Powertrain
The 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire is equipped with a three-motor powertrain capable of producing up to 1234 horsepower and 1430 pound-feet of torque, making it the most powerful production four-door sedan in history. This upgraded version of the already quick Air can reach 60 miles per hour in an astonishing 1.89 seconds, a tenth quicker than the Tesla Model S Plaid. It also has a manufacturer-claimed top speed of 205 miles per hour, though this could not be tested in the 25-minute first drive.
Performance
The Lucid Air Sapphire’s performance is truly remarkable. With the car set in its least aggressive Smooth Drive mode, there is still 767 horsepower available to provide plenty of thrust when required. During a mid-afternoon spin around suburban Los Angeles, a sweeping corner on a six-lane road provided an opportunity to test the car’s acceleration. Despite every instinct telling me to take it easy, I was instructed to floor the accelerator. The response was instantaneous and neck-snapping, with the speedometer needle bouncing off the redline in a matter of seconds.
Handling
The Lucid Air Sapphire’s handling is equally impressive. The car’s low center of gravity, combined with its adaptive air suspension and active roll control, make it incredibly responsive and agile. The steering is precise and direct, allowing for precise cornering and maneuvering. The car also features a regenerative braking system that provides smooth and consistent stopping power.
Interior
The interior of the Lucid Air Sapphire is luxurious and comfortable. The seats are upholstered in premium leather and feature adjustable lumbar support. The dashboard is equipped with a large touchscreen display that provides access to the car’s various systems and features. The car also features a premium sound system and a panoramic glass roof that allows for plenty of natural light.
The Lucid Air Sapphire: A First Look
The Lucid Air Sapphire is the latest in a line of luxury electric vehicles from Lucid Motors. It boasts a tri-motor layout, with a single motor on the front axle and a pair of motors for the rear, each one controlling a wheel. This gives the Lucid Air Sapphire impressive stability and torque vectoring, allowing it to handle corners with ease. The car also features an adaptive damper tuning system, allowing it to adjust its suspension to the road conditions.
Power and Performance
The Lucid Air Sapphire is capable of producing up to 1121 horsepower or 1234 horsepower when launching from a stop. This power is delivered with impressive stability, even at triple digit speeds. The car also features torque vectoring, allowing it to tighten up cornering lines and provide a gut-wrenching experience.
Drive Modes
The Lucid Air Sapphire features three drive modes: Smooth, Swift, and Sapphire. Each mode offers different levels of power delivery, torque vectoring, and adaptive damper tuning. The Smooth mode is the most gentle, while the Sapphire mode is the most aggressive.
Ride Quality
The Lucid Air Sapphire offers a firm ride, even in the most aggressive mode. However, it remains reasonably genteel, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads.
Launch Control
The true test of the Lucid Air Sapphire’s control came as we conveniently approached a red light. With the press of a button, Launch Control was engaged, and the Lucid fired off the line like a 5336 pound Olympic sprinter. The acceleration was relentless, pushing the digital speedometer into ever higher numbers. Even at freeway speeds, the Sapphire was able to deliver longitudinal g forces that would rival some sports cars from a standstill.
One Pedal Driving
The Lucid Air Sapphire also offers sophisticated regeneration with one pedal driving. The upsized carbon ceramic brake rotors are pinched by 10 piston front calipers and four piston rears, providing excellent stopping power. This feature proved to be too addictive to resist, and with the engineers’ permission, I launched the car from a stop sign once more, hitting an easy 60 miles per hour within a few hundred feet.
Smooth Around Town Manners
Despite its impressive performance credentials, the Lucid Air Sapphire still maintains its graceful luxury sedan manners. The stiffer coil springs, adaptive dampers, and thicker front and rear anti-roll bars ensure that the car’s ride remains acceptably firm and well-damped. The added power and acceleration have not upset the Lucid’s smooth around town manners either.
Exterior
The 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire is a sight to behold, with its eponymous coat of sapphire metallic paint and black painted roof. The wheels measure 20 inches up front and 21 inches in the rear for improved braking. Cooling and bolt-on aero discs come with each car, for when range is a higher priority. A deeper chin, spoiler, and carbon fiber rear ducktail add downforce, while smoother underbody elements reduce lift. Best of all, the Sapphire comes with several little California Bears on the exterior, a Lucid calling card that is sure to draw attention.
Interior
The faultlessly finished cabin of the Lucid Air Sapphire comes exclusively in a grayish-black colorway that Lucid calls Mojave. Dark blue stitching and light gray piping add a subtle touch of color to the interior. Designers made liberal use of Alcantara upholstery, appearing on the steering wheel, rim, seat centers, headliner, and inserts on the dash and door panels. Genuine leather likewise makes an appearance on the seat bolsters and main dash. Lucid may someday offer a vegan interior, but it considers its sustainably tanned and processed hide to be as environmentally friendly as petroleum-based alternatives.
Technology
The Lucid Air Sapphire comes with a sweeping 34.0-inch screen that incorporates driver controls on the left, a digital instrument cluster in the center, and a touchscreen media display on the right. The high-performance trim boasts a dark blue screen theme that matches its name, but otherwise the interface is about the same as any other.
Lucid Quick Touch
The Lucid Air Sapphire offers a unique driving experience with its quick touch response and appealing graphics. The highly intuitive displays feature nested menus that can be a bit confusing at times. However, an over the air update in March made Apple Carplay standard, curing the system of its biggest oversight.
Performance EBS
The Lucid Air Sapphire offers a maximum range of 427 miles on a single charge, which is slightly lower than the 469 miles offered by the Grand Touring trim. Nevertheless, the Sapphire can still cover the distance from the Golden Gate Bridge to Los Angeles City Hall in a single charge. It also has a maximum DC fast charge rate of 300 kilowatts, allowing it to replenish its 118.0 kilowatt hour battery from 20 to 80 percent in just 15 minutes.
Competition from Tesla
The Lucid Air Sapphire’s closest competitor is the Tesla Model S Plaid, which has marginally slower acceleration and a top speed of just 200 miles per hour. The Model S does not go as far in a charge, with an EPA rated range of 396 miles with 19 inch wheels or 348 with 21s. However, it is a full hundred grand cheaper than the Lucid, starting at 108 490 and rising to 132 990 when fully equipped.
Polished Driving Experience
In spite of its hometown competition from Tesla, the Lucid Air Sapphire feels like a much more fleshed out idea. The cabin is richer, the suspension and braking upgrades are more comprehensive, and the driving experience feels more polished than any newcomer. With its quick touch response, appealing graphics, and comprehensive performance upgrades, the Lucid Air Sapphire offers a unique and enjoyable driving experience.
Lucid Air Sapphire is a luxurious electric vehicle that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The car has a range of up to 400 miles on a single charge, and the battery can be charged up to 80% in just 30 minutes. The interior of the car is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The exterior of the car is sleek and stylish, with an aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag and improve efficiency.
Performance
The Lucid Air Sapphire is powered by two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear. The combined output of the motors is 1,000 horsepower, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in just 2.5 seconds. The car also has an impressive top speed of 168 mph. The car handles well in corners, with precise steering and excellent grip. The regenerative braking system helps to improve efficiency and reduce brake wear.
Interior
The interior of the Lucid Air Sapphire is luxurious and well-appointed. The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The dashboard is intuitive and easy to use, with a large touchscreen display that controls most of the car’s functions. The car also has a premium sound system, with a subwoofer and an array of speakers. The car is equipped with a variety of safety features, including lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Exterior
The exterior of the Lucid Air Sapphire is sleek and stylish, with an aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag and improve efficiency. The car has a low profile, with a long, sweeping roofline and a wide stance. The car is available in a variety of colors, including Crystal Blue Persuasion. The car also has a range of optional features, such as a panoramic sunroof and 21-inch wheels.
Conclusion
The 2024 Lucid Air Sapphire is an impressive vehicle that combines power, performance, and luxury into one package. Its three-motor powertrain provides blistering acceleration, while its handling and interior amenities make it a pleasure to drive. It is the perfect car for those who want the ultimate in performance and luxury.
The Lucid Air Sapphire is an impressive electric vehicle, offering a tri-motor layout, impressive power, and adaptive damper tuning. It provides a firm yet comfortable ride, allowing drivers to enjoy a gut-wrenching experience while remaining reasonably genteel.
The Lucid Air Sapphire is a luxurious electric vehicle that offers a smooth and comfortable ride. The car has a range of up to 400 miles on a single charge, and the battery can be charged up to 80% in just 30 minutes. The interior of the car is spacious and well-appointed, with plenty of legroom and headroom. The exterior of the car is sleek and stylish, with an aerodynamic design that helps to reduce drag and improve efficiency. The car is powered by two electric motors, one in the front and one in the rear, with a combined output of 1,000 horsepower. The car handles well in corners, with precise steering and excellent grip. The regenerative braking system helps to improve efficiency and reduce brake wear. The car is available in a variety of colors, including Crystal Blue Persuasion, and has a range of optional features. The Lucid Air Sapphire is sure to be a hit with luxury car enthusiasts.
