Lucid Motors launched a new pair of Air models ahead of the LA Auto Show. The more interesting of the two is the new Air Pure. Aimed squarely at the Tesla Model S, the Air Pure offers more range and a starting price that’s $17,590 less. That is if you’re willing to wait for the RWD version, which will ship in the first quarter of 2023. Until then, you can order the Air Pure AWD for $92,900 which is still $12,090 less than the Tesla Model S.
The Air Pure AWD has two motors making 480 hp. That’s enough to send the 5000+ pound sedan from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.8 sec. The EPA-estimated range is 410 miles on a single charge, beating the Model S by 5 miles. With new aero wheels, the Air Pure also becomes the world’s most aerodynamic production vehicle, with a landmark 0.197 coefficient of drag.
The Air Pure underfloor battery packs are built from 18 modules instead of 22 in the Air Grand Touring. This results in a smaller 92 kWh battery pack. The four absent modules are from the area under the rear passengers’ feet, which results in a much lower and expansive rear floor that gives the Pure a far more natural and comfortable rear seating position. The Air Pure can take advantage of 350 kW DC fast-charge station, allowing it to add 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes.
Air Pure comes standard with the DreamDrive advanced driver assistance system, and can be upgraded to DreamDrive Pro, which includes 32 sensors that are all seamlessly integrated. Cameras, short- and long-range radars, an array of ultrasonic sensors are all augmented by a high-resolution LIDAR that uses laser beams to measure distance from objects and works in a variety of adverse weather conditions. DreamDrive Pro delivers an expanded suite of features today, like Surround View Monitoring, Blind Spot Display, and Highway Assist. Best of all, DreamDrive and DreamDrive Pro are both future-ready with over-the-air software updates.
Air Pure is the first Air model to come with an all-metal roof. It is made entirely of aluminum, which minimizes weight. A new paint color is also introduced to the Lucid family with Air Pure, called Fathom Blue. This color, inspired by the Pacific Ocean, is multidimensional, with subtle, cool tones that shift with the light of day.
The Air Pure features the Mojave PurLuxe interior, which is crafted from a bespoke combination of a remarkably soft and durable leather alternative and a unique and high-quality fabric called Dune. Inspired by midcentury modern furniture, Dune is made from 100% recycled woven textile. Overall, these materials lend Air Pure a warm and timeless style all its own.
Production of the dual-motor, all-wheel-drive Air Pure begins next month, with initial customer deliveries expected before the end of the year, and will be followed next year with the single-motor, rear-wheel-drive variant.
