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

[Heem91]

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.

The price of Gravity is simply stupid. The add ons are nonsense. Same mistake they are making. They need to release fully loaded 2 options 80k or 100k the difference could be HP. Like Tesla model x .
I have a Air Touring. And i have been lucid investor from cciv era. They need to figure out how to make things simplier and cut cost or else no sign of profitability.

 

[NorcalEV]

This is usual misleading manipulation to make things cheaper than they are by splitting it over many monthly payments. I can just pay 10k out of the pocket, or pay it monthly - doesn't matter. But as I've said: I don't like unreasonable spending: 10k for something valuable - sure, 10k for something that I don't need - no.

Space yes. Features no: 10k cheaper EX90 has more features. If I'll add to Gravity what EX90 already has it will be very likely 10k-15k more - 20k-25k more in total

It seems like you have already convinced yourself to go with the EX90. You do what best for you. No need to justify to strangers.

 

[EVCar]

This is usual misleading manipulation to make things cheaper than they are by splitting it over many monthly payments. I can just pay 10k out of the pocket, or pay it monthly - doesn't matter. But as I've said: I don't like unreasonable spending: 10k for something valuable - sure, 10k for something that I don't need - no.

Space yes. Features no: 10k cheaper EX90 has more features. If I'll add to Gravity what EX90 already has it will be very likely 10k-15k more - 20k-25k more in total

Well, buying a car is not unlike picking out a bouquet from a flower shop.
No right or wrong choices.
A few of us here on the forum, including me, put down a deposit for the EX90 way back.
I got a refund and would be interested in hearing from someone about their purchase, but haven't seen a posting here.

 

[hydbob]

Yes

Yes, but I don't need it. I don't need sub 4 seconds. Even sub 6 seconds is more than enough for me. Good to have it faster? Sure! Pay for it? No - I don't like unreasonable spending, doesn't matter how big or small they are.

That is pure speculations for now.

Yes. However EX90 has it already enough. If Gravity would have the same space in smaller dimensions, that would be huge argument for me.

Not at all. EX90 Is AAOS with GApps - that is already much much better for me: properly integrated Google Maps (or any other navigation app I want), multimedia apps I want and much much more.
And Lucid still promises Android Auto for Air (and it's unlikely it will be properly integrated), and doesn't officially mention anything about Android Auto in Gravity. And overall I'm not impressed by the software quality in Air: just look at sheduled charging issues.

That was several months ago. And even without all of this it looks comparable to what Lucid currently has (not promises).

And Lucid is owned by Saudits. And TBH I'm not impressed by the way I see how Lucid implement remote controls, especially for security point of view.

Don't take this comment to be mean spirited, but after reading numerous posts of your, why are you even on this forum? The gist of all your posts seem to be, Lucid is not for me, so why are you here to rebutt everyone else's opinions? It's clear at this point, you are not in the market for any Lucid.

 

[levsha]

It seems like you have already convinced yourself to go with the EX90. You do what best for you. No need to justify to strangers.

Not yet. I have what to say against EX90 too. It's not so simple

 

[levsha]

Don't take this comment to be mean spirited, but after reading numerous posts of your, why are you even on this forum?

To get as much information as I can obviously.

The gist of all your posts seem to be, Lucid is not for me, so why are you here to rebutt everyone else's opinions?

I've never said this. Yes I can pretty clearly say that Gravity GT is unlikely for me. Now because this is the only time Lucid finally shows details and prices. How did you expect me to do that before when nothis of this was available? Does it mean that Touring is nor for me either? It's not clear for me now as there are no any details about Touring.

It's clear at this point, you are not in the market for any Lucid.

Clear for you or is that what Lucid sees as its market? Why is it clear? What is the market for any Lucid you think?

 

[Knucklehead]

I am following this thread because I am hoping a real review will be posted. Maybe there is another thread for comparisons with other vehicles? I have zero interest in a Volvo, primarily because it is Chinese spyware, so I am disappointed it has become a debate in this Gravity thread. I just want to see some real reviews of the Gravity. Soon I hope.

 

[msaunders9430]

I am following this thread because I am hoping a real review will be posted. Maybe there is another thread for comparisons with other vehicles? I have zero interest in a Volvo, primarily because it is Chinese spyware, so I am disappointed it has become a debate in this Gravity thread. I just want to see some real reviews of the Gravity. Soon I hope.

There is a "Car Comparisons" thread in the "General Forum" section.

 

[hmp10]

Not sure what's going on here, but I suspect EV owners who don't drive Lucids aren't going to be particularly drawn to a brand that trashes what they drive or can afford. First I came across this headline in a print article:

It originated with this video (on a channel with 33,000 subscribers) in which Rawlinson said:

"I think many people have driven EVs that, frankly, suck."

"I think the American public has been ill-served by underwhelming EVs."

"The [Gravity will be the] very best SUV in the whole damn world."

I know Rawlinson is very proud of the Lucid product. He has reason to be. And I love the Lucid product.

But Lucid's are expensive. Many people who might like to own a Lucid are limited by their financial means to lesser EVs. My EV-addicted brother is one of them. And I see this view expressed almost constantly in commentary on news and video articles about Lucid.

I just don't see what is to be gained by the tone of strained bravado that is being struck here. You can extol the many virtues of Lucids without insulting the EVs that most drivers can afford. By extension, you are actually insulting those owners and drivers.

I won't speculate on what might be behind this newly strident tone from an automaker who doesn't seem yet to have given the auto press this amazingly superior vehicle to test drive and assess independently. I just hope the tone gets dialed back a bit.

 

[borski]

To get as much information as I can obviously.

I've never said this. Yes I can pretty clearly say that Gravity GT is unlikely for me. Now because this is the only time Lucid finally shows details and prices. How did you expect me to do that before when nothis of this was available? Does it mean that Touring is nor for me either? It's not clear for me now as there are no any details about Touring.

Clear for you or is that what Lucid sees as its market? Why is it clear? What is the market for any Lucid you think?

With all due respect, consider reading and learning before posting. You seem to be responding to everything combatively, rather than with an open mind. I am not the only one that feels this way, and multiple people have now had to block you.

It could be them. But in the light of things, it might at least be worth pausing, taking your fingers off the keyboard, and reflecting for a couple hours on whether or not they’re all wrong, and you’re the only one that’s right.

Have a nice night.

 

[HC_79]

The price of Gravity is simply stupid. The add ons are nonsense. Same mistake they are making. They need to release fully loaded 2 options 80k or 100k the difference could be HP. Like Tesla model x .
I have an Air Touring. And i have been lucid investor from cciv era. They need to figure out how to make things simplier and cut cost or else no sign of profitability.

Just because you don’t agree with the pricing doesn’t make it stupid. The pricing is in line with other competitors. Tell me who else is providing an 828 hp EV SUV with an est. EPA of 440 miles for $95K

 

[hmp10]

Just because you don’t agree with the pricing doesn’t make it stupid. The pricing is in line with other competitors. Tell me who else is providing an 828 hp EV SUV with an est. EPA of 440 miles for $95K

Some confusion seems to have developed about where the Gravity fits in the marketplace, with many people assuming the Gravity is meant to be Lucid's move down market. It is not. It is Lucid's move into a broader market, i. e., luxury SUVs instead of just luxury sedans. The move down market will come with the midsize sometime in 2026/27.

Rawlinson has said several times that the Gravity was benchmarked against the Porsche Cayenne and the Lamborghini Urus. No one should expect that to mean a low-priced vehicle.

Lucid has, in fact, brought the Gravity price-per-content down considerably from the Air at its introduction. A fully-equipped Gravity GT has a newer generation of the 670-hp motors, a 3-chamber air suspension, rear wheel steering, a HUD, a more powerful infotainment computer, more seating, larger wheels, larger OLED screens, a larger glass canopy, etc. Yet fully equipped it costs less than a fully-equipped Air GT without many of those features.

I'm not a fan of some of Lucid's marketing moves, but there is nothing wrong with its pricing in terms of what you get.

 

[AirTom]

I tried to sit in an EX90 3rd row yesterday. I only fit if the 2nd row was all the way forward. I'm 6 ft, so I know it's designed for me. But in Gravity, a 6'6" person supposedly can comfortably fit. The EX90 drove well and was comfortable, but in terms of overall space and range/power, it can't hold a candle to Gravity.

No one over 6' is going to be comfortable in the third row. It's generous compared to other things in its class, but an adult is going to struggle back there. Don't get me wrong, it is better than something like the third row in an Acura MDX, Audi Q7, etc., but it is less space than a full size SUV like the Tahoe. When I saw it in person I would saw it most closely compares to something like a GLS or Aviator.

 

[Knucklehead]

No one over 6' is going to be comfortable in the third row. It's generous compared to other things in its class, but an adult is going to struggle back there. Don't get me wrong, it is better than something like the third row in an Acura MDX, Audi Q7, etc., but it is less space than a full size SUV like the Tahoe. When I saw it in person I would saw it most closely compares to something like a GLS or Aviator.

I have heard reports about how hard it is to enter and exit the 3rd row. I think they came from some of the early reviews of prototype. If it is hard to get there, and back, it might reduce the usefulness for some people. It will be interesting to see how others feel when they climb back there.

 

[hmp10]

No one over 6' is going to be comfortable in the third row. It's generous compared to other things in its class, but an adult is going to struggle back there. Don't get me wrong, it is better than something like the third row in an Acura MDX, Audi Q7, etc., but it is less space than a full size SUV like the Tahoe. When I saw it in person I would saw it most closely compares to something like a GLS or Aviator.

". . . generous compared to other things in its class . . . ."

That's kind of the point, isn't it? A semi has more load capacity than a pickup truck. A stepvan has more room than a minivan.

I've actually sat in the third row of the Gravity and found it has at least as much leg- and headroom as our Honda Odyssey. I had to run the second-row seats all the way back before they touched my knees. And running the second-row seats all the way back left a ridiculous amount of legroom in the second row, so I doubt if there would be many occasions to do so. I am mournfully under 6'0", but the 6'1" person with me on this visit found the third row plenty commodious.

If you're going to be carrying five or six adults in the Gravity, I think it would be very rare to find no one in the group who could sit comfortably in the third row.

 

[Batteryman]

Yes

Yes, but I don't need it. I don't need sub 4 seconds. Even sub 6 seconds is more than enough for me. Good to have it faster? Sure! Pay for it? No - I don't like unreasonable spending, doesn't matter how big or small they are.

That is pure speculations for now.

Yes. However EX90 has it already enough. If Gravity would have the same space in smaller dimensions, that would be huge argument for me.

Not at all. EX90 Is AAOS with GApps - that is already much much better for me: properly integrated Google Maps (or any other navigation app I want), multimedia apps I want and much much more.
And Lucid still promises Android Auto for Air (and it's unlikely it will be properly integrated), and doesn't officially mention anything about Android Auto in Gravity. And overall I'm not impressed by the software quality in Air: just look at sheduled charging issues.

That was several months ago. And even without all of this it looks comparable to what Lucid currently has (not promises).

And Lucid is owned by Saudits. And TBH I'm not impressed by the way I see how Lucid implement remote controls, especially for security point of view.

Looks like you are upset Lucid not giving away Gravity for free.....

 

[Bobby]

The price of Gravity is simply stupid. The add ons are nonsense. Same mistake they are making. They need to release fully loaded 2 options 80k or 100k the difference could be HP. Like Tesla model x .
I have an Air Touring. And i have been lucid investor from cciv era. They need to figure out how to make things simplier and cut cost or else no sign of profitability.

What is your experience in the auto industry that has led you to this conclusion?

 

[hmp10]

Just over a week after Gravity orders opened, I have to say things have been quite a bit different on the press front than I would have guessed a few weeks ago. I thought the opening of orders would herald a series of test drive reviews that had earlier been under embargo, and that Lucid and its fans would be basking in the glow of a stream of reviews lauding the Gravity's remarkable performance, room, and features.

Instead what we got was a brief rush of short articles and videos complaining more about the long and costly list of options than talking about the vehicle itself, because there was really nothing new to report other than the options on the order configurator. Since then, press coverage of the Gravity has ebbed to little more than a trickle consisting mostly of interviews with and statements from Peter Rawlinson about the marvels of the Gravity.

For a brand really looking to the Gravity to introduce Lucid to broader consumer awareness, it is about the most anti-climactic launch event I can remember outside the rather small coterie of current Lucid owners. When deliveries finally start and the automotive press starts reporting test drives, I just hope enough people outside this forum are still looking.

I don't know what to make of the departure of Lucid's marketing head on the heels of this, other than his return to his long tenure at Maserati was something one doesn't often see in such events.

 

[Bobby]

Just over a week after Gravity orders opened, I have to say things have been quite a bit different on the press front than I would have guessed a few weeks ago. I thought the opening of orders would herald a series of test drive reviews that had earlier been under embargo, and that Lucid and its fans would be basking in the glow of a stream of reviews lauding the Gravity's remarkable performance, room, and features.

Instead what we got was a brief rush of short articles and videos complaining more about the long and costly list of options than talking about the vehicle itself, because there was really nothing new to report other than the options on the order configurator. Since then, press coverage of the Gravity has ebbed to little more than a trickle consisting mostly of interviews with and statements from Peter Rawlinson about the marvels of the Gravity.

For a brand really looking to the Gravity to introduce Lucid to broader consumer awareness, it is about the most anti-climactic launch event I can remember outside the rather small coterie of current Lucid owners. When deliveries finally start and the automotive press starts reporting test drives, I just hope enough people outside this forum are still looking.

I don't know what to make of the departure of Lucid's marketing head on the heels of this, other than his return to his long tenure at Maserati was something one doesn't often see in such events.

It seems to me they just simply may not have any road-ready cars yet. If they did, they would be in journalist’s hands for evaluation and at studios for potential customers to test drive.

 

[hmp10]

It seems to me they just simply may not have any road-ready cars yet. If they did, they would be in journalist’s hands for evaluation and at studios for potential customers to test drive.

It does seem that is the case. And I'm pretty sure there are understandable manufacturing or other reasons for it.

However, in my view, the decision to open orders without cars available in showrooms to test drive or even to view -- and without supporting hoopla from the press -- has resulted in a missed opportunity to hit the SUV market with a trumpet fanfare and cymbal crash and turned it into a slog through complaints about options and not launching the more affordable trim level.

Every day I search the video and print coverage over the prior 24 hours, hoping to see some discussion finally developing about the Gravity itself. Instead I just see a dwindling interest in covering the Gravity at all other than in the context of the stock price implosion. It's just not where I thought we'd be barely a week after the Gravity launch.