Lucid Test Drives: What To Know & How To Schedule One
Lucid by Ganbaruby — CC-BY-SA-4.0
For those looking for a luxury sedan or high-performance electric vehicle (EV), or both, the Lucid Air offers a compelling choice. Its sleek styling, neck-snapping acceleration, and industry-leading range make it a car worth checking out. So, wanting to take a Lucid test drive is natural.
Before making a purchase, let’s review what you need to do to get behind the wheel of this luxury EV. We’ll cover the basics for setting up an appointment, highlight the Lucid lineup, and recommend tips to maximize the Lucid test drive experience.
Scheduling A Lucid Test Drive
Taking a Lucid test drive differs from walking into a typical car dealership and asking for the keys. The company encourages customers to set up an appointment in advance. There’s no word if this is a spillover from pandemic protocols or just that Lucid prefers to know who’s driving their cars ahead of time.
To schedule a Lucid Air test drive, visit the Lucid Motors website and navigate to the menu in the upper right corner. Select “Test Drive” and enter your contact information. A company representative will be in touch to schedule a test drive at the nearest Lucid Studio.
Alternatively, you can call a convenient Lucid location to arrange a test drive by phone.
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Lucid Studio Locations
Lucid doesn’t sell cars in the traditional sense; the company skips the large dealership buildings associated with established car companies. Instead, Lucid has Studio locations that feature a boutique-like environment (not unlike what Tesla offers); it’s a sedate setting. And like with Tesla, there’s no negotiating, so the take-it-or-leave-it approach to pricing eliminates the high-pressure environment of many dealerships.
A Studio visitor will encounter at least one Lucid Air car on the floor to sit in and explore. There will also be paint and upholstery samples to review. Outside, a Lucid Air is available for the test drive. According to the company, there are 29 Lucid Studio and service center locations in North America, with additional branches opening in 2023.
What To Know About Lucid Models
While Lucid has additional models in development, including the Gravity SUV, the only car it sells now is the Air sedan. The automaker markets several versions (trims) of the Air, although the debut Air Dream Edition with 1,111 horsepower is sold out.
The trim of the Lucid Air that you’ll use for the test drive will vary by location but will likely be either the Air Grand Touring or the Grand Touring. Given that each Air version has differences in horsepower, range, and other features, it’s essential to know what trim you’re driving and how it might differ from what you actually purchase.
Here’s an overview of each trim currently available for order:
Lucid Air Sapphire
Price: $249,000+
Horsepower: 1,200+ estimated
Range: Not available
Acceleration (0-60 mph): Under 2 seconds
Top Speed: 200+ mph
This performance-oriented version of the Air sits atop the lineup and is designed to take on the ultra-fast Tesla Model S Plaid. Lucid is expecting deliveries of the Air Sapphire to begin later in 2023.
Lucid Air Grand Touring
Price: $138,000+
Horsepower: Up to 1.050
Maximum Range: 516 miles
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 2.6-3.0 seconds
Top Speed: 168 mph
For those not needing the over-the-top capabilities of the Air Sapphire, the Air Grand Touring is next up. Buyers can choose between a Performance edition that maximizes acceleration or the standard Grand Touring that emphasizes range.
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Lucid Air Touring
Price: $107,400+
Horsepower: 620
Maximum Range: 425 miles (projected)
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.4 seconds
Top Speed: not available
The Air Touring offers impressive range and acceleration for a price similar to what BMW and Mercedes-Benz charge for their top-tier gas-powered sedans.
Lucid Air Pure
Price: $87,400+
Horsepower: 480 estimated
Maximum Range: 410 miles (projected)
Acceleration (0-60 mph): 3.8 seconds
Top Speed: not available
While $87,000 is not insignificant, luxury sedan shoppers, once considering a well-equipped BMW 5 Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class, can now choose a sleek Lucid Air Pure instead. However, the company has not yet confirmed when the Air Pure will start to hit the streets.
Taking A Lucid Test Drive
A test drive is the best way to get a feel for a car. If you’re interested in purchasing a Lucid, taking it out for a spin is a crucial step. This effort is even more important if you’re new to the world of EVs, as there are some differences from conventional cars. In particular, take note of the following:
- Acceleration: A Lucid Air is quicker than most cars on the road. So, unless you’re used to driving high-performance vehicles, be ready for acceleration that can be unsettling at first.
- Braking: Like most EVs, the Lucid Air can be configured for one-pedal braking. This method instantly slows and stops the car as the accelerator is released; excess energy is also captured to extend the range.
- Quietness: Because there’s no internal combustion engine, the Lucid Air’s cabin is tranquil, a condition enhanced by additional sound insulation. Be prepared to hear road noise and other exterior sounds you might not ordinarily be aware of.
Be sure to ask a Lucid staff person to walk you through how the EV features of the Air work, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with electric cars.
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Other Test Drive Tips
Regardless of the vehicle you’re checking out, there are some fundamental test drive tips to follow.
- Plan a Realistic Route: Leave it up to a salesperson, and you’ll be lucky to take a 15-minute test drive that doesn’t venture too far. But it’s fundamental to see how a car performs on multiple road types. Your test drive should include highways, local streets, and winding back roads.
- Set the Driving Position: Before heading out, ensure the driver’s seat, mirrors, and other equipment are adjusted so that you can focus on the drive, not the settings.
- Look for Blind Spots: Once correctly set up behind the wheel, look for blind spots that may make driving challenging. Check out these potential obstructions, especially while in motion (but pay attention to your driving).
- Turn Off the Radio: No matter how great the sound system may be, leave it off while driving. You’ll be able to concentrate on what really matters. Plus, you’ll better understand what’s going on inside and around the car.
- Practice Parking: Remember to include low-speed maneuvering in your test drive. See how the car handles in a parking lot, in a parallel parking spot, and, ideally, in your garage and driveway.
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