Open letter to Lucid after 7 months of ownership

[Neurio]

Just to counterpoint your statement. My brother in law owns a Rivian, and I own a Lucid. His Rivian has bricked due to a software update. Twice. My Lucid has never been bricked. His mobile key has stopped working altogether on multiple occasions. Mine has ALWAYS worked. His Rivian has been in service on multiple occasions, after multiple run arounds for a rattle in the dash they said they’ve fixed each time. It still rattles. My Lucid has been in service exactly three times, two of which are the yearly maintenance and I was provided an equal trim level loaner. It’s come out of service in perfect condition every time. His Rivian has had multiple charging and range issues while on the road and has left him stranded. My Lucid has never had either of those issues and has never left me stranded or unable to drive the car. He’s blown out a tire. I’m on 21’s with almost 23,000 miles wither zero issues. I could go on, but I think I’ve shown not everyone has a bad experience with their Lucid, and Rivian isn’t miles ahead of Lucid either. If you spend time perusing a Rivian or Tesla forum, you’ll see plenty of issues as well.

And how many coyotes has his Rivian taken out?

 

[DeaneG]

Wow, it's disheartening to see these ongoing issues with Lucid. While their engineering prowess is undeniable, it seems they're really struggling with the basics of customer service and reliability....

I think you're getting a somewhat distorted picture from the forum. My car, an early GT, has been fine since I bought it in 2022. No issues that required a service call, ever. It's been great.
Any car forum will have people with problems, looking for answers or just to vent. It's not unique to Lucid.

 

[momo3605]

Just to counterpoint your statement. My brother in law owns a Rivian, and I own a Lucid. His Rivian has bricked due to a software update. Twice. My Lucid has never been bricked. His mobile key has stopped working altogether on multiple occasions. Mine has ALWAYS worked. His Rivian has been in service on multiple occasions, after multiple run arounds for a rattle in the dash they said they’ve fixed each time. It still rattles. My Lucid has been in service exactly three times, two of which are the yearly maintenance and I was provided an equal trim level loaner. It’s come out of service in perfect condition every time. His Rivian has had multiple charging and range issues while on the road and has left him stranded. My Lucid has never had either of those issues and has never left me stranded or unable to drive the car. He’s blown out a tire. I’m on 21’s with almost 23,000 miles wither zero issues. I could go on, but I think I’ve shown not everyone has a bad experience with their Lucid, and Rivian isn’t miles ahead of Lucid either. If you spend time perusing a Rivian or Tesla forum, you’ll see plenty of issues as well.

I’m not saying Rivian doesn’t have issues. I’ve said earlier many times that Rivian has their own issues. I do think reliability wise, they are struggling more than Lucid. But as an owner of both, Rivian software is in a different league from Lucid. It’s fast, responsive, and they add features monthly. Anyway I made my point about what I like about Rivian’s strategy in the last post that you conveniently ignored to go on your own tangent about reliability

 

[AirDoll]

I’m not saying Rivian doesn’t have issues. I’ve said earlier many times that Rivian has their own issues. I do think reliability wise, they are struggling more than Lucid. But as an owner of both, Rivian software is in a different league from Lucid. It’s fast, responsive, and they add features monthly. Anyway I made my point about what I like about Rivian’s strategy in the last post that you conveniently ignored to go on your own tangent about reliability

So I’m “On a tangent” because I don’t agree with your opinion? Cute.

I was replying to this…

“I don’t see where it’s been proven that lucid isn’t the worst of the EV startup trio. Look at all the Lucid Air reviews. Every single one mentions bad buggy software”

There are plenty of positive reviews of the Air too that don’t say it has bad software. Lucid isn’t the worst of the EV startups, that’s just some people’s opinion based on FUD or for some, a bad experience with their ownership. I never said they were perfect, just that neither are the others. There is so much software in this car that is amazing, but yet people get stuck on the UI only and generalize “bad software” due to some bugs.

It’s ok to have different experiences and opinions, I was sharing mine as you shared yours.

Tangent over.

 

[Blue Lectroid]

I’m not saying Rivian doesn’t have issues. I’ve said earlier many times that Rivian has their own issues. I do think reliability wise, they are struggling more than Lucid. But as an owner of both, Rivian software is in a different league from Lucid. It’s fast, responsive, and they add features monthly. Anyway I made my point about what I like about Rivian’s strategy in the last post that you conveniently ignored to go on your own tangent about reliability

With regard to the fast and responsive part for the software? Lucid (at least starting with the 2025 model year with upgraded processor) IS fast and responsive, so an under-educated forum reader would read your post and may not realize that this issue you have with an older model year car has been resolved.

 

[Blue Lectroid]

So I’m “On a tangent” because I don’t agree with your opinion? Cute.

I was replying to this…

“I don’t see where it’s been proven that lucid isn’t the worst of the EV startup trio. Look at all the Lucid Air reviews. Every single one mentions bad buggy software”

There are plenty of positive reviews of the Air too that don’t say it has bad software. Lucid isn’t the worst of the EV startups, that’s just some people’s opinion based on FUD or for some, a bad experience with their ownership. I never said they were perfect, just that neither are the others. There is so much software in this car that is amazing, but yet people get stuck on the UI only and generalize “bad software” due to some bugs.

It’s ok to have different experiences and opinions, I was sharing mine as you shared yours.

Tangent over.

I LOVE THE SOFTWARE IN MY 2025 AGT!!!!

There, I got it out of my system!!! @AirDoll, my all caps was not directed at you — other than to emphasize (like you said) that MANY Lucid owners love their cars INCLUDING its software. It is SO much more intuitive, elegant and thoughtful than any other EV’s UI in which I have been or driven.

Yes, early versions were buggy. Yes, the early model year cars do not have the same processing power as the new ones and you may have to wait a fraction of a second for screens to change / refresh, but Jeez, the cars (ALL model years) drive AMAZINGLY and the whole concept that primary reason for a car - to DRIVE - doesn’t get far more weight in some folks’ minds than its software? Well, I guess I am old as I buy my cars to DRIVE!!

 

[californiaboy935]

On behalf of all the Lucid owners who don't post about not having key fob / software issues;

I don't have software or key fob issues.

Same.

 

[scal_air]

Anyone remember Windows 2.0? In my opinion our Air software has moved from that to Windows 3.0. A tremendous upgrade from 2.0 but obviously not perfect as evidenced by Windows 95, Windows 98, etc.
Sometimes the glass is half full and although we would like faster progress, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

 

[HC_79]

Anyone remember Windows 2.0? In my opinion our Air software has moved from that to Windows 3.0. A tremendous upgrade from 2.0 but obviously not perfect as evidenced by Windows 95, Windows 98, etc.
Sometimes the glass is half full and although we would like faster progress, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Not a good analogy. If you think we’ve got Windows 3.0 when Windows 11 is out then it doesn’t paint a very good picture for Lucid at all.

 

[scal_air]

The analogy is that we have made tremendous progress from the initial release. If you think another EV car manufacturer is running Windows 11, rather than 3.1, that would be debatable.

 

[msaunders9430]

Anyone remember Windows 2.0? In my opinion our Air software has moved from that to Windows 3.0. A tremendous upgrade from 2.0 but obviously not perfect as evidenced by Windows 95, Windows 98, etc.
Sometimes the glass is half full and although we would like faster progress, let's not throw the baby out with the bath water.

Throw the baby out with the bath water?

Ha! This is the Internet 21st century style.
We may not ultimately throw the baby out, but we'll threaten to do so or lament how we feel like doing so.
Followed by:

1. Complain about the bath water, but not even throw it out.
2. Explain that as much as we pay for the water, we shouldn't have to throw it out.
3. Ask why can't someone come throw the water out for me.
4. Consider what needs to be added to that bath water.
5. Attack those whose baby and bath water are fine or have improved in the last few days.

I could go on and on.
Glass half full? I don't even like my glass. It should not be glass. Needs to be metal.

Totally agree with you @scal_air.
However, the reality is on the Internets everyone can have their say and will do so.
It's like viewing tv; choose your network and move on if you don't like the content or know what to ignore if the network meets your needs.
I've already prepared myself for when more Gravity deliveries start happening.
IMO, forum traffic won't be slow!
Of course you know someone will say otherwise.

Love this forum! Seriously.

 

[momo3605]

Not a good analogy. If you think we’ve got Windows 3.0 when Windows 11 is out then it doesn’t paint a very good picture for Lucid at all.

I’d say the current software is like Windows Vista it looked cool and modern when it came out. But full of bugs

 

[borski]

Not a good analogy. If you think we’ve got Windows 3.0 when Windows 11 is out then it doesn’t paint a very good picture for Lucid at all.

This analogy sucks, but at worst we're at Windows ME™ stage.

Not too far off from the most stable Windows ever.

 

[scal_air]

Windows Vista and Me? I’d forgotten about them. I do remember restarting those early versions fairly often. But I don’t remember thinking Microsoft was going to go under, just happy they kept making it better (with occasional steps backwards). Kinda like another company that comes to mind

 

[RAF42]

This analogy sucks, but at worst we're at Windows ME™ stage.

Not too far off from the most stable Windows ever.

Oxymoron detected.... "Stable Windows"

 

[Batteryman]

Wow, it's disheartening to see these ongoing issues with Lucid. While their engineering prowess is undeniable, it seems they're really struggling with the basics of customer service and reliability. It's a stark reminder that building a great car involves more than just cutting-edge tech - it's about the entire ownership experience.

Meanwhile, the contrast with what's happening in China is extraordinary. They're not just focusing on batteries and range, but creating entire smart ecosystems inside their vehicles. With over 67% of new cars featuring advanced smart cabins in Q1, they're clearly prioritizing the user experience in a way Lucid seems to be missing.

It's ironic that Lucid's tagline is "Why build the best EV, when you can build the best damn car?" when they're falling short on fundamental aspects of car ownership. If Chinese automakers bring their customer-centric approach to the US market, companies like Lucid could be in for a rude awakening. Maybe that's a good thing!

Really, you are comparing Chinese engineering to Lucid? The Chinese cars don't get the intense testing that Lucid or any luxury non-Chinese manufacturere does, they just release these cars with inadequate safety and lack the ride and handling expected of a true luxury mark. And I don't mean soft cushioning ride...you need a combination of sport and softness that Lucid achieves very well.

Chinese cars have a lot of bling and good bang for your bucks but..dig deeper and you will see true engineering is not up to scratch. Guess why they can realease 2-3 cars a year!

 

[scal_air]

Actually, the Chinese love American EVs - except when they don’t.

Takeaways: Tesla has sued Chinese customers and journalists — and won almost every time

BEIJING (AP) — Tesla has embraced an aggressive legal strategy in China to stifle its critics — suing its own customers.

www.wral.com

 

[HC_79]

Really, you are comparing Chinese engineering to Lucid? The Chinese cars don't get the intense testing that Lucid or any luxury non-Chinese manufacturere does, they just release these cars with inadequate safety and lack the ride and handling expected of a true luxury mark. And I don't mean soft cushioning ride...you need a combination of sport and softness that Lucid achieves very well.

Chinese cars have a lot of bling and good bang for your bucks but..dig deeper and you will see true engineering is not up to scratch. Guess why they can realease 2-3 cars a year!

Don’t underestimate the Chinese. If they weren’t a threat then the US would have no issues allowing them to be sold here.

Even Peter isn’t underestimating them -

“But they’ve moved on immeasurably in terms of many of their attributes. I think they’re really world-leading in terms of LFP cell chemistry and some of the user interfaces. Amazing how they insert the car’s situational awareness in ADAS within a 3D map environment,” Rawlinson noted.

“Very impressed with that. And we want to get to that very soon. So they’re ahead of us at the moment in that,” Lucid’s CEO admitted before advising to not underestimate the Chinese rivals.“

 

[DeaneG]

Really, you are comparing Chinese engineering to Lucid? The Chinese cars don't get the intense testing that Lucid or any luxury non-Chinese manufacturere does, they just release these cars with inadequate safety and lack the ride and handling expected of a true luxury mark. And I don't mean soft cushioning ride...you need a combination of sport and softness that Lucid achieves very well.

Chinese cars have a lot of bling and good bang for your bucks but..dig deeper and you will see true engineering is not up to scratch. Guess why they can realease 2-3 cars a year!

You could've said the same thing about Japanese manufacturers in 1975, or Koreans in 1990. Never underestimate the ability of a motivated, well educated group of engineers, with their country behind them, to achieve.

 

[Batteryman]

Don’t underestimate the Chinese. If they weren’t a threat then the US would have no issues allowing them to be sold here.

Even Peter isn’t underestimating them -

“But they’ve moved on immeasurably in terms of many of their attributes. I think they’re really world-leading in terms of LFP cell chemistry and some of the user interfaces. Amazing how they insert the car’s situational awareness in ADAS within a 3D map environment,” Rawlinson noted.

“Very impressed with that. And we want to get to that very soon. So they’re ahead of us at the moment in that,” Lucid’s CEO admitted before advising to not underestimate the Chinese rivals.“

I'm talking about actual mechanical engineering, suspension, ride , handling, safety- not software, fridges, reclining sofas or batteries