Living with the Lucid Gravity: A Tesla Owner’s Journey

[Brian_N]

I inferred that you're numbering this to elucidate the number of issues you have found with the gravity, but you're updating the numbers when something is determined to be user error and you keep repeating things you have previously assigned number to with a new number. I am not following, what's the purpose of the numbering?

The purpose of the numbering is simply to keep track of my experience day by day , it doesn’t mean that every item is a brand-new issue. Some I later realize are user error, or I find a workaround, and I note those updates. But I still keep numbering them in sequence because I’m writing this like a diary.

This way, both I and anyone following along can easily see what I noticed on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, etc. Even if some things are repeated or corrected later, the flow stays consistent.

I also separated the day-by-day numbering from the specific bug/issue numbering so people can more easily respond directly to the items they want to comment on.

 

[Brian_N]

I'm curious if you both are defining proximity fob as not actually needing to get the key out of your pocket or that it unlocks before you get to your car. 2002 seems like a long time ago where it was auto-unlocking without you needing to touch the door handle. If you still need to touch the handle, the Gravity works 100% of the time when you push it in, which personally in functionally the same as touching the handle to unlock.

That's not possible right now. The key neither unlocks nor locks the door. It doesn't unlock when I approach it either. Furthermore, even when I have the key in my hand, the door doesn't unlock when I touch it.

 

[Brian_N]

View attachment 32672

You might not have noticed, but this thread has actually become one of the most active ones. Every day at least 3–5 people are commenting and joining the discussion. So clearly, quite a lot of people do care.

 

[Brian_N]

I think why it’s new, is most car manufacturers have switched / switching to Bluetooth LE. Tesla did 8 years ago. So that your phone can work as a key as well. The FOB’s are using the same tech as the phone.

Even after Tesla proved BLE could work Bluetooth was was updated to support true proximity and that standard is still fairly new and what newer Teslas I’m sure use now. It’s part of the standard.

Still no excuse but that’s why they are flaky.

Phone as key had been pretty rock solid on 3 Teslas. A 4th Tesla had the old style KeyFob only but that always worked.

Appreciate the OP’s ongoing list. I had a Gravity on order but canceled after seeing consistent patterns of serious software issues that typically take years for them to resolve.

I suspect I’d be in the same boat as OP. You grow accustomed to what should work. Tesla did the hard work already proving out the tech as a guide to clone and see what’s possible. Simply no excuse for 3rd or 4th gen car from Lucud using PROVEN tech to still not have it right.

Stop giving them a free pass.

Same applies to sone other basics OP brings up. Navigation should be near flawless. And shouldn’t REQUIRE CarPlay/Android Auto to get around.

I don’t miss CarPlay one bit in my Teslas because every native works pretty dam good. I also hate jumping in and out of CarPlay on cars.

Saying it’s new to Lucid is like saying when Android came out after iOS. Oh we don’t have virtual keyboards working quite right yet. Give us some time.

That’s a fantastic message I’m completely with you on this.

When I was driving a Tesla, not once did I feel the need for CarPlay. Now, with the Gravity, I can’t even open my own door without hassle. I have to tap the card to unlock the door, and again to start the car. It’s such a ridiculous issue — something that should be fixed immediately. I honestly can’t understand why this hasn’t already been solved, or why they aren’t pushing daily updates until it’s addressed.

 

[Brian_N]

Yes, yes , yes; why haven't Intel copy paste what NVIDIA already did? No excuses.
Let's be honest, is it actually the way to write an objective review of a newly purchased vehicle/product?. Like if I buy an electronic and encountered some issues; I go on an owners forum and make a big list with Caps of things I find wrong. No manual checking, no customer service contact; straight out labelled everything as a fault. You don't need to look hard to see that the software issues affecting the early adopters have been listed countless times here ; heck there's even a thread called "gravity bugs/issues". If the op is faithfully reporting issues and updating the list accordingly after receiving feedback, or if he has checked the manual or contact support; what he is doing can be taking as objective but he isn't and you're likely basing opinions on what he says not what people who have owned the cars longer are saying.

This comment was directed at someone else, but I took it personally because it relates to what I’ve been posting. My intention has never been to just “throw grenades” or label everything as a fault. I’m documenting my personal journey as a former Tesla owner adjusting to the Lucid Gravity, day by day.


Yes, some of the issues turn out to be user error or things I later discover have workarounds, and when that happens, I update my notes. I also read comments carefully and try the suggestions shared by others here. That’s actually why the numbering continues—it’s more like a diary of my experience, not a claim that every item is a brand-new bug.


Also, I’m not ignoring Lucid support or the manual. I’ve already spoken with technical service at least three times, all my issues are recorded, and the earliest appointment I could get was for the end of October. And I do use the manual—on Day 1 I even noted how frustrating it was that the in-app manual has no search function.


For me, the value of this forum is exactly that: sharing honest first impressions, listening to other owners, and learning from their feedback. I believe that both new and long-time owners can benefit when we put these details out in the open.

 

[Brian_N]

This idea that if it doesn’t have every feature Tesla does it is somehow behind is bananas.

I agree with you on that point.

But when we’re talking about issues like the key not working, the doors not unlocking when you approach, the fob not responding when you press it, the navigation failing to function properly, or the passenger airbag constantly turning on and off while someone is seated — these are critical features.

These aren’t cutting-edge or niche requests. They’re fundamental functions that Tesla — and hundreds of other automakers — have been doing for years. Many of these features are industry standards that drivers already take for granted.

I’m not saying Lucid can never make mistakes. What I am saying is that mistakes in such basic, well-established features are difficult to accept. These are things every other brand has already solved and refined long ago, and Lucid shouldn’t be stumbling on them.

 

[Brian_N]

Still, for me, it’s never been about the software. For all our Model X’s overwhelmingly competence in the area of software reliability and functionality, whenever I have somewhere to go, no matter how near or far, I find myself picking up the glitchy fob to my Lucid instead.

I’ve been driving the Gravity for two weeks now. We also have a Tesla at home. Because it’s new, I usually choose to drive the Gravity — but if I’m just running a quick errand like picking up milk from the grocery store, I take the Tesla.

Why? Because with the Lucid, getting in and simply putting the car into Drive means waiting around 30 seconds inside the car. The doors lock/unlock only with the key card, and the key fob doesn’t reliably work. It’s frustrating for quick trips.

 

[socktucker]

You might not have noticed, but this thread has actually become one of the most active ones. Every day at least 3–5 people are commenting and joining the discussion. So clearly, quite a lot of people do care.

Yeah I know and I also gave you a hard time because these are new cars and you should expect some bugs right??

but then...

today, the finish of the HVAC buttons on my 2 week old Lucid Air started chipping off. I search this forum and what do you know, its been an issue for years

COME ON LUCID

so add "peeling HVAC controls" to your list please

 

[DeaneG]

...today, the finish of the HVAC buttons on my 2 week old Lucid Air started chipping off. I search this forum and what do you know, its been an issue for years
COME ON LUCID..

One some cars. Mine have been fine, 3 years.

 

[Allnatt]

The purpose of the numbering is simply to keep track of my experience day by day , it doesn’t mean that every item is a brand-new issue. Some I later realize are user error, or I find a workaround, and I note those updates. But I still keep numbering them in sequence because I’m writing this like a diary.

This way, both I and anyone following along can easily see what I noticed on Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, etc. Even if some things are repeated or corrected later, the flow stays consistent.

I also separated the day-by-day numbering from the specific bug/issue numbering so people can more easily respond directly to the items they want to comment on.

I have an idea. If you want to give your posts a more fair and balanced feel, there is an edit button. When you find something that was operator error, or something that the car simply doesn't do and didn't do when you ordered it, why don't you go back to the post where you originally listed it and delete the entry for that item.

 

[RandomDesign]

I have an idea. If you want to give your posts a more fair and balanced feel, there is an edit button. When you find something that was operator error, or something that the car simply doesn't do and didn't do when you ordered it, why don't you go back to the post where you originally listed it and delete the entry for that item.

You can only edit posts for a limited time AFAIK.

 

[Allnatt]

Aaah, I think I knew that once. Sort of like facts in my brain, they are only there for a limited time.

 

[socktucker]

That’s a fantastic message I’m completely with you on this.

When I was driving a Tesla, not once did I feel the need for CarPlay. Now, with the Gravity, I can’t even open my own door without hassle. I have to tap the card to unlock the door, and again to start the car. It’s such a ridiculous issue — something that should be fixed immediately. I honestly can’t understand why this hasn’t already been solved, or why they aren’t pushing daily updates until it’s addressed.

for what its worth, I have two Teslas and an Air (with I assume the same phone key you will have), and the Air is as good or better than the Tesla for phone key experience.

 

[hydbob]

That's not possible right now. The key neither unlocks nor locks the door. It doesn't unlock when I approach it either. Furthermore, even when I have the key in my hand, the door doesn't unlock when I touch it.

For Lucid you need to push not just touch. Push the handle in and it should unlock/lock

 

[merveille07]

This comment was directed at someone else, but I took it personally because it relates to what I’ve been posting. My intention has never been to just “throw grenades” or label everything as a fault. I’m documenting my personal journey as a former Tesla owner adjusting to the Lucid Gravity, day by day.


Yes, some of the issues turn out to be user error or things I later discover have workarounds, and when that happens, I update my notes. I also read comments carefully and try the suggestions shared by others here. That’s actually why the numbering continues—it’s more like a diary of my experience, not a claim that every item is a brand-new bug.


Also, I’m not ignoring Lucid support or the manual. I’ve already spoken with technical service at least three times, all my issues are recorded, and the earliest appointment I could get was for the end of October. And I do use the manual—on Day 1 I even noted how frustrating it was that the in-app manual has no search function.


For me, the value of this forum is exactly that: sharing honest first impressions, listening to other owners, and learning from their feedback. I believe that both new and long-time owners can benefit when we put these details out in the open.

You're ignoring my point. @socktucker for example created a similar post to yours. You should go check it out. I believe he post was fair. None here is saying that there aren't issues or that you shouldn't write about them. Peace!

 

[socktucker]

it’s more like a diary of my experience,

Bro do you run around reading people your diary tho?

 

[socktucker]

For Lucid you need to push not just touch. Push the handle in and it should unlock/lock

 

[240]

Can somebody confirm whether Lucid has added the functionality for automatic overheat protection? As a current Tesla owner living in Los Angeles, I'm a bit worried that the sports equipment that I leave in the trunk will get ruined due to the heat. One of the most overlooked benefits of Tesla vehicles was the automatic overheat protection that I'd set to 95 degrees. I understand that you can manually set automatic climate etc...for 12 hours, but having to remember to do this every single time I exit the vehicle is worrisome.

@hydbob I just saw your other response in the other thread. Thank you for taking the time to respond. Much appreciated.

 

[mswlogo]

Yes, yes , yes; why haven't Intel copy paste what NVIDIA already did? No excuses.
Let's be honest, is it actually the way to write an objective review of a newly purchased vehicle/product?. Like if I buy an electronic and encountered some issues; I go on an owners forum and make a big list with Caps of things I find wrong. No manual checking, no customer service contact; straight out labelled everything as a fault. You don't need to look hard to see that the software issues affecting the early adopters have been listed countless times here ; heck there's even a thread called "gravity bugs/issues". If the op is faithfully reporting issues and updating the list accordingly after receiving feedback, or if he has checked the manual or contact support; what he is doing can be taking as objective but he isn't and you're likely basing opinions on what he says not what people who have owned the cars longer are saying.

I just noticed a couple issues that stood out I’ve seen over and over. Like the phone as key. And I consistently hear the “app sucks”. Some saying I don’t even use the app. Yikes.

I just can’t imagine a car that can’t do what the Tesla app does now.

Like a really big one is doggy mode. But it’s dog mode that I can check on them live with the phone. I set a timer for every 10 minutes (sometimes shorter if they are in the sun). That’s super important. I don’t trust any tech and need to monitor it.

I can check all the cameras on the car.

I’ll be driving on the road talking to my wife at home. She wants me to stop somewhere. She sends the address from Google Maps on her phone to the car while I’m driving. Poof I’m on the way.

I book a service appt. A day later the app is updating me when the parts will be available for the appt.

It just goes on and on and the app is a major part of an enjoyable experience. And they keep coming up with stuff.

Can the Lucids do that? I doubt it based on what I’ve read. And the Tesla App rarely ever fails.

I really wish the Lucid would catch up.

I have to choose, they both have their pros and cons.

I would like to see the OPs Pro list.

 

[borski]

I agree with you on that point.

But when we’re talking about issues like the key not working, the doors not unlocking when you approach, the fob not responding when you press it

These are one issue you made sound like three. “Key not working” is a paraphrase or “fob not responding” which is essentially the same as “doors not unlocking when you approach.”

For which, I repeat for the fifth time now, there is a key fob update required for service to perform which fixes this, provided you have upgraded to the latest version of software on the car.

So, to your point: this is fixed. You just haven’t gotten it fixed yet.

the navigation failing to function properly

Works completely fine for me. I understand some people have issues, but “failing to function properly” is an overstatement. My wife literally uses it daily.

or the passenger airbag constantly turning on and off while someone is seated

Does not happen in my car, but if this is happening for you you should definitely call service. It’s not a widespread issue.

These aren’t cutting-edge or niche requests. They’re fundamental functions that Tesla — and hundreds of other automakers — have been doing for years. Many of these features are industry standards that drivers already take for granted.

You named 3. One is fixed. One isn’t a problem for many owners, and is dependent on where you go, and will be fixed by the addition of AA/CarPlay. One may be a hardware problem unique to your vehicle.

I’m not saying Lucid can never make mistakes. What I am saying is that mistakes in such basic, well-established features are difficult to accept.

Okay.

These are things every other brand has already solved and refined long ago, and Lucid shouldn’t be stumbling on them.

Because they can just buy a Model S and relabel it a Lucid Air and be done? Got it.

Every single auto brand, no matter what choices they make, has some kind of teething issues while they grow up. Tesla did not get to its level of software today over the last two years. They got there over the last 15 or so. And boy did it suck for a long time, and boy does it still have bugs.

I’m not crapping on Tesla, nor am I defending Lucid… I’m just suggesting that not everyone goes into buying a car with the same expectations, and the assumption that your expectations or the things that matter to you are the very same ones that will matter to everyone else is probably not as accurate as you think.

For example, there are many people who consider satellite radio to be table stakes. And are mad that Lucid’s is cellular. I… simply could not care less.

Lots of people think CarPlay is tablestakes; I know many people who won’t buy a vehicle without it. I will.

It’s fine to state your opinions, of course. It’s the presumption that your opinions are the only correct ones that I take issue with. It does not bother me, given that I know there is already a fix, that the key fob had an issue for a few weeks. I understand it bothers you; I respect that. But mine mostly worked, and this will be forgotten by the time folks get their gravities a couple weeks from now with the fobs already updated. For that reason, to me, it simply isn’t that big of a deal, being both temporary and already having a solution.

You’re allowed to think it’s a big deal.