Lucid Motors recently unveiled the Gravity, its second flagship model and first SUV, at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the opening of Phase 2 of its AMP-1 facility in Casa Grande, Arizona. Electrek was given an exclusive tour of the facility, including a first look at the Gravity and an interview with Senior Vice President of Design and Brand, Derek Jenkins.
The Lucid Gravity is an all-electric SUV that boasts a staggering 9.81 m/s² of gravitational force. With adjustable air suspension, a sleek design, and a spacious interior, the Gravity aims to plant a California bear-shaped flag on the top of the luxury SUV market. In this review, we will take a closer look at the exterior and interior design, performance, and features of the Lucid Gravity.
Exterior Design
Gravity is more than just a luxury SUV; it represents a culmination of design elements and lessons learned from building the Lucid Air. With this SUV, Lucid aims to offer a premium-level “yin” to the Air’s “yang,” serving as a bookend to the ultra-luxe EVs and a segue into Lucid’s more affordable “mid-size” and beyond. At first glance, it looks quite big, but the long Vibe design and black on black color scheme make it look lower and skinnier than it is. The massive wheels, measuring 22 inches in the front and 23 inches in the back, also contribute to this illusion. However, standing next to the car, it is clear that it is sizable and has a sleek vibe to it.
During the factory tour, Jenkins shared some insights into the unique attributes and challenges of designing the Gravity. He assured us that Gravity would be the most aerodynamic SUV when it hits the market, sharing that the frunk seat and a completely new cockpit design were vital elements in achieving this goal.
The curved display in the Gravity has been moved up below the sight line and into full view, while the steering wheel is shorter but still rounded at the bottom. These changes address the issue seen in the Air, where about 35% of the driver’s display could be blocked from view by the steering wheel.
The Gravity has a drag coefficient of just 0.24, making it more aerodynamic than the Tesla Model X. The wheelbase is slightly longer than that of the BMW iX and the Ionic 5, giving it a spacious interior. While it does not have an off-road vibe like the Rivian R1S, it feels more like a Range Rover fighter than a Tesla Model X fighter.
The new color of the Lucid Gravity is called Tight Lunar Titanium, which has a space theme and a bronze Interstellar Supernova option. The front of the car has a sleek nose and a small grille, giving it a unique look. The frunk, or front trunk, is spacious and can hold up to 4.4 cubic feet of cargo.
Space Optimization and Third-Row Flexibility
Gravity offers a proper third row, which was a significant focus during the design process. The A-post is pushed far forward, and the driver and passenger are positioned closer to the front, enabling a large cargo and people area. The cabin is long and sleek, with a short nose and ample taper toward the back, preserving good third-row headroom.
The rear well stowage inside the trunk is enormous, and the ability to fold down the passenger cabin’s seats entirely flat is a major advantage. Jenkins mentioned that an 8.5-foot surfboard could fit diagonally in the trunk, and Lucid’s CEO, Peter Rawlinson, hopes that future owners will use it to transport 2x4s.
Interior Design
The interior design of the Lucid Gravity is both different and the same as other Lucid models. The screen has been moved up, and the steering wheel has been squished and given a sunset marker. The steering wheel is not a noon marker, but rather a 600 p.m. marker, as it is designed to be used during sunrise and sunset hours.
The design in the Gravity is minimalistic, yet warm, with a combination of materials that feel nice to touch. The Alcantara micro-suede and tan brown leather give the interior a luxurious feel, and the vertical infotainment sensor thing has been removed, making it more user-friendly.
The digital gauge cluster is the longest single screen in the industry, measuring 34 inches diagonally. The Sanctuary mode allows for a relaxing ambiance while charging, with ambient lighting and karaoke. The back seats have plenty of room, with the possibility of Captain’s chairs in the future. The Bento boxes provide customizable storage options, and the back seats can be folded away completely for a massive cargo area.
Performance and Features
The Lucid Gravity has a powertrain that is representative of the final product, with 800 horsepower and a top speed of 144 mph. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds and has a range of up to 517 miles. The suspension and damping are almost finished, and the car feels very similar to the Lucid Air from a passenger’s perspective.
The Gravity has a yoke-style steering wheel, which takes some getting used to, but provides a unique driving experience. The car handles well, with minimal pitch and dive during braking and acceleration. The regenerative braking system is smooth and efficient, and the car has a towing capacity of up to 8,000 pounds.
The Gravity also has plenty of safety features, including a 360-degree camera system, adaptive cruise control, and a collision warning system. The car can also be updated over the air, providing new features and improvements over time.
Consumer Expectations
When asked what US consumers would be most excited about with the Gravity, Jenkins mentioned two things: the unique cockpit design and the cargo experience. The steering configuration is unique, and the cargo experience offers micro cargo solutions, frunk space, trunk space, seat flexibility, and ample human space.
