2022 Lucid Air Review: The New Gold Standard

The 2022 Lucid Air is the next big step forward in the EV evolution. The Tesla Model S carried the torch for an entire decade, but it now has to hand it over to a car designed by the same man. Lucid's CEO was the main engineer behind the Model S, which makes the Air a spiritual successor of sorts. Since Tesla doesn't seem to be bothered to replace the Model S, Lucid came along and did it for Musk & Co.

But what makes this car so special? In short, it's the perfect blend of old and new. The team behind Lucid got rid of everything the car as an entity no longer needs while retaining and improving on everything we love about it. Despite being a technological marvel with semi-autonomous functionality, rapid charging, a 500+ mile driving range, and a 1,111-horsepower halo model capable of doing 0-60 in 2.5 seconds, it's also genuinely luxurious. While the Mercedes EQS Sedan is essentially a massive touchscreen with five seats, the Air is the perfect blend of luxury and sophistication ready to stand the test of time. And despite all of that, it's also fun to drive. The Tesla is faster, the Mercedes more well-known, and the BMW i7 more obnoxiously styled. But the Lucid Air does it all. In one package. The future is here.

What's the Price of the 2022 Lucid Air?

The 2022 Lucid Air is priced to take the fight directly to the Tesla Model S. Thanks to a June 2022 price increase - the first since production was announced, as opposed to Tesla's almost weekly increases - the entry-level Pure retails for $87,400 while adding AWD costs $5,000. The Touring is the next model up, and it comes with a hefty price increase, primarily due to the dual-motor setup. It has an MSRP of $107,400. The Grand Touring is the current top-spec model, selling for $154,000 in Range spec and $179,000 in Performance trim with 1,050 hp. These prices exclude the destination charge, which Lucid does not publish. The launch Dream Edition is sold out, but we can tell you that Lucid charged $169,000 for it regardless of whether you chose Range or Performance.

Unlike Tesla, which no longer qualifies for federal tax credits, the Lucid Air qualifies for a full $7,500 rebate for eligible buyers. There are also various state-specific discounts and incentives available.

2022 Air Exterior

Dimensions

2022 Air Performance

Handling and Driving Impressions

For a 5,000 lbs sedan, the Air is surprisingly nimble. Part of that is down to the center of gravity, which is extremely low due to the battery placement.

We also get the impression that Lucid spent many manhours refining the driving experience, and it ended up with a car that actually feels quite old-school. The steering is quick, and it doesn't feel artificial. Unlike every other EV, the Lucid's brake pedal is not connected to the regenerative braking system. That's a completely separate system that functions in the background. As a result, the brake pedal also provides real feel instead of some software engineer's idea of what a brake pedal should feel like.

Most surprising of all is the traditional coil springs. Lucid decided against the segment standard air springs. This isn't a criticism, though, as the Air doesn't feel overly sprung or bouncy in any way. It rides with compliance and connection in equal measure and is capable of being both comfortable and dynamically talented. It also keeps the driving modes remarkably simple. You get Smooth, Swift, and Sprint.

Sprint will only be used on the odd occasion you want to showcase the ferocious acceleration. You'll occasionally use Swift when feeling a bit naughty, but most of the time, the car will be in Smooth. This driving mode delivers exactly what it promises, which is a remarkably polished ride for a car on a traditional steel suspension. In Swift mode, the car feels comically fast, but even with so much power, the Air is predictable. You quickly settle into a rhythm, knowing exactly how the car is going to respond if you reach the limit. One more bonus point for having a standard suspension setup instead of multiple ride heights and springs that constantly adapt to the driving conditions.

The only criticism is noticeable wind and road noise, but this is something we've noticed on other EVs before. With no engine noise to disguise other annoying sounds, EVs have nowhere to hide when it comes to sound insulation. It doesn't spoil the experience, but something Lucid needs to keep in mind when working on a future facelift.

2022 Air Interior

2022 Air Trunk and Cargo Space

US NHTSA Crash Test Result

Verdict: Is the 2022 Lucid Air A Good car?

To put this bluntly: Yes. It might be the most important car in a decade.

The Tesla Model S sucker-punched the automotive industry in the gut. Until it came along, legacy manufacturers felt content and safe, knowing EVs couldn't possibly compete with their products. Tesla forced the automotive industry to innovate, but the world's most successful EV manufacturer has stagnated in the decade since. Every once in a while, it will upload some new feature like a farting sound, but that's not innovation. These are just little amusements to keep Tesla fanboys happy.

It's no secret that the man behind the Model S is also behind the Lucid Air. Instead of stagnating with his original employers, he decided not just to improve on a winning recipe but rethink the car as an entity. Thanks to hundreds of large and small creative solutions, Lucid has ended up with a vehicle that sets the new standard. This combines S-Class luxury with Model S innovation. Think the Mercedes EQS Sedan is the S-Class of EVs? Think again. This is.

If ever there was a car to convince the last few naysayers to convert to electricity, this is it.

What Lucid Air Model Should I Buy?

Since all models are lavishly equipped with all the luxury features you'd expect when paying more than $80,000 for a car, performance and range are the key differentiators to set them apart. The Pure seems alluring at an MSRP of $87,400, but it's worth remembering this is a 2.4-tonne car with only 480 hp, giving you middling performance. That, plus the lack of a glass roof and late availability is why we'd spring for the Air Touring. It's less than S-Class money, but you get 620-hp performance, luxury, and 406 miles range. It's more powerful than anyone realistically needs, and benefits from the sweet fast charging capabilities. Factor in your federal tax rebate, and you're under six figures for a sweet luxury EV.

If, however, you like to win at everything, we can't deny the allure of the 1,050-hp Grand Touring Performance. It's just tough to justify the expense.

2022 Lucid Air Comparisons

2022 Lucid Air vs Tesla Model S

The Lucid Air was designed by the same man responsible for bringing the Tesla Model S to market, and it shows.

The Air takes everything that makes the Model S such a great product and builds on it. While a model S Plaid may be the fastest thing of four wheels, the Air is better in every other department and not far behind in a straight line either.

The main difference between these two cars is quality control. We keep hearing horror stories about Tesla's poor build quality, while the Air is a masterpiece. The Air is also more spacious and feels like a genuine S-Class rival while the Model S is now Mercedes money for nothing but tech and performance.

We said before that the Model S is the new S-Class because it keeps moving the goalpost like the S-Class used to do. The Lucid Air now takes over that title. Not only is it the most innovative and modern car you can buy, but it's also wonderfully plush.

2022 Lucid Air vs Porsche Taycan Turbo

The Taycan Turbo is a direct rival as far as price goes, but it will likely appeal to a different kind of buyer.

The Lucid is a big luxury sedan, while the Taycan is more petite. Still, Lucid used the BMW E39 M5 as a benchmark for handling, so it does have some sporty aspirations. It shows, but the Porsche remains more agile. There are a few big differences though. The two cars are similarly priced to start, but the Lucid provides more range than the base Taycan's meager 282 miles at 406 miles. The differences become more vast as you climb the trim ladder, as the Porsche reaches a starting price of $187,400 for the Turbo S with only 278 miles of range and 750 hp. It might match the Lucid Air Dream Edition to 60 mph, but then you still have to pay for extras, many of which are standard on the Air. The Air is more spacious, has a bigger trunk, and still drives well, all at a 'discount' price. You'll prefer the Taycan if you want a car that feels more like a sports car, but for any other type of buyer, the Lucid crushes this comparison.