Lucid Gravity SUV boasts over 440 EV miles, sub-$80,000 base value

Lucid will handle the meat of the new-vehicle market with a crossover SUV dubbed the Gravity.

On Thursday, the Lucid Gravity electrical three-row crossover SUV debuted on the 2023 LA auto present. When it arrives late in 2024 Lucid tasks the Gravity may have over 440 miles of vary and base fashions will value lower than $80,000. Nevertheless, these two numbers will not be for a similar car.

Lucid will not discuss specifics but relating to the Gravity’s powertrain, however it’ll launch with a dual-motor variant first with a 0-60 mph time of lower than 3.5 seconds. Energy output is unknown, however all-wheel drive might be commonplace because of a motor at every axle. Just like the Air sedan, a single-motor rear-wheel-drive and tri-motor Sapphire mannequin will possible arrive in due time. The motors are stated to be a next-generation variation of what is discovered within the Air sedan.

Particulars are nonetheless being finalized with manufacturing a yr out, however the Gravity’s coefficient of drag is at present about 0.24, however the staff’s aiming for 0.23 by the point manufacturing begins. That may make it probably the most aerodynamic three-row crossover SUV. At 198 inches lengthy the Gravity is 1.3 inches longer than the Cadillac Lyriq.

The Gravity relies on a brand new vehicle-specific platform with an evolution of the automaker’s 900-volt electrical structure. Lucid stated the Gravity might be able to including 200 miles of vary in quarter-hour with a pack that is about the identical dimension as what’s discovered within the Air. An accessible air suspension might be paired with adaptive dampers. Lucid hasn’t detailed how a lot floor clearance the Gravity may have in its regular, max, or lowest peak.

Lucid execs stated the Gravity’s forte might be on-road efficiency, however it’ll have an affordable quantity of off-road functionality, may have a payload score of 1,500 kilos, and can tow as much as 6,000 kilos.

The design of the Gravity developed from the idea teased in 2020. The general proportions with brief overhangs, rounded entrance finish, and Air sedan-like particulars are all current, however the roofline’s modified within the title of aerodynamics. The rear portion of the roof tapers off with a spoiler that flows off the C-pillars to assist management the airflow. The excessive beam lights are mounted mid-bumper beneath the horizontal low beams, and the entrance trunk opening extends down into the entrance bumper for low liftover peak. In contrast to the Air the Gravity’s cost port door isn’t power-operated and it flips up and to the left when opened. The frunk may have an non-obligatory seating pad that clips in and makes it comfy for 2 adults to go frunkgating. There are even two cup holders beneath the hood, one on all sides of the frunk.

Contained in the Gravity evolves the Air’s dashboard design. The 34-inch curved OLED digital show is now one stable display as a substitute of three screens beneath one panel of glass. The steering wheel is sort of a squircle design with two touchpads with haptic suggestions. It sits decrease than the steering wheel within the air to keep away from blocking the view of the digital gauge cluster. A brand new horizontal 12.6-inch touchscreen homes the automaker’s next-generation working system, dubbed, UX 3.0, and it encompasses a new, sooner, electrical structure than the Air. Onerous button toggles and knobs stay for the core audio (quantity knob) and local weather management capabilities. The second row characteristic airplane-like fold-out tables—Lucid believes house owners will carry their very own tablets for work and play, and doesn’t see a must construct in tablets for a rear-seat infotainment system that can really feel dated in a number of years. 

Each Gravity options three full rows of seats with room for seven passengers. A six-seat mannequin with second-row captain’s chairs is within the works, however will not be accessible at launch. At 5 foot 10 I used to be in a position to comfortably sit behind myself in all three rows. The second row split-folds in 40:20:40 sections, whereas the third row folds flat right into a cargo nicely in 50:50 sections with minivan-like packaging. When the third row’s within the upright place a false ground within the cargo space hides storage. With each the second and third rows folded Lucid stated gadgets which might be 7.5 ft lengthy can match contained in the Gravity, and an 8.5-foot surfboard can match diagonally. Whole cargo area is 112 cubic ft, and that features the frunk, which measures about seven ft. 

Each Gravity will characteristic computerized emergency braking, energetic lane management, blind-spot screens, a surround-view digicam system, and cruise management. The automaker’s DreamDrive Professional driver-assistance system might be accessible, which finally guarantees to ship semi-autonomous driving performance.