The Press Embargo Has Been Lifted

[hmp10]

I'm still, after all these posts, wondering why a draggy time is so important for a SUV.

I do get the point of the question. On the other hand, some reasons do spring to mind:

1. Lucid is pounding the hell out of the point that the Gravity is a performance vehicle that goes well beyond a conventional SUV in terms of power and handling, specifically saying the Lamborghini Urus was one of their engineering targets. So it's understandable that some buyers might want to see the proof.

2. They're asking $14,500 for a 242hp bump, taking aim squarely at the type of buyer to whom such things matter. Note that Lucid boasted the acceleration figures for the Gravity GT before orders opened. But three months after Dream orders opened we still don't have any acceleration numbers from Lucid. Why? And where do we go to get them?

3. After years of jokes about golf carts, EVs are finally gaining a reputation for having real performance potential, something that Lucid exploits as much as possible in its advertising. That's going to invite more scrutiny from the type of potential buyers who fold things such as draggy numbers into their purchase deliberations.

4. Bragging rights.

 

[hmp10]

Only thing shared with me is they will be 20/21 Nokian

I could only find one winter tire on the Nokian website in the sizes for the Gravity 20/21" wheels:

 

[Knucklehead]

They are showing the ECO tire for these tests not a dedicated snow tire…I feel like they are screwing with us…

Probably not. I have driven the iONs in the snow and they perform pretty well. Not snow tire well, but I was extremely pleased with the grip and control.

 

[bryway]

I do get the point of the question. On the other hand, some reasons do spring to mind:
[…snip]
4. Bragging rights.

I‘d be willing to bet a lot of it is this one. Model X Plaid: 1,020HP / Gravity DE: 1,050HP

 

[iThinkEV]

Extra horses and no increase in torque. The DE will not be beating the Plaid X in acceleration. Bummer. I was hoping to leave my X Plaid parked while I'm enjoying the Gravity.

Not sure if that's anything to brag about.

-iThinkEV-

 

[hmp10]

Extra horses and no increase in torque. The DE will not be beating the Plaid X in acceleration. Bummer. I was hoping to leave my X Plaid parked while I'm enjoying the Gravity.

Not sure if that's anything to brag about.

-iThinkEV-

We had a 2021 Model S Plaid in our garage alongside a Lucid Air Dream Performance for over three years. Although the Dream had more horsepower than the Plaid (1,111 vs. 1,020) the Plaid was quicker off the line. This was to be expected, though, because the Plaid weighed ~500 pounds less and had wider tires (265/295 vs. 245/265). I don't know the Plaid's torque, but the Dream has 922 lb-ft in Sprint mode and 1,025 in Launch mode.

However, that was far from the end of the story. Everything about driving the Dream aggressively was better than driving the Plaid. Under hard acceleration, the front end of the Plaid came loose much sooner than the Dream, actually making the Dream's power more usable. The Dream was less twitchy in quick maneuvers and held a straight line better. In short, the Air's suspension was in a different league. And the Plaid's forward surge of power as speed climbed tapered off sooner than the Dream's, which just kept on coming.

I have sat in a Gravity at two design studios and have finally test driven one. I have also test driven Model X's twice in the past few years. It's the same story as with the S Plaid vs. Air Dream story in everyday driving. The Gravity is vastly roomier, quieter, more luxurious, more feature-laden, more structurally solid. I couldn't really press either car more aggressively in test drive situations, but I'm willing to bet the Lucid's suspension will easily outclass the Tesla's, just as it does in the sports sedans.

I'm sure that the Gravity Dream will not be quicker off the line than the X Plaid. But I'm also sure the Gravity Dream will still be the better overall driving experience when both cars are being pushed hard.

We're replacing the Model S Plaid with a Gravity Dream. In fact, we sold the Tesla three weeks ago. When our second Gravity Dream arrives, we're letting go of our Honda Odyssey minivan. We're keeping the Air Dream, though. Almost four years after its introduction, it still has no sedan equal in its balance of power, handling, room, comfort, and structural solidity.

 

[9point81]

In Kyle's latest OOS video today where he is comparing four 3 row EV SUVS, at about the 31:35 point, he mentions that he WANTS a Gravity, is trying to get and buy a Gravity, but can't currently get one due to low production rate. So this shows he doesn't yet have the ability to bring more content yet on it but is very anxious to do so once he can get his hands on one. So for those interested, it's coming at some point from him.

 

[JoeMa]

Oh well, I was hoping for an OoS review soon but that may not happen before my wife and I actually drive one ourselves.

 

[JoeMa]

Kyle's latest comparison of (available) 3-row EV's may have been pointed at Lucid, letting them know his reviews of 3-row EV's may very well influence buyers, like me. I hope Lucid can make a Gravity available to OoS Reviews soon, if only for a few days, so Kyle and his gang can do a more in-depth drive review and some real-world charging. The videos he posted just before the embargo was lift did not (and could not) address any driving dynamics. And while there are several driving reviews available, those were mostly for a few hours at best and with no real-world charging tests. Kyle will deliver the details on a lot more than, "it drives very well".

 

[HC_79]

Kyle's latest comparison of (available) 3-row EV's may have been pointed at Lucid, letting them know his reviews of 3-row EV's may very well influence buyers, like me. I hope Lucid can make a Gravity available to OoS Reviews soon, if only for a few days, so Kyle and his gang can do a more in-depth drive review and some real-world charging. The videos he posted just before the embargo was lift did not (and could not) address any driving dynamics. And while there are several driving reviews available, those were mostly for a few hours at best and with no real-world charging tests. Kyle will deliver the details on a lot more than, "it drives very well".

I’m sure if Lucid had a vehicle to give him for a few days they would have. The fact he even offered to just buy one and was told no is telling with how far behind they probably are.

 

[iThinkEV]

Kyle's latest comparison of (available) 3-row EV's may have been pointed at Lucid, letting them know his reviews of 3-row EV's may very well influence buyers, like me. I hope Lucid can make a Gravity available to OoS Reviews soon, if only for a few days, so Kyle and his gang can do a more in-depth drive review and some real-world charging. The videos he posted just before the embargo was lift did not (and could not) address any driving dynamics. And while there are several driving reviews available, those were mostly for a few hours at best and with no real-world charging tests. Kyle will deliver the details on a lot more than, "it drives very well".

I highly doubt people are not going to buy the Gravity based on Kyle's review, or lack of. It's a more to know, and more informed. But would you NOT buy the Gravity based on his driving dynamics in-depth review? He already said it's the best driving SUV out there, without the in-depth. So I'm not sure if Lucid will be persuaded to get him one any sooner because he's influencing people's decision to buy.

-iThinkEV-

 

[JoeMa]

I was mainly speaking for myself, if others choose to buy a Gravity without knowing all of the ins and outs, if it's fully baked or not, that's up to them. I've done that a few times in my buying life but I've learned, sometimes the hard way, that being first to own a new vehicle is not always the best or right approach. So I'll wait to learn more, maybe from some earlier buyers, but I would hope to see more reviews that do a lot more in-depth testing and have no horse in the race.

I'm just posting my views and understand that some of you have already made the decision to buy a Gravity. Just suggesting a slightly different view and approach. Look, I'm very interested in a Gravity but I will NOT place an order for a $100K plus vehicle without first driving it and making sure it meets our needs. I hope when my wife and finally do get to test drive a Gravity, that it checks all of the boxes.

 

[hmp10]

The videos he [Kyle Conner] posted just before the embargo was lift did not (and could not) address any driving dynamics.

Conner posted a video in December which contained a 26-minute segment in which he test drove the Gravity with John Culliton, a Lucid chassis engineer, as a passenger. Although it was not an independent test of a final production vehicle, the test vehicle did have the final chassis programming and suspension tuning. Conner commented extensively on the handling dynamics, reaching the conclusion that it might actually handle even better than the Air, a vehicle whose handling he loves.

I agree with other posters that it's going to be quite a while before Conner has the unaccompanied time with the Gravity that you envision -- if ever.

 

[JoeMa]

I've watch every video OoS Reviews has posted about the Gravity (several times), but those videos were not in-depth reviews or were with preproduction cars that included non-working features. So I'm waiting for some true in-depth reviews, not a ride down the street and back. I want to know how well the software really works, does CarPlay function properly, does self-driving work well, any issues with real-world charing on a trip, is the glass windshield over the drivers head annoying on a sunny day? None of the videos to date that I've seen address these fundamental questions, at least to my satisfaction. So I'll wait for those answers before committing to an order. The several hundred who have ordered a Gravity apparently have the answer they need and trust the Gravity will deliver. Once my wife and I get to drive a Gravity, I may be ready to order. Until then, I still have questions but eventually, there will some in-depth reviews.

I've been a Mercedes customer for about 15 years and my dealership has always provided very good service, free loaner and pickup when service is needed. And our EQS 580 SUV is the best car we've ever owned. We just like to get a new car every three or four years.

What will service be like with Lucid? The closest service center to us is an hours drive away. Will Lucid come to our home to service the Gravity? How quickly do they provide service? If in a fender bender, will parts be available? Those of you who have owned an Air for a few years would have some answers.

As a new company, Lucid is far from profitable. They clearly have brilliant people making great products but volume is the thing that will sustain the company and make it profitable. I do believe they will make it and even invested in the company two months ago as proof I believe they'll make it. So I will likely own a Gravity in the future, I just need a few more questions answered.

 

[9point81]

I've watch every video OoS Reviews has posted about the Gravity (several times), but those videos were not in-depth reviews or were with preproduction cars that included non-working features. So I'm waiting for some true in-depth reviews, not a ride down the street and back. I want to know how well the software really works, does CarPlay function properly, does self-driving work well, any issues with real-world charing on a trip, is the glass windshield over the drivers head annoying on a sunny day? None of the videos to date that I've seen address these fundamental questions, at least to my satisfaction. So I'll wait for those answers before committing to an order. The several hundred who have ordered a Gravity apparently have the answer they need and trust the Gravity will deliver. Once my wife and I get to drive a Gravity, I may be ready to order. Until then, I still have questions but eventually, there will some in-depth reviews.

I've been a Mercedes customer for about 15 years and my dealership has always provided very good service, free loaner and pickup when service is needed. And our EQS 580 SUV is the best car we've ever owned. We just like to get a new car every three or four years.

What will service be like with Lucid? The closest service center to us is an hours drive away. Will Lucid come to our home to service the Gravity? How quickly do they provide service? If in a fender bender, will parts be available? Those of you who have owned an Air for a few years would have some answers.

As a new company, Lucid is far from profitable. They clearly have brilliant people making great products but volume is the thing that will sustain the company and make it profitable. I do believe they will make it and even invested in the company two months ago as proof I believe they'll make it. So I will likely own a Gravity in the future, I just need a few more questions answered.

Love the way you are doing your due diligence on this! But I think to get the information you want on this platform, you are a year or two too early. I'd advise to check back in about a year or two down the road and there will be many user reviews and lots more in depth EV reviewer videos out for Gravity. Most all in here are early adopters and as the vehicle slowly rolls out, won't be able to provide deep reviews until we've had it for months, time to fast charge it several times and road trip it. Just my two cents sir.

 

[Knucklehead]

I've watch every video OoS Reviews has posted about the Gravity (several times), but those videos were not in-depth reviews or were with preproduction cars that included non-working features. So I'm waiting for some true in-depth reviews, not a ride down the street and back. I want to know how well the software really works, does CarPlay function properly, does self-driving work well, any issues with real-world charing on a trip, is the glass windshield over the drivers head annoying on a sunny day? None of the videos to date that I've seen address these fundamental questions, at least to my satisfaction. So I'll wait for those answers before committing to an order. The several hundred who have ordered a Gravity apparently have the answer they need and trust the Gravity will deliver. Once my wife and I get to drive a Gravity, I may be ready to order. Until then, I still have questions but eventually, there will some in-depth reviews.

I've been a Mercedes customer for about 15 years and my dealership has always provided very good service, free loaner and pickup when service is needed. And our EQS 580 SUV is the best car we've ever owned. We just like to get a new car every three or four years.

What will service be like with Lucid? The closest service center to us is an hours drive away. Will Lucid come to our home to service the Gravity? How quickly do they provide service? If in a fender bender, will parts be available? Those of you who have owned an Air for a few years would have some answers.

As a new company, Lucid is far from profitable. They clearly have brilliant people making great products but volume is the thing that will sustain the company and make it profitable. I do believe they will make it and even invested in the company two months ago as proof I believe they'll make it. So I will likely own a Gravity in the future, I just need a few more questions answered.

Based on your questions I think you should stick with established car companies like MB.

As much as I love Lucid and my Rivian, these start up companies have significant growing pains. Rivian is ahead of Lucid in building out their infrastructure but still struggling to keep up with servicing the fleet. And getting parts after an accident can take forever.

Most people here are going in with their eyes wide open and fully aware of the challenges that are coming with a much higher volume of vehicles Lucid is servicing. They are willing to take the risk because they love the product. Same for me and Rivian. I have a couple minor issues with my R1T and am a little worried about how that service experience is going to go, so I am procrastinating making the call. But I knew of the risk when I decided to purchase and it is worth it to me. It is such an awesome truck. (And I can haul drywall! LOL.)

If the concerns you raise are more important than owning the best SUV on the planet, stick with MB. Otherwise, jump in and be aware the ride might be rough at least for the first couple of years.

 

[JoeMa]

You make some very valid points, thanks.

 

[HC_79]

If the concerns you raise are more important than owning the best SUV on the planet, stick with MB. Otherwise, jump in and be aware the ride might be rough at least for the first couple of years

This sums it up 100%.

 

[hmp10]

What will service be like with Lucid? The closest service center to us is an hours drive away. Will Lucid come to our home to service the Gravity? How quickly do they provide service? If in a fender bender, will parts be available? Those of you who have owned an Air for a few years would have some answers.

We've owned a Lucid Air since December 2021, and I concur with the preceding comments that a Lucid might not be right for you at this point.

As for service, the Air required quite a few service visits in the first year. (As I've posted elsewhere, though, the Air was not the most problem-ridden first-generation car I've owned. Those prizes go to a Corvette, a MB SL55 AMG, and a Jaguar S-Type.) However, Lucid's service response was superb both in terms of promptness and thoroughness. We live 3 hours away from a service center, but Lucid has a mobile service depot the next town over that keeps frequently-needed parts in local storage. When mobile service could not handle the problem, Lucid either sent a truck with a loaner to pick the car up and return it, or a service team member drove over in a loaner to leave with us if requested. The only time in over three years that I've had to leave the house to get the Air serviced was to get the lidar recalibrated after an installer had to remove the front bumper for a radar/laser system install -- not a Lucid warranty issue.

At this point, after early parts and assembly issues were tackled and with OTA updates, the Air has evolved into the best car I've ever owned and may well become the one I've kept the longest. There's nary a squeak or rattle, the interior still looks brand new, and everything works fine.

But a word of caution . . . I had great early service experience with our first Tesla, but that experience turned into a nightmare once the Model 3 arrived to overwhelm their service network. It still hasn't caught back up to where it was ten years ago, and I do worry about something similar happening with Lucid once they move into more popular market segments.

As for parts being available after a fender bender, Lucid will have the same problem with getting parts for any relatively low-volume vehicle, even one from a long-established volume manufacturer. I had an Audi R8 that was in the shop for more than three months waiting for parts after someone switched lanes on me and drove me against a concrete curb. When they finally thought they had all the parts in to finish the suspension repair, they noticed the front wheel was bent only to find out that it, too, was not currently available from the factory. At that point, the insurance company struck a deal for the Audi dealer to keep the wrecked car on trade for a new R8 that came in. This is just a price one pays for being either an early adopter or buying a low-volume vehicle.

Bottom line for me: the Air has turned out to be so far ahead of the competition in terms of power, handling, room, solidity -- a lead it still holds almost four years after it hit the market -- that I'm ready for round two with a Gravity.

 

[captg44]

We've owned a Lucid Air since December 2021, and I concur with the preceding comments that a Lucid might not be right for you at this point.

As for service, the Air required quite a few service visits in the first year. (As I've posted elsewhere, though, the Air was not the most problem-ridden first-generation car I've owned. Those prizes go to a Corvette, a MB SL55 AMG, and a Jaguar S-Type.) However, Lucid's service response was superb both in terms of promptness and thoroughness. We live 3 hours away from a service center, but Lucid has a mobile service depot the next town over that keeps frequently-needed parts in local storage. When mobile service could not handle the problem, Lucid either sent a truck with a loaner to pick the car up and return it, or a service team member drove over in a loaner to leave with us if requested. The only time in over three years that I've had to leave the house to get the Air serviced was to get the lidar recalibrated after an installer had to remove the front bumper for a radar/laser system install -- not a Lucid warranty issue.

At this point, after early parts and assembly issues were tackled and with OTA updates, the Air has evolved into the best car I've ever owned and may well become the one I've kept the longest. There's nary a squeak or rattle, the interior still looks brand new, and everything works fine.

But a word of caution . . . I had great early service experience with our first Tesla, but that experience turned into a nightmare once the Model 3 arrived to overwhelm their service network. It still hasn't caught back up to where it was ten years ago, and I do worry about something similar happening with Lucid once they move into more popular market segments.

As for parts being available after a fender bender, Lucid will have the same problem with getting parts for any relatively low-volume vehicle, even one from a long-established volume manufacturer. I had an Audi R8 that was in the shop for more than three months waiting for parts after someone switched lanes on me and drove me against a concrete curb. When they finally thought they had all the parts in to finish the suspension repair, they noticed the front wheel was bent only to find out that it, too, was not currently available from the factory. At that point, the insurance company struck a deal for the Audi dealer to keep the wrecked car on trade for a new R8 that came in. This is just a price one pays for being either an early adopter or buying a low-volume vehicle.

Bottom line for me: the Air has turned out to be so far ahead of the competition in terms of power, handling, room, solidity -- a lead it still holds almost four years after it hit the market -- that I'm ready for round two with a Gravity.

Lucid has the Best service that I ever experienced. You will be pleasantly surprised.