Gravity; SUV or Minivan

The R Class soldiered on in long wheelbase form in China for a few more years after U.S. sales ceased.

The R63 was only on the market for one model year (2007) with only 200 units built. It quickly got a reputation for poor handling, due in part to the 6.2 liter engine. A couple of years later one that had under 100 miles on it and had never been titled showed up on eBay. I struggled with the temptation to buy it until it was finally pulled from offer. I had traded my problem-ridden 2004 SL55 AMG for my first Audi R8 by then and, finding the R8 a far more nailed down car, I was able to resist another Mercedes. But I just thought the R63 looked so bizarrely cool that I couldn't help lusting after it.

I've always had a soft spot for oddball cars. During my poverty-stricken law school days in the 1970's I went through three used North Carolina Highway Patrol cars (1976, 1977, and 1978 Plymouth Furies with 440ci engines and the police package: 140-amp generators, radiators for cooling power steering fluid, etc.) that I picked up at auctions. And I came across a 1953 Chrysler Crown Imperial limousine sitting in a dusty warehouse that I also had to fight off urges to keep from buying. It was a dark green tank with mohair upholstery, jump seats, piston-shaped window switches, and an A/C unit in the trunk that would have cooled a small house. After inquiries about where I could get it serviced came up dry, I backed away.
I had a friend (alas he suddenly passed away from lung cancer) who had one of them in the US...he bought it used. Never could figure out whether to call it a minivan or SUV but, ultimately, who cares. He was retired but to keep busy he did some UBER driving and he thought this was the perfect vehicle for that purpose.
 
Ok.
I thought perhaps you had ridden in it with your friend.
I did go for a short ride. I of course had tons of praise for it in general. I was answering the question about their feelings about the software experience. They are literally over the moon about having it! And yes, I’m just a little bit jealous, but happy for them.
 
I did go for a short ride. I of course had tons of praise for it in general. I was answering the question about their feelings about the software experience. They are literally over the moon about having it! And yes, I’m just a little bit jealous, but happy for them.
Got it.
Thanks.
 
I did go for a short ride. I of course had tons of praise for it in general. I was answering the question about their feelings about the software experience. They are literally over the moon about having it! And yes, I’m just a little bit jealous, but happy for them.
Any chance sharing a vin and if not, a comparison of cost compared to another vehicle I can benchmark?

Any other photos would be appreciated, thanks.
 
The most comparable vehicle is the Mercedes R63 which only sold 108 copies in the US. The cheaper variants sold much better of course but Mercedes never made a second generation.
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I loved that car. it is a shame that it never sold well and was killed in the US
 
Any chance sharing a vin and if not, a comparison of cost compared to another vehicle I can benchmark?

Any other photos would be appreciated, thanks.
We just met for lunch, I was excited to see it, but I wasn’t doing an in depth review of it. I didn’t (nor would I) take a picture of someone’s VIN. I also didn’t ask about their insurance. I understand that we are all anxious about every detail possible, but it truly was an afternoon with a friend. I just figured the forum might like to see the pics I took. I only took one of the interior because it’s Tahoe like mine. We did hang out in the frunk for a few, and a man walked by and asked how we like our Lucid’s and said he can’t wait to get one! He works for Tesla ;)
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This post is more for any who are on the fence about the Gravity because the SUV/Minivan debate.

As the Gravity (in Aurora Green) is being shown in more Lucid studios and online posts are made, as was predicted on this forum, there are comments about it looking like a minivan.
The comments often are about the rear opening being large and/or low.
The absence of a sliding rear door (a distinct minivan feature to me) rarely is mentioned.

The more I think about Americans love of SUVs I kinda wonder if people like the ease of loading stuff like groceries and small items that can be tossed into the rear space.
I know for me, that's an additional reason I don't want a car. A trunk is useless to me. Sorry, I digress.

I do alot of outdoor stuff with sizeable gear (biking, hiking, camping, fishing) and most of the time, in parking lots especially, I see pickup trucks with gear or SUVs with bikeracks/roofracks.
I don't like my bikes esposed to weather or possible crashes from the rear. I pay too much for them and don't want the inconvenience of replacing them.
I wonder if most people want the "sporty" look of an SUV, but are ok with most of them not being too utilitarian. That sporty look is why they hate the minivan look. It doesn't make you look sporty, even if you're not even using it for any sports or utility purposes other than groceries and soccer balls.

I don't see too many SUVs being used to haul lumber. I see pickup trucks.

I have a Honda Element that I use for my outdoor gear and occassionally for lumber or large item pick ups.
If and when my Element dies, I will CAREFULLY consider using my Gravity. Honestly, I can probably keep the Element running forever or just buy a used one when needed.
However, I like knowing that I can use my Gravity, at least for my bikes.
I also have three little granddaughters that I might allow inside; NO FOOD! :)

I wonder if people who are looking at the Gravity because of its sporty look, but believe it also looks like a minivan, might really just need a Macan or Cayenne.
But wait .... what about the third row seating?
If you want comfortable third row seating, especially for adults, consider:
1. Lyric - not as much cargo space; not much headroom for adults in third row; drives like a boat (aka land yacht)
2. R1S - if you can get past the cartoonish headlights, go for it; lacks some of the ADAS tech of the Gravity; looks maybe too outdoorsy/sporty for some (I'll put groceries and people in there, but "bugs bother me, I'm going inside")
3. Vistiq/Escalade IQ- more space than Lyric; more luxury look, less sporty look; pricier than Gravity with less space; land yacht
4. MB EQS - butt ugly bubble, but go for it; pricier with less space
5. Polestar 3/Volvo EX90 - just another Volvo, same look, but an EV; less space than Gravity

In my humble opinion, the Gravity is the excellent SUV for those: 1) wanting/needing the sporty look and maybe actually need it for SPORTS activities, and 2) wanting/needing the UTILITY of useable third row comfortable seating for adults or hauling large items (lumber, furniture, etc.).

I'll add that, it has a swag/luxury look to it in addition to sporty look and based on comments from those who have ridden in the Gravity, it drives and handle better than most SUVs or minivans. Sounds sporty to me.

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IMO, the Gravity is not an SUV nor a Minivan. It's a Tall Wagon, which is why I like it.
 
We just met for lunch, I was excited to see it, but I wasn’t doing an in depth review of it. I didn’t (nor would I) take a picture of someone’s VIN. I also didn’t ask about their insurance. I understand that we are all anxious about every detail possible, but it truly was an afternoon with a friend. I just figured the forum might like to see the pics I took. I only took one of the interior because it’s Tahoe like mine. We did hang out in the frunk for a few, and a man walked by and asked how we like our Lucid’s and said he can’t wait to get one! He works for Tesla ;) View attachment 26066 View attachment 26065
I didn’t mean the question in any kind of negative way but I figured if this is a friend, maybe you can ask some questions and share what they are comfortable with. Most of us didn’t go first and are naturally curious. If there is an NDA obviously don’t need to break any rules for us. Will take whatever you can share, thanks!!
 
Any chance sharing a vin and if not, a comparison of cost compared to another vehicle I can benchmark?

Any other photos would be appreciated, thanks.
The VIN will be 7UUG1GHL4SA012345 or 7UUG1GHJ6SA012345 (for the 7-seat versions). Last 5 digits (serial) don't matter for insurance purposes. I figured this out from Lucid's federal VIN filing. I was quoted approximately an additional $240/year to add the Gravity to our auto policy here in Maine (where car insurance is cheap).
 
The VIN will be 7UUG1GHL4SA012345 or 7UUG1GHJ6SA012345 (for the 7-seat versions). Last 5 digits (serial) don't matter for insurance purposes. I figured this out from Lucid's federal VIN filing. I was quoted approximately an additional $240/year to add the Gravity to our auto policy here in Maine (where car insurance is cheap).
Those do not auto populate in GEICO and picking Wagon resulted in some nasty numbers. Maybe Utility was a better option…or minivan.
 

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IMO, the Gravity is not an SUV nor a Minivan. It's a Tall Wagon, which is why I like it.
I can see that. Like it also.

If that works for you, go with it.
Ultimately, if a person likes it, then what someone else calls it or thinks of it shouldn't matter. Their choice, their money.

Ask Cybertruck owners. 😀
 
The VIN will be 7UUG1GHL4SA012345 or 7UUG1GHJ6SA012345 (for the 7-seat versions). Last 5 digits (serial) don't matter for insurance purposes. I figured this out from Lucid's federal VIN filing. I was quoted approximately an additional $240/year to add the Gravity to our auto policy here in Maine (where car insurance is cheap).
Tried with a Rivian R1S and that’s a bit more manageable
 

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We just met for lunch, I was excited to see it, but I wasn’t doing an in depth review of it. I didn’t (nor would I) take a picture of someone’s VIN. I also didn’t ask about their insurance. I understand that we are all anxious about every detail possible, but it truly was an afternoon with a friend. I just figured the forum might like to see the pics I took. I only took one of the interior because it’s Tahoe like mine. We did hang out in the frunk for a few, and a man walked by and asked how we like our Lucid’s and said he can’t wait to get one! He works for Tesla ;) View attachment 26066 View attachment 26065

I know it's a nit, but that satin wood graining in the door handle is very striking. Lucid really nails it when it comes to interior materials, textures, and finishes.

Over three years in with our Air, and I still catch myself looking around the cabin to admire it. And every surface looks as fresh and new as the day it left the factory.
 
I know it's a nit, but that satin wood graining in the door handle is very striking. Lucid really nails it when it comes to interior materials, textures, and finishes.

Over three years in with our Air, and I still catch myself looking around the cabin to admire it. And every surface looks as fresh and new as the day it left the factory.
I feel like they must have saved a lot of weight on the speaker grilles because they look basic, for a lack of nicer words. Attaching what my current Lincoln looks like.
 

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