Photo: Lucid / ZroHour (Johnny) on Twitter / autoevolution edit
People may not be fond of the Air, but they might enjoy the upcoming Gravity. After all, everyone and their dog prefer a higher driving position, bigger wheels, and less overall efficiency. So, if you're a for-profit company, just cave in and give customers what they desire. Happily, that's what Lucid is doing. But new videos of multiple prototypes while out and about raise a couple of legitimate questions and concerns.
Lucid matters in the world of quick, expensive, posh, and American-made all-electric vehicles. It's one of the industry's prominent innovators, boasting engineering solutions that even established brands like Aston Martin want to implement.
Even though it is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), the automaker has its headquarters in Newark, California, and a somewhat new plant in Arizona. The Casa Grande manufacturing facility was opened in 2020, but construction was finished in March this year. So, if you are buying a Lucid, you are spending money on an all-American product envisioned by Tesla's former Model S Chief Engineer, Peter Rawlinson, and his team.
By now, most people agree that Lucid's Air is a great first vehicle for a startup in this day and age. It has everything one may need. It's powered by electricity, so it can feel pretty quick when accelerating and even fast when the tri-motor version is considered. It doesn't disappoint when it comes to real-world range figures. It boasts a great layout, so the generous wheelbase allows for a spacious cabin.
Photo: Lucid
The software might have some bugs here and there, but that can be worked out through over-the-air updates.
The world may not need it, but it might deserve it
But since only a few people like buying sedans nowadays (especially very pricy ones), Lucid desperately needs an SUV. Even a crossover would suffice.
Enter Gravity. This SUV is meant to have the best range in its class and is anticipated to be capable of "setting new benchmarks across the board." If everything goes according to plan, we should see customers take delivery of the first Gravity SUVs as soon as Q1 or Q2 of next year.
But until the production line is up and running, let's look at recent videos showing how the Gravity behaves on public roads. We've previously shown you high-quality pictures of the camouflaged testing units, but a short clip published on Twitter by a motorist reveals some interesting aspects.
Photo: Joao Kleber Amaral / autoevolution
First, the overall shape of this vehicle reminds me of that time when I spent one month traveling in Germany. So many people were driving various generations of the VW Sharan (also sold as the Seat Alhambra in some markets). The Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) or minivan was an excellent transport solution for families. The version with sliding doors was especially good in this regard. Sadly, VW discontinued it.
A non-SUV-looking electric SUV
Second, since we're getting a better look at the rear of the vehicle while it's in motion, one could be inclined to say that it resembles the freshly updated 2024 Porsche Cayenne. That's at first glance, of course. Because as you look closer, you discover it doesn't have that specific, instantly recognizable SUV silhouette.
The Gravity's body is a tad bit elongated, which might be a way to prioritize headroom for those inside. There's no arching at the rear like we've seen on various vehicles since the BMW X6 debuted this type of automotive design. But alas, it's a three-row SUV. It should maximize interior space, so we can't blame Lucid for trying to give customers the best of both worlds.
Plus, the taillights are slimmer and have that specific middle section that's dropped down a little to host the make's name.
Some might even say that the Gravity is an evolved Toyota Sienna, which, to be honest, isn't very far from the truth. Others online have gone as far as to say that it looks like a posh hearse, which is a bit harsh.
Photo: Lucid
However, before jumping to conclusions, we should wait for the grand reveal. Camouflage is meant to play tricks with our eyes. There is a chance the Gravity might end up looking cooler than all the other three-row EV SUVs on the market. Hear that Rivian R1S and Tesla Model X?
The market giveth, and the market taketh away
But the same video available below shows the Gravity slamming its rear quarter onto the wheels rather hard. The SUV may be overloaded on purpose to test out the suspension system, but it does look heavy. Let's hope it is this and not the air springs being close to failing.
At the same time, it's essential to recall a moment from two years ago, when a Lucid executive confirmed in 2021 that the Gravity will not be a rock crawler. The brand might be going for the EQS SUV crowd, who prefer large vehicles with luxurious amenities and a softer ride that makes off-roading an incompatible activity.
We'll see what's what relatively soon because Lucid can't waste more time. The clock is ticking, and the company needs to convince prospective customers to spend their money before the economy starts contracting.
Finally, remember that Lucid also plans to release Tesla Model 3 and Model Y competitors. But the appearance of those models greatly depends on the success of the Gravity and how much cash the owners are willing to burn before profitability is reached.
Here's some better, close-up dashcam shots of the #LucidGravity from yesterday morning. In the slow-mo video, I do see why some comments say it looks more like a minivan than a SUV haha. #Lucid#EVspic.twitter.com/VEg927IuaA
Car shows on TV and his father's Fiat Tempra may have been Florin's early influences, but nowadays he favors different things, like the power of an F-150 Raptor. He'll never be able to ignore the shape of a Ferrari though, especially a yellow one. Full profile
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