Road Noise and Glass canopy heat transmission concerns

[rish_jain]

I recently test drove a 2025 Lucid AT with 20" wheels and glass canopy in Plano, TX and absolutely loved the car. It was everything that I have been hearning about, and even my spouse who loves her Audis and BMWs (and didn't initally like the low, more streamlined look when we saw an Air GT pass by us during a roadtrip) was immediately impressed.

However, there are a few things that we are concerned about that are stopping us (mostly my wife - I have been convinced since Lucid unveiled the Dream Edition ) from either leasing it or buying it outright:

1. Road Noise: The road and tire noise was much higher than we expected in a car of this calibre. It was much higher than an Audi A6 for example, and slightly higher than a BMW 5 series. The sales agent who accompanied us on the test drive did mention that they have had customers complain about the higher noise with 20" and that 19" have a much lower noise....
   
   
2. Glass Canopy: We really love the glass canopy but being in TX, heat is a real concern. I have heard that the coatings on the glass roof stop most of heat but if anyone has experience with both Glass and Metal canopy in TX (or AZ for that matter), and can share their experience, I would really appreciate it.
   
   
3. Sound system: The AT we test drove had SS Pro but we came away unimpressed with it. I felt the AT sound system was better than the HK on BMW 5 series but it really doesn't compare to the B&O on our A6 which is simply outstanding. We did however play music only on youtube music, (which by the way still sounds amazing in A6) but I would love to hear opinions from current owners.

 

[borski]

I recently test drove a 2025 Lucid AT with 20" wheels and glass canopy in Plano, TX and absolutely loved the car. It was everything that I have been hearning about, and even my spouse who loves her Audis and BMWs (and didn't initally like the low, more streamlined look when we saw an Air GT pass by us during a roadtrip) was immediately impressed.

However, there are a few things that we are concerned about that are stopping us (mostly my wife - I have been convinced since Lucid unveiled the Dream Edition ) from either leasing it or buying it outright:

1. Road Noise: The road and tire noise was much higher than we expected in a car of this calibre. It was much higher than an Audi A6 for example, and slightly higher than a BMW 5 series. The sales agent who accompanied us on the test drive did mention that they have had customers complain about the higher noise with 20" and that 19" have a much lower noise....

19s are the quietest; 21s are the least quiet. 20s are somewhere in between. Summer tires will be louder than all seasons. Different brands and rubber compounds will affect it too.

1. Glass Canopy: We really love the glass canopy but being in TX, heat is a real concern. I have heard that the coatings on the glass roof stop most of heat but if anyone has experience with both Glass and Metal canopy in TX (or AZ for that matter), and can share their experience, I would really appreciate it.

It’s pretty solid in CA for me, but I also got my roof and windows tinted for additional heat rejection which helps a lot. Lucid also sells spectacular sunshades that come off and go on easily, so there are options. I like the glass roof, but it really is personal preference. My buddy is bald and very very white and didn’t like it because his scalp would get somewhat sunburnt

1. Sound system: The AT we test drove had SS Pro but we came away unimpressed with it. I felt the AT sound system was better than the HK on BMW 5 series but it really doesn't compare to the B&O on our A6 which is simply outstanding. We did however play music only on youtube music, (which by the way still sounds amazing in A6) but I would love to hear opinions from current owners.

Tidal or FLAC on USB will sound the best. It’s really a spectacular system, particularly when you play Atmos tracks. YouTube music over Bluetooth is likely the absolute lowest quality you could find to play haha, and this system aims for accuracy, which means you’ll hear the lack of quality.

Feed it high quality content, and it will reward you with high quality listening.

 

[Adnillien]

Glass Canopy: We really love the glass canopy but being in TX, heat is a real concern. I have heard that the coatings on the glass roof stop most of heat but if anyone has experience with both Glass and Metal canopy in TX (or AZ for that matter), and can share their experience, I would really appreciate it.

I live in AZ and have the glass canopy and I really like it. I do have the shades that Lucid sales in the online store which really help and still provide reasonable visibility to the sky. The glass does block most IR heat transmission. That said, by blocking the IR transmission the glass also becomes very hot, much hotter than the outside air. The hot glass will radiate heat that you can feel on top of your head and it is the radiant heat that the Lucid shades block well. In a hot climate, the glass roof is fine but you will want the Lucid shades for a good part of the year. I use the shades for about 8 or 9 months out of the year.

 

[rish_jain]

Thanks, really appreciate your response

 

[rish_jain]

Thanks for the detailed responses. I will definitely consider going with 19" Tyres.

 

[austinlucid]

Just to add another anecdote, I live in Austin, TX and I just leave the Lucid-sold sunshades in year-round. They are great and I have zero complaints about the heat/brightness anymore.

 

[pjdcorp]

I recently test drove a 2025 Lucid AT with 20" wheels and glass canopy in Plano, TX and absolutely loved the car. It was everything that I have been hearning about, and even my spouse who loves her Audis and BMWs (and didn't initally like the low, more streamlined look when we saw an Air GT pass by us during a roadtrip) was immediately impressed.

However, there are a few things that we are concerned about that are stopping us (mostly my wife - I have been convinced since Lucid unveiled the Dream Edition ) from either leasing it or buying it outright:

1. Road Noise: The road and tire noise was much higher than we expected in a car of this calibre. It was much higher than an Audi A6 for example, and slightly higher than a BMW 5 series. The sales agent who accompanied us on the test drive did mention that they have had customers complain about the higher noise with 20" and that 19" have a much lower noise....
   
   
2. Glass Canopy: We really love the glass canopy but being in TX, heat is a real concern. I have heard that the coatings on the glass roof stop most of heat but if anyone has experience with both Glass and Metal canopy in TX (or AZ for that matter), and can share their experience, I would really appreciate it.
   
   
3. Sound system: The AT we test drove had SS Pro but we came away unimpressed with it. I felt the AT sound system was better than the HK on BMW 5 series but it really doesn't compare to the B&O on our A6 which is simply outstanding. We did however play music only on youtube music, (which by the way still sounds amazing in A6) but I would love to hear opinions from current owners.

I drive a '23 Touring with glass canopy on 19" Pirellis. I don't find road noise to be much of an issue. I snowbird in FL and with ceramic tint and the Lucid sunshades, the heat gain is not a serious issue. However, I wouldn't opt for the glass canopy without the tint. Good luck.

 

[Coho]

And yet another anecdote. I live in AZ and for a while was concerned about the heat penetration and spent lots of time trying to park under trees and avoiding the midday sun. Subsequent tinting and UV/IR protective coating helped a lot. Then I got the Lucid Sunshades and now find the car gets no warmer than any other car. The AC is allowed to do its job and in fact have generally run it at a higher ambient temp. The screen is the answer and it still allows light to enter to a fair degree. Now that Texas humidity - well you will enjoy the car anyway.

 

[AP22]

I've had my Touring for about a year and a half now and somewhat regret getting the glass canopy. I keep the sunshades in year round as a) I feel the heat when driving, and b) my sunglasses don't quite cover the direct sun I'm getting from above.

For that reason, I generally keep the sunshades on year round which really eliminates the whole purpose of the glass in the first place. I would suggest the metal roof.

In addition to that, I would also recommend the 19's as the all-season tire should be quieter, but I do agree that the cabin is not as quiet as an S-Class.

 

[DeaneG]

I keep the sunshades in for most of the year (I can now infer that Borski has at least two balding, very white friends). You can still see somewhat through them - pinpoints of scenery. If I were ordering again now, I'd probably still buy the glass roof rather than metal. But really you can't go wrong with either.

I have the 19" wheels with OEM all-season tires. It's not the quietest car I've driven (the Polestar 3 is noticeably more isolated), but it's much better than a Tesla for example.

 

[rish_jain]

Thanks for all the quick responses, I really appreciate it.

I really like the Glass canopy and since the general consensus seems positive (when used with Lucid sunshade), I am leaning towards keeping that as my first preference, along with the 19" Aero wheels for lower cabin noise.

 

[rish_jain]

I've had my Touring for about a year and a half now and somewhat regret getting the glass canopy. I keep the sunshades in year round as a) I feel the heat when driving, and b) my sunglasses don't quite cover the direct sun I'm getting from above.

For that reason, I generally keep the sunshades on year round which really eliminates the whole purpose of the glass in the first place. I would suggest the metal roof.

In addition to that, I would also recommend the 19's as the all-season tire should be quieter, but I do agree that the cabin is not as quiet as an S-Class.

I am assuming you don't like it because of the heat transmission issues but I am curious to know if there was any other reason that I should know of?

Also, if you don't mind sharing, it will help to know where you are located....

 

[Halodde]

Just to add another anecdote, I live in Austin, TX and I just leave the Lucid-sold sunshades in year-round. They are great and I have zero complaints about the heat/brightness anymore.

I took out the driver's side sunshade a couple of months ago because I was thinking it would keep me a little warmer in the winter without having to crank the heat. But in the freezing temps, I'm wondering if putting it back in might help reduce the heat loss through the roof.

On that note, I wonder if there's an aftermarket insulated roof 'shade'. Anyone know?

 

[Daniel2022AT]

The Lucid Air is not particularly quiet. Road noise, wind noise, and motor noise are all louder than it should be. Not a deal breaker with 19’s.

I would stay away from the gorgeous glass canopy roof in hot climates. It was concerning during our trip to Florida.

SS Pro is fabulous especially Tidal in hi def “Hi-Fi” setting plus Atmos is superb.

 

[lucidtouringman]

I recently got a glass canopy replacement a couple of months or so ago and I think the canopy from 2023 seems to be different than the canopy in 2024. The one in 2024 that I got rejects considerably more heat and does an overall better job of being tinted in a manner that it allows more light to pass through. I'm not quite sure how they did it, but I think I have a unique perspective in being able to comment on both the canopies and 2024 feels better.

 

[illopp00]

I am assuming you don't like it because of the heat transmission issues but I am curious to know if there was any other reason that I should know of?

Also, if you don't mind sharing, it will help to know where you are located....

See if you can test drive a Metal Roof car with 19" anyways to compare, ours feels more vault-like compared to the glass canopy GT we had as a loaner. Much better interior acoustics with the Alcantra headliners, less outside wind noise and less HVAC load.

 

[Daniel2022AT]

Great feedback. I have experienced annoying glare on the center dash brushed metal touch buttons from the sun through the glass roof. Too bad. It is beautiful in many ways but impractical. I wish for a more typical glass sunroof with a sliding panel.