I placed my reservation for the Lucid just after Xmas. About 4 weeks ago, was told I could place my actual order and have it in about 2 months. So less than 6 months from reservation to delivery. I haven't checked recently, but prior checks for a LR Model S Tesla were saying August or September.
Yes, FSD Beta can scare the crap out of you. As someone posted, it's amazing on the highways. The Beta version is just cool to be a part of it. Lucid, still doesn't offer even lane assist, which has become standard on most mid-level and high-end cars. Naturally, what they're advertising it will be, it will be incredible, when they get there. But, as Tesla has demonstrated, it's not easy, so it will be a while before Lucid (and others) catch up. While not practical in all situations, I do like the fact that it's there and available to use when appropriate. Something that doesn't appear to be on the foreseeable horizon for Lucid at this time. Yes, Lucid has the hardware built-in for it to be superior. But, as of right now, Tesla still offers a far superior system. Part of the reason why I noted, maybe in 2-3 years after Lucid has grown and figured this stuff out, would be willing to reconsider. But, am talking about right now. Tesla's auto lane change and ability to follow navigation on its own, on the highway, is very usable. Using FSD on the streets is where it still has a long way to go. Lucid as of today, doesn't offer even lane keep assist yet. Will be a while before auto lane change is available. Again, comparing what the cars are today. In 2-3 years, should be a different story.
Hatch versus trunk is personal preference. I like the ability to be able to load taller items when needed, hence where the hatchback comes in handy.
Tesla superchargers can be busy if you travel during peak hours. I've learned to adjust my travel times and never have to wait. I assume that as there are now several EV's coming to market, EA will start getting crowded as well. Plus, while maybe a small sample size as people only comment when something goes wrong, but have heard quite a few more stories of public chargers having issues. Again, will of course improve with time.
Smart summon is a feature that is not perfect, absolutely. But, there are times when it comes in quite handy. As with FSD, certainly prefer to have the option to use than not have it at all. I am one that's courteous and will not use it in a crowded parking lot, out of respect for others.
The 500 mile range will certainly come in handy for those that regularly long distance travel. Especially if your trip is right around 400 miles and allows you to not have to stop at all. My bladder usually won't go 400 miles anyway, so, even if I could, would still likely be stopping anyway on a trip of 300 miles or longer. Again, for my personal use, I would only benefit from it maybe a couple of times a year. And if I have to stop anyway to use the restroom, using a supercharger for 10-15 minutes isn't much of an inconvenience. Again, based on my personal use case.
One noted that the Tesla air suspension is rigid. I've had multiple Tesla's. I would agree with the pre-2019 models. However, when I got my 2019, the RAVEN air suspension was a MASSIVE improvement. Car rides much better than on previous version of Tesla's air suspension. Plus with the driving I do, I am often in situations where it really comes in handy to be able to raise the car up for clearance. Again, based on my personal use needs.
I do really like the Lucid and while Tesla certainly lacks in terms of build quality and luxury features, as I noted, still drives like a premium car. Personally however, the Mercedes blows away the Lucid in terms of just "luxury". Even the Cadillac Lyric is arguably superior, and for only $60,000. Lucid is certainly superior to Tesla, but they still took a fairly minimalist approach. I will say, the massage seats alone however, were almost enough to convince me to go with the Lucid!! Do love that feature!
For me, it just came down to what the cars are TODAY. Tesla, overall, with all factors considered, is still ahead. They've had a 9 year head start. Tesla is also more bold in releasing "beta" features, which while not necessarily ready for prime time, if used properly and with reasonable expectations of their limitations, are cool to have. Again, certainly like have the OPTION to use the features rather than not having the option. The LUCID is certainly a nicer car, better build quality and blew away Tesla with range. It will eventually catch up in the areas where it is behind. At that time, will be more than happy to consider it again. By then, there will likely be several other options available too. For more money, with more doubtful resale value, for my personal use, as much as I wanted to do something different than a Tesla, for today, after having been spoiled with the features it does offer, just not willing to give those up. For my personal use, what I gain from the Lucid doesn't outweigh what I would be giving up, at least for now. Not a knock on Lucid. Beautiful car. Far superior to the first Tesla 9 years ago. If the choice was between a Lucid and the first Tesla offered, would be a no brainer. Maybe even with any pre-2019 Tesla. From first-hand experience, the 2019 Tesla is definitely a superior car to the 2018 in terms of ride quality and build quality.
The Rivian truck is a different category, but should be very successful for the same reason Tesla was successful. Nobody has set the bar yet in the Truck category. I was able to drive the Rivian, very attractive vehicle overall (not saying in looks, but in its capability overall). But, its UI is mostly a Tesla knockoff, yet an earlier version of the Tesla. They copied the UI from several years ago while Tesla has continued to advance. But, being a truck, it should do very well.
The Cadillac Lyric at $60,000 seems like a bargain. GM, being a huge company, has the capability to get parts / materials at lower costs because of their overall volume. Same reason they can offer the Corvette at $60,000. The Lyric would be a no-brainer if I was considering it between a non-performance Model Y. Tesla has most beat in the "performance" category, but, that's not all that important to a large majority of buyers. The Caddy offers competitive range, far more luxury, losing only in the Performance categories. But, some prefer the minimalist interior of the Tesla. I don't love it. I still prefer a car that's USER friendly. I appreciate having physical buttons for items we use multiple times a day, rather than having to fumble through a screen to control everything! That's one of the big negatives for me with a Tesla.
