Coming from a 2014 Model S, I test drove Gravity GT and refreshed Model X multiple times each, trying to decide on my next vehicle. Don't need a 3rd row (just space to take 3 passengers several times per month) and wanted a higher driving position (not another sedan).
Liked the Gravity so much last November that I put a deposit down. The interior fit and finish and quiet cabin, along with the promise of that super-wide screen and NACS connector, made a pretty compelling impression. I wanted a light interior color, but I heard so many bad things about durability of Lucid's Purluxe that I chose the least-worst leather option (Ojai) along with Lunar Titanium (listed as "winter availability"), which I figured would give me time to decide if the known software issues and viability of Lucid (losing money on every vehicle they sell) would change my mind.
In the end I ended up with a Model X because I decided the daily touch points I am used to in a Tesla outweighed the current state of Gravity and what it might become over time.
Here are the pros and cons that helped me make my final decision.
Gravity Pros:
* Super quiet / refined ride, elegant interior
* Amazing stereo system, especially with TIDAL content
* Faster NACS charging (but unable to use the more geographically remote, earlier version Tesla superchargers)
* Interior packaging -- it's incredible how much room they have created given the outside car dimensions, especially if you want or need comfort for 3rd row passengers
* Sanctuary mode (and what it could become) quite compelling
Gravity Cons:
* Navigation -- Here maps not in the same league as Tesla nav + Google maps (the comically sized stop signs are particularly irritating)
* Steering wheel touch pads -- finicky / noisy (e.g., to change the volume, you have to audibly click-click-click the touch pad rather than just quietly rolling a wheel)
* Steering wheel -- minor but a daily touch point -- didn't care for the squircle design / minivan feel of a screen-above-the-steering-wheel
* Dream Drive Premium/Pro is behind, and not confident about Lucid's ability to devote enough SW resources, integrate nVidia, compile enough driving data, etc.
* Minor issues: HUD display off to a rocky start, having to choose drive modes every time, doors that wouldn't close and fobs that wouldn't work during test drives
* Existential issues: Will the company survive (especially if BYD, etc make their way into the US), if I need service can I actually get an appointment, will their software team ever have enough bandwidth to solidify their software stack, migrate to Air/Earth, and fill the 37" wide screen with compelling content?
Tesla Cons:
* Stiffer suspension / noisier ride
* Known reliability issues with half shafts (FWD less of an issue for me given infrequent back seat use)
* Cheesy adjustability of rear seats
* Lack of turn signal stalks and power frunk (though can address both with third party solutions)
* Somewhat dated design / aesthetics (but then there's the new Frost Blue color)
Tesla Pros:
* Refined screen UI -- every pixel is filled with useful content
* Helicopter like front windshield and expansive driving view, with clever magnetic visors that easily swing out of the way
* Maturity of FSD, in-car app ecosystem, and iOS App (PAAK, remote start, sending destinations to your car, requesting service, "charge on solar" integration with Tesla PW/Solar, etc.)
* Last year's refresh addressed some long-standing complaints: noise (added active noise cancellation), interior (added mood lighting), blind spot indication (added red LEDs in the A pillar speakers)
Two things happened after I made my decision -- discontinuation of Model S/X and the 3.4 software release for Lucid. In the end I decided neither had much effect on the above pros and cons given how long I keep my cars.
This was a really hard decision, so I hope this list helps others.
I am disappointed that Tesla is moving away from making premium cars that you can actually drive (it was quite a financial risk in 2014 to commit my hard-earned $$ on a Model S), and I really want newcomers like Lucid to succeed and innovate in the EV space, but as a daily driver for the next 10 years this was the best choice for me.
