How is the Press Responding to the opening of Gravity Orders?

[hmp10]

Gravity orders opened this morning, and there are still no reports of test drives by the press. This suggests either that Lucid did not provide release candidate vehicles to the press as they did with the Air prior to its launch, or that the press is under an embargo that was not lifted with the opening of orders.

However, some press coverage related to ordering has begun, and a strand is forming around perceptions that the announced base prices were misleading in terms of what a vehicle would really cost with optional features that are included in other vehicles -- and that those option prices are rather steep.

This has been the reaction from Kyle Conner of "Out of Spec Motoring", from "AutoNation", and from "Tailosive EV" (a once Tesla-heavy commentator that has recently become something of a Lucid fan). Some of this is clearly biased, such as "AutoNation" comparing Lucid pricing to equally-high Escalade EV pricing, lauding the Escalade as a "much bigger" vehicle, both ignoring the fact that the Lucid actually has more interior room and rather ridiculously treating price as properly a function of unit volume.

Lucid's earnings call is at 5:30 p.m. today (a little over an hour from now). Maybe that is the reason an embargo -- if there is one -- has not yet been lifted.

But orders have now opened for a vehicle that is not in showrooms, that is not available for test drives, and about which some information is still missing (EPA numbers, performance figures).

Some Lucid faithful, myself included, are ordering. I wonder how much further things will go without some independently-sourced information and perspective on the Gravity out there.

 

[borski]

Gravity orders opened this morning, and there are still no reports of test drives by the press. This suggests either that Lucid did not provide release candidate vehicles to the press as they did with the Air prior to its launch, or that the press is under an embargo that was not lifted with the opening of orders.

However, some press coverage related to ordering has begun, and a strand is forming around perceptions that the announced base prices were misleading in terms of what a vehicle would really cost with optional features that are included in other vehicles -- and that those option prices are rather steep.

This has been the reaction from Kyle Conner of "Out of Spec Motoring", from "AutoNation", and from "Tailosive EV" (a once Tesla-heavy commentator that has recently become something of a Lucid fan). Some of this is clearly biased, such as "AutoNation" comparing Lucid pricing to equally-high Escalade EV pricing, lauding the Escalade as a "much bigger" vehicle, both ignoring the fact that the Lucid actually has more interior room and rather ridiculously treating price as properly a function of unit volume.

Lucid's earnings call is at 5:30 p.m. today (a little over an hour from now). Maybe that is the reason an embargo -- if there is one -- has not yet been lifted.

But orders have now opened for a vehicle that is not in showrooms, that is not available for test drives, and about which some information is still missing (EPA numbers, performance figures).

Some Lucid faithful, myself included, are ordering. I wonder how much further things will go without some independently-sourced information and perspective on the Gravity out there.

I"m hopeful lots more is announced at earnings.

 

[DrZorro]

I hope we get some more info as well soon! I did notice the performance figures were actually *removed* from the website that previous said 0-60mph in <3.5s. Hopefully that figure makes it to production! It would also be good to know if there is an ability to charge at >50Kw from the native NACS from a non V4 Tesla charger. I hope their stated charging figures aren't based on using an adapter back to CCS with an EA charger!

 

[borski]

I"m hopeful lots more is announced at earnings.

@hmp10

https://ir.lucidmotors.com/static-files/e5e577a7-21d4-44ac-9f55-a73482ed7143

 

[borski]

@hmp10

https://ir.lucidmotors.com/static-files/e5e577a7-21d4-44ac-9f55-a73482ed7143

 

[borski]

 

[hmp10]

@hmp10

https://ir.lucidmotors.com/static-files/e5e577a7-21d4-44ac-9f55-a73482ed7143

Drat, we're about to leave for dinner, but I did take a quick scan for now. I see the "under 3.5 seconds" is in the presentation under the 828 horsepower. Maybe it just got overlooked on the website.

 

[hmp10]

Another news story this morning -- from "Auto Spies" -- again complained that Lucid is charging stiff fees for options that are standard on other vehicles, especially at the Gravity base price.

While there are a lot of news stories yesterday and today that are reporting the opening of orders, most have nothing to report other than what anyone can glean from the Lucid website and order configurator. The stories that go beyond that are talking negatively about the cost of options and how misleading the base price is.

At this early point, I'd say press reporting of the order opening is net negative. I hope the view doesn't settle in among potential buyers who don't pore over every aspect of Lucid as we forum members do that the Gravity is over-priced. These early impressions can have a very long overhang in the public mind, as happened with the widespread negative coverage of the Air's early software problems.

The antidote will be positive test drive reviews, and the sooner administered the better.

 

[HC_79]

Another news story this morning -- from "Auto Spies" -- again complained that Lucid is charging stiff fees for options that are standard on other vehicles, especially at the Gravity base price.

While there are a lot of news stories yesterday and today that are reporting the opening of orders, most have nothing to report other than what anyone can glean from the Lucid website and order configurator. The stories that go beyond that are talking negatively about the cost of options and how misleading the base price is.

At this early point, I'd say press reporting of the order opening is net negative. I hope the view doesn't settle in among potential buyers who don't pore over every aspect of Lucid as we forum members do that the Gravity is over-priced. These early impressions can have a very long overhang in the public mind, as happened with the widespread negative coverage of the Air's early software problems.

The antidote will be positive test drive reviews, and the sooner administered the better.

People could easily discern that the GT, priced at $95K, would be a bare-bones model from the changes Lucid made to its Air lineup. While I personally believe Lucid could enhance some base model features, I was genuinely surprised that a fully loaded Gravity came in at a lower price than the Air. Typically, the SUV equivalent is $10K to $15K more expensive, suggesting that Lucid is actively trying to be competitive.

Lucid is targeting a market that prioritizes performance and range above all else, resulting in a trade-off in standard options. I always thought they could improve by offering 300/350 mile versions, including more features as standard, and maintaining comparable pricing to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and so on. However, this is not their core focus. They have their strategy and are committed to it. You can't really argue that it’s not working, the Air is outperforming its competitors in its segment.

Lucid is also potentially in a precarious position. This is their second model, and they cannot afford to give them away. Adding bells and whistles incurs costs, and when you have substantial cash outlays, it’s a wise strategy to offer more options rather than including them as standard features, as it can generate additional revenue. To be fair, I believe Lucid has learned a great deal from the Air and its pricing structure. People were frustrated by the inability to choose and customize options, but the Gravity now offers a high degree of customization. For instance, the DreamDrive Pro option has significantly reduced in price, and they’ve introduced a middle choice.

While I believe the Gravity should have come with more standard features at that price point, I think $125K loaded is still reasonable when compared to Cadillac IQ, which is significantly more expensive.

 

[momo3605]

While I believe the Gravity should have come with more standard features at that price point, I think $125K loaded is still reasonable when compared to Cadillac IQ, which is significantly more expensive.

Except the Cadillac IQ is the last thing you want to be compared to. That thing is not going to sell without steep discounts. Just about every cadillac/GM EV is on firesale due to overpricing.

Instead the Gravity should be aimed towards cars like the Model X, but roomier and more efficient for less money! or a BMW iX, or X7, etc...

 

[Neurio]

Instead the Gravity should be aimed towards cars like the Model X, but roomier and more efficient for less money! or a BMW iX, or X7, etc...

I'd say they are:
2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: The starting MSRP for this model is $83,500.

2025 BMW X7 M60i: The starting MSRP for this model is $110,900.

2025 BMW X7 ALPINA XB7: The starting MSRP for this model is $152,400.

2025 BMW iX xDrive50: The starting MSRP for this all-electric SUV is $87,250. It has a range of 302 to 309 miles, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

2025 BMW iX M60: The starting MSRP for this model is $111,500. It has a range of 284 to 285 miles.

 

[momo3605]

I'd say they are:
2025 BMW X7 xDrive40i: The starting MSRP for this model is $83,500.

2025 BMW X7 M60i: The starting MSRP for this model is $110,900.

2025 BMW X7 ALPINA XB7: The starting MSRP for this model is $152,400.

2025 BMW iX xDrive50: The starting MSRP for this all-electric SUV is $87,250. It has a range of 302 to 309 miles, and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds.

2025 BMW iX M60: The starting MSRP for this model is $111,500. It has a range of 284 to 285 miles.

Yup I don't disagree. But that being said. The ratio of 40i to M60i sales is like 9 to 1. So that 80-90k price point is significantly more appealing to people than the models > 100k

 

[hydbob]

Yup I don't disagree. But that being said. The ratio of 40i to M60i sales is like 9 to 1. So that 80-90k price point is significantly more appealing to people than the models > 100k

That's where the Touring comes in, just unfortunately, not until mid-late 2025.

 

[joec]

Yeah, the real story here is the late availability of the Touring. None of these complaints would be happening if you could simply order a $79k Gravity right now.

Auto upgrade packages are always expensive. It’s the first thing every car reviewer complains about in every review. We’ve all made fun of Porsche and their outlandish prices for the smallest things. That’s just the industry.

But the Touring being so far away is a head scratcher to me. Feels like an invitation for the same criticisms they got with the Air. Just as the Pure was finally getting good press for the brand being more affordable than people think.

 

[momo3605]

Yeah, the real story here is the late availability of the Touring. None of these complaints would be happening if you could simply order a $79k Gravity right now.

Auto upgrade packages are always expensive. It’s the first thing every car reviewer complains about in every review. We’ve all made fun of Porsche and their outlandish prices for the smallest things. That’s just the industry.

But the Touring being so far away is a head scratcher to me. Feels like an invitation for the same criticisms they got with the Air. Just as the Pure was finally getting good press for the brand being more affordable than people think.

Seems to me with options you’re looking at 100+ with a Touring as well.

And I think there is a sweet spot between what Porsche does and what everyone else does. Options don’t have to be outlandish. BMW X7 exterior colors are free. They also offers multiple interior color options for their free purluxe equivalent, and if you want some real cow leather is $1900. On the Gravity it’s more than $4000 if you want anything other than the black purluxe. Hands free highway driving assist is $2k on the BMW and $7K on the Gravity. And the list goes on. We’ll see what happens when the Touring does release in mid-late 2025, but I’m not convinced the Gravity will sell in the numbers that Lucid was expecting without significant incentives.

 

[HC_79]

But the Touring being so far away is a head scratcher to me. Feels like an invitation for the same criticisms they got with the Air. Just as the Pure was finally getting good press for the brand being more affordable than people think.

The vague impression I got from the earnings call was that they either anticipate or believe they’ll receive a nice volume of orders for the GT, which will occupy their resources for the next 6 to 8 months. Consequently, the Touring production schedule will be determined based on the performance of the GT. Who knows if the GT will meet Lucid’s forecasted sales targets but if they don't, we "might" see the Touring production commence sooner rather than later.

Look at it this way, it's not like people are going to have to wait 2+ years or beyond like owners did with the Pure. Mid 2025 will be here before you know it.

 

[joec]

And I think there is a sweet spot between what Porsche does and what everyone else does.

A Porsche Taycan starts at $99k. With options you can run it up to over $211k. More than double the price of the car.

So I guess Lucid is doing (checks notes) exactly what you are telling them to.

 

[borski]

The vague impression I got from the earnings call was that they either anticipate or believe they’ll receive a nice volume of orders for the GT, which will occupy their resources for the next 6 to 8 months. Consequently, the Touring production schedule will be determined based on the performance of the GT. Who knows if the GT will meet Lucid’s forecasted sales targets but if they don't, we "might" see the Touring production commence sooner rather than later.

Look at it this way, it's not like people are going to have to wait 2+ years or beyond like owners did with the Pure. Mid 2025 will be here before you know it.

Came here to say this. Plans can change.

If nobody is buying GTs, I guarantee you the Touring will find itself suddenly getting produced faster.

 

[borski]

Seems to me with options you’re looking at 100+ with a Touring as well.

And I think there is a sweet spot between what Porsche does and what everyone else does. Options don’t have to be outlandish. BMW X7 exterior colors are free. They also offers multiple interior color options for their free purluxe equivalent, and if you want some real cow leather is $1900. On the Gravity it’s more than $4000 if you want anything other than the black purluxe. Hands free highway driving assist is $2k on the BMW and $7K on the Gravity. And the list goes on. We’ll see what happens when the Touring does release in mid-late 2025, but I’m not convinced the Gravity will sell in the numbers that Lucid was expecting without significant incentives.

You’re not wrong, but remember: this is competing with other luxury vehicles, and they are in this price range.

Lucid doesn’t have to, nor does it want to, be cheaper than the competition. It wants to be priced right within them.

They want to win on quality, not price. It isn’t priced like Porsche, even fully loaded.

But it’s also not a Hyundai.

 

[hmp10]

People could easily discern that the GT, priced at $95K, would be a bare-bones model from the changes Lucid made to its Air lineup. While I personally believe Lucid could enhance some base model features, I was genuinely surprised that a fully loaded Gravity came in at a lower price than the Air. Typically, the SUV equivalent is $10K to $15K more expensive, suggesting that Lucid is actively trying to be competitive.

Lucid is targeting a market that prioritizes performance and range above all else, resulting in a trade-off in standard options. I always thought they could improve by offering 300/350 mile versions, including more features as standard, and maintaining comparable pricing to Audi, BMW, Mercedes, and so on. However, this is not their core focus. They have their strategy and are committed to it. You can't really argue that it’s not working, the Air is outperforming its competitors in its segment.

Lucid is also potentially in a precarious position. This is their second model, and they cannot afford to give them away. Adding bells and whistles incurs costs, and when you have substantial cash outlays, it’s a wise strategy to offer more options rather than including them as standard features, as it can generate additional revenue. To be fair, I believe Lucid has learned a great deal from the Air and its pricing structure. People were frustrated by the inability to choose and customize options, but the Gravity now offers a high degree of customization. For instance, the DreamDrive Pro option has significantly reduced in price, and they’ve introduced a middle choice.

While I believe the Gravity should have come with more standard features at that price point, I think $125K loaded is still reasonable when compared to Cadillac IQ, which is significantly more expensive.

I was not implying that I think Gravity pricing is too high. I don't. What concerned me is that orders opened before there were any test drives by the press that I am confident would have been strongly positive. As it is, there's really nothing for the automotive press to talk about right now other than pricing, and it caught even as seasoned a reviewer as Kyle Conner off balance.

I'm just worried that the absence of much early positive press about the Gravity is going to suppress early ordering at a time when a lot of onlookers are watching to see the level of interest in it. Whether rightly or wrongly, these things get traction in the internet world where many buyers now go to check out automotive prospects and, once the first impressions are out there, they can develop a lot of stickiness.

I guess I'm just saying that I wish the early press focus on the Gravity was around how great a product it is, not how much its options cost.