves down into the mass market where there are more choices and where more buyers might not have multiple vehicles to tide them over.

 

[HC_79]

"Compromise Nothing" is starting to look a lot more like, "compare nothing" because they can't deliver any product. We had planned on delivery to be 8 months late (ish) and even with that buffer, we're now without a SUV to haul us around - so we're borrowing friends cars. Talk about pain in the @ss.

As soon as they announced it, I knew this slogan was going to come back and bite them in the ass every time they messed up.

 

[Elfin]

As soon as they announced it, I knew this slogan was going to come back and bite them in the ass every time they messed up.

Any engineer will tell you it's a dumb slogan too, engineering is all about compromises.
Though being constantly behind schedule is consistent with trying to compromise nothing...

 

[illopp00]

I guess it's delayed... This is what their Cayenne EV page says:
"The Cayenne EV will be an all-new vehicle for the Porsche brand and we expect to see it debut in late 2025 as a 2026 model.""

https://www.caranddriver.com/porsche/cayenne-ev

Porsche has no USA production, so their cars are moving into an even higher price bracket that won't be competitive with the Gravity, I mean look at the Audi E-tron SUV platform.

 

[Elfin]

Porsche has no USA production, so their cars are moving into an even higher price bracket that won't be competitive with the Gravity, I mean look at the Audi E-tron SUV platform.

Yep, probably going to be more expensive than Gravity. The Taycan is more expensive than the Air.

 

[evfan]

Well, I have to admit it - I am starting to think about a Gravity Plan B. I just don't have a ton of confidence I'm going to get this car any time soon. There's a very real possibility this gets dragged out into 2026. Gosh, I hope I am wrong, but at a certain point I have to wonder: Maybe Lucid's just not that into me. Since there's nothing else to talk about besides arguing about what Lucid should or shouldn't have communicated and when, or speculating on holdups, maybe at least it would be fun to talk about alternatives (and how and why they don't compare )

I think I would go in one of two directions:

Rivian R1S, probably a tri-motor with max range.

• Pros: Comparable vehicle class/size/convenience/camp mode, same (better) acceleration figures (not necessary but fun), price (cheaper than GT, much cheaper than DE), better lease/finance terms, tintable glass roof, more established automaker with more service centers and fielded vehicles. Ride in the 2nd gen is supposed to be pretty good. Oh, and I can get one now.
• Cons: Less range/efficiency, no NACS (helpful for me because I have a Tesla now, which I will keep, and so home charging will require a new charger or an adaptor), MUCH slower Supercharging and thus less road-trip-ability, much less refined cabin (it's not bad but not on Lucid level), packaging not as good (less overall room, 3rd row not as useful - although i will use row 3 extremely rarely). Overall driving dynamics won't be nearly as good as Lucid.

Lucid Air GT.

• Pros: Probably a better driving car overall. Still a Lucid with a beautiful interior (honestly I think Lucid's interiors are the best in the business to my tastes right now). Cheap as s*** and incentivized to heck right now. AVAILABLE NOW.
• Cons: Much less convenience. Even a significant downgrade from my Tesla S with a hatch - I hate the Air trunk. Ultimately, it just isn't the class of vehicle I was looking to buy just now. No NACS. No Tesla SC Boost. Also I personally don't think the Air looks as good as Gravity. I hate the contrasting color and shape/size of the C pillar - it reminds me of the bad Cadillacs from the 80s and makes it look like an old man's car (though the rest of the car looks quite good). I still hear scary stuff about the software. It will feel like 2nd prize.

OK, I said 2, but just for giggles I'll throw in the Hummer EV SUV.

• Pros: I freaking love the removeable T-Top feature. It's totally unique in the world and just so much fun (though I question how often I would actually use it - manual removal and stowage cannot be a simple procedure). Still a stupid acceleration vehicle. Can go anywhere! Crab Walk (not sure what the point is but fun for a toy). Has an undeniable cool factor; I'm ashamed to admit it but I still go "oooh" when I see one and can't deny I kind of want one. Cheaper than Gravity. I could be driving one this weekend.
• Cons: Just about everything else. Efficiency is a joke, no NACS, DC Fast Charging will be a pain, this thing probably can't road trip. Interior is, uhhh, not good. I test drove one and there were squeaks and rattles all over the place.

What about you guys? Anyone else starting to get dismayed? Do you have a drop-dead point where you finally leave your abusive car-teaser? If you did, into whose willing arms would you run?

The complete lack of communication from Lucid about their repeated production/delivery delays is more than frustrating. I suspect that my supposed delivery time of fall 2025 (based on color and options) is now well into 2026, but in the absence of anything from Lucid, who knows? As a result I, too, have been looking elsewhere and am very attracted to the BMW iX 60. Range is 364 with standard wheels, so not as great as the Gravity, and no frunk. No third row, but I didn't want t at anyway. But an electrochromic roof, spacious, and great ride. And actually being produced, a bit less expensively! We'll have to see about tariffs...

 

[PetevB]

Well, I have to admit it - I am starting to think about a Gravity Plan B. I just don't have a ton of confidence I'm going to get this car any time soon…

Do you have a drop-dead point where you finally leave your abusive car-teaser? If you did, into whose willing arms would you run?

As mentioned elsewhere I hit eject a bit over a month ago now- 22 months and change remaining on my Audi SQ8 E-tron lease, happy with that call. While that deal isn’t around any more if it were me I’d be keeping eyes out for something similar, maybe something like this but with a shorter term:

Pre-Negotiated Deals (PND) – Lease Smarter, Faster

Check out Leasehackr's Pre-Negotiated Deals (PND) handpicked by experts for you.

pnd.leasehackr.com

I was willing to sacrifice on range, etc as it was really a stopgap measure until Lucid spools production, satisfies demand and works any early bugs out.

 

[FEH72]

Trust me, I've looked at a number of options for short term leases until Lucid could get its act together. I had rounded it down to the Polestar 3 and R1S but each had cons that I didn't want to be stuck with on a 2 or 3 year lease.

I found out after I leased my AT that they offer Bridge leases. I’m not exactly sure what it means but it sounds like to me that you could bridge a lease from one vehicle to another. I was very disappointed to find that out because I would’ve rather had a Gravity as well, but I was too impatient. Please let me know if you look into this option and if it works for you. Good luck.

 

[zer0t0115]

I have a Hummer Edition 1 SUT and I enjoy it. Horribly inefficient but very nice to drive with interior trim in par with a Yukon Denali. I also take it off road frequently. It’s well mannered on the highway but I wouldn’t consider it grand touring vehicle. The SUV is an option for my wife as her EQS 580 lease expires soon. It’s NACS compatible, has good charging capability. It’s also has options that make it less aggressive feeling than the MT tire quipped SUT. It also has a full sized spare.

Hummers, like all GM EVs, are heavily discounted right now. You should be able,to get a well equipped 2x for at least 10 grand off list.

I’m not sure it’s comparable to a gravity but probably more direct to a Rivian.

I think the EQS SUV and BMW iX are probably more inline with the gravity and closer in price. The Escalade IQ was incredibly nice but I lease my wife’s cars and the Cadillac was about 2800 bucks / month. However, it has huge range, although it manages that thru massive battery size, and a really good charging curve.

I’m really trying to get her to see an Air because we don’t really need and SUV but she likes a bit higher of a driving position. We also previously leased a Taycan and would consider another of those.

 

[dditzchi]

There is also the Polestar 3 which leases well. I have ridden in it but I haven't driven it yet. They have attractive lease deals, with some extra Tesla leaving promotions on it now and I think it looks great inside and out. It is not the efficiency of a Lucid but the fit and finish is good and it has adaptive suspension and much better audio system than the Rivian, much quieter and I think better driving performance. I haven't driven the refreshed Rivian's but between the motor noise, tire noise and not so great audio that was enough to take it out of consideration. The Kia EV9 look really good to my eyes but drives like a soft SUV and the stereo is not that good nor is the efficiency but it charges fast. The interior is clean and functions well. There is the Volvo EX90 if you need 3 rows too. Another alternative might be the Ionic 5 N. It might be the most fun of any EV out there and I could see this as a very fun short lease until the Gravity is available. They did just drop the monthly lease payments $200 on the Ioniq 5N.

I have driven a dozen EVs and my boss lends me his Teslas when he is on vacation so I have driven almost every Tesla made (3, Y, Y Jupiter, X, S, S plaid, CT) and the Rivian R1T, Ford Mach 3, Kia EV9, Polestar 2 (which I owned for a year), Hyundai Ioniq 5 and I am now leasing a 2024 Lucid Air Pure. The lease deal on the Pure was almost too good to be true. I find it great and the best car I have ever owned although I loved my Polestar 2 as well. The efficiency of the Lucid is great. When my lease is up nex year I will do my homework and make sure to cast a wide net to see what might replace it. I have a deposit on an Aptera and also a Rivian R2 but I think I would like the Lucid Gravity Pure or the Earth the best but that is total speculation.

Aesthetically, I think the Polestar is the best in my eyes. I really love the modern and clean lines but I think they removed too many physical controls on the P3. Much like Polestar, I prioritize driving dynamics and sound quality too. The Air is good only if you have SSP + Tidal + a really well mixed Dolby Atmos track. The Rivian also has an aesthetic and a lifestyle brand I enjoy but have no real need for in my day-today. I think Kia has a killer design team and the Ioniq 5 with it's retro styling is my screen saver on my desktop even though I drive a Lucid.

The Lucid took a long time for me to warm up to it. I do like the looks of it but I don't think its the best thing out there. Now after I have put 10k miles on mine and I swapped the 19" all-season out for summer rubber I really enjoy it. Having a 400+ hp car that is so quiet, enjoyable to drive near its limits and also super quiet and comfortable and costs almost nothing to drive is really amazing. It is not the fastest but having only RWD with amazing traction control is really fun to drive and will not beat you up. I think there is a list of things that could be better but they got all the important stuff right. I hope they will still have a lease deal in 2026 that will keep me in the Lucid brand.

 

[zer0t0115]

There is also the Polestar 3 which leases well. I have ridden in it but I haven't driven it yet. They have attractive lease deals, with some extra Tesla leaving promotions on it now and I think it looks great inside and out. It is not the efficiency of a Lucid but the fit and finish is good and it has adaptive suspension and much better audio system than the Rivian, much quieter and I think better driving performance. I haven't driven the refreshed Rivian's but between the motor noise, tire noise and not so great audio that was enough to take it out of consideration. The Kia EV9 look really good to my eyes but drives like a soft SUV and the stereo is not that good nor is the efficiency but it charges fast. The interior is clean and functions well. There is the Volvo EX90 if you need 3 rows too. Another alternative might be the Ionic 5 N. It might be the most fun of any EV out there and I could see this as a very fun short lease until the Gravity is available. They did just drop the monthly lease payments $200 on the Ioniq 5N.

I have driven a dozen EVs and my boss lends me his Teslas when he is on vacation so I have driven almost every Tesla made (3, Y, Y Jupiter, X, S, S plaid, CT) and the Rivian R1T, Ford Mach 3, Kia EV9, Polestar 2 (which I owned for a year), Hyundai Ioniq 5 and I am now leasing a 2024 Lucid Air Pure. The lease deal on the Pure was almost too good to be true. I find it great and the best car I have ever owned although I loved my Polestar 2 as well. The efficiency of the Lucid is great. When my lease is up nex year I will do my homework and make sure to cast a wide net to see what might replace it. I have a deposit on an Aptera and also a Rivian R2 but I think I would like the Lucid Gravity Pure or the Earth the best but that is total speculation.

Aesthetically, I think the Polestar is the best in my eyes. I really love the modern and clean lines but I think they removed too many physical controls on the P3. Much like Polestar, I prioritize driving dynamics and sound quality too. The Air is good only if you have SSP + Tidal + a really well mixed Dolby Atmos track. The Rivian also has an aesthetic and a lifestyle brand I enjoy but have no real need for in my day-today. I think Kia has a killer design team and the Ioniq 5 with it's retro styling is my screen saver on my desktop even though I drive a Lucid.

The Lucid took a long time for me to warm up to it. I do like the looks of it but I don't think its the best thing out there. Now after I have put 10k miles on mine and I swapped the 19" all-season out for summer rubber I really enjoy it. Having a 400+ hp car that is so quiet, enjoyable to drive near its limits and also super quiet and comfortable and costs almost nothing to drive is really amazing. It is not the fastest but having only RWD with amazing traction control is really fun to drive and will not beat you up. I think there is a list of things that could be better but they got all the important stuff right. I hope they will still have a lease deal in 2026 that will keep me in the Lucid brand.

Very nice post. I have one tiny nit, looks are subjective so take it with a grain of salt. I think the Air is amazing looking and gets better every time I look at it. Again subjective but I think your current ride may be the best looking sedan on the market.

I'm working hard to get my wife to warm up to an Air GT. I just don't think there's a better blend for someone who doesn't require an SUV. We're active empty nesters with adult children. We road trip between NJ and our home in FL with our french bulldogs. Thus, I think a grand touring sedan is the perfect fit.

The reviews on the Gravity are really great but the minivan-ish aesthetic is the only thing I don't find appealing. However, as mentioned earlier, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

 

[dditzchi]

With the Platnium trim it looked a bit "old man car" as my wife called it. I did some work on mine by wrapping the 5 smaller spokes and the lower section with carbon fiber looking tape on the lower section and now I am happy with it. I won't add tint on a car that I am leasing for 18 months. The look has grown on me, but as you pointed out it's subjective.

There is an Ioniq 5 one block over and I asked my wife if she thought it looked better than the Lucid and she responded "are you crazy?"