2025 Lucid Gravity Debuts as Tesla Model X Rival, Packs 440 Miles of Range, Sub-$80k MSRP

Lucid Motors is struggling to stay afloat in today's harsh economic conditions, and the latest financial data released in October don't look like it's succeeding. The EV startup reported lackluster production and deliveries, which, combined with staggering losses, don't paint an optimistic image of its future. But that doesn't change the company's long-term strategy, and a seven-seater SUV is critical.

Lucid Motors revealed plans for the Gravity SUV exactly one year ago when it promised exhilarating performance and an unprecedented electric range. The EV startup claimed state-of-the-art aerodynamics and efficiency that were supposed to offer the Gravity SUV "more range than any other EV (except for those from Lucid)." Not only that, but Lucid also promised supercar-level performance and unprecedented luxury.

We can say that Lucid kept its promises now that we've seen the Gravity. The cabin looks well-built, with fine materials and a warm atmosphere. We might say we already know it from the Air sedan, but it's not quite the same. Lucid changed the most important details, including the dashboard, the infotainment screens, and even the steering wheel.

The EV startup calls the user interface Clearview Cockpit, and the Gravity features an improved version compared to its little brother, the Air sedan. It features a massive 34-inch curved OLED display that floats above the peculiarly shaped steering wheel. It's a squircle resembling the steering wheel Peugeot installs on its European passenger cars. The Pilot Panel screen features a quick access touch bar floating above the new glass center console that hides additional storage.

The cabin offers a flexible seating layout, with second and third-row seats that fold flat into the floor. The sliding second-row seats feature integrated convenience tables. Lucid promises "remarkable legroom" for the passengers in the third row, making the Gravity ideal for family trips. The usable cargo space expands to 112 cu-ft (3,171 liters) when the second and third rows are folded.

The jury is still out on the exterior design, which made some critics say it looks like a glorified hearse. The Gravity SUV looks more like a minivan with a tapered rear designed for aerodynamics rather than good looks. It worked, as shown by the 0.24 drag coefficient, which it claims is unsurpassed by other three-row SUVs. The remarkable aerodynamics allow it to boast "in excess of 440 miles" (708 km) of range, leaving its main rival, the Tesla Model X (348 miles/560 km), in the dust.

Lucid Gravity builds on top of the company's 900-volt electrical architecture, which allows it to offer ultra-fast charge rates. Lucid says the Gravity can add up to 200 miles of range in about 15 minutes of charging on a 350-kW DC fast charger. The seven-seater features Lucid's proprietary, ultra-compact powertrain technology, including the most power-dense EV motors in production globally. The power peaks at 800 horsepower, allowing Gravity to accelerate from zero to 60 mph (97 kph) in less than 3.5 seconds.

Despite earlier speculation that Gravity could be Lucid's most expensive product yet, the EV startup announced a much more sensible pricing. The seven-seater will start under $80,000, which puts it shoulder to shoulder with the Tesla Model X. Considering that production start is expected to begin in late 2024, it will be interesting to see if Lucid Motors will stick to this promise.