Lucid Motors claims to be “a luxury mobility company reimagining what a car can be.” Going head to head with class-leading luxury electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S, this California-based startup company just unveiled its first luxury sedan. Backed by several Chinese investors, Lucid CEO Peter Rawlinson, the former Tesla Model S chief engineer, is manufacturing the American-made electric vehicles in a newly-built Arizona production facility.

The 2021 Lucid Air Dream, the so-called “Tesla Killer,” offers high-end comfort and superior performance specs with a hefty price tag to match. While the Lucid Air sedan has a base price of $80,000, the Air Dream edition comes in at $169,000, leaving consumers to wonder if it’s worth the exorbitant price.

The 2021 Lucid Air Dream

Industry analysts at The Verge believe that the recently unveiled “Lucid has the internal knowledge and technical chops to ease Tesla’s grip as the maker of the ultimate electric sedan.”

If the 2021 Lucid Air Dream range estimates are accurate, it will become the class-leader with the capability of staying on the road for 503 miles between each charge, according to Car and Driver.

When connected to a DC fast-charging station, the custom lithium-ion battery will be able to add 300 miles of range in just under 20 minutes. The Lucid Air utilizes an ultra-high 900-volt-plus electrical system and thermal management system to enable this type of performance level. To sweeten the deal even further, Lucid owners receive three years of free charging across the Electrify America Network.

The dual-motor Dream edition is not only the most expensive model but also the most powerful. A whopping 1080 hp allows the aerodynamic sedan to hit 0 to 60 mph in 2.5 seconds, covering a quarter-mile in just under 10 seconds.

What makes this luxury vehicle so expensive?

Lucid Motors understands the importance of providing luxurious comfort to its drivers. To that end, it made use of a single 163-pound unit that houses the motor, transmission, and inverter. The Lucid Space Concept provides more room under the cockpit, allowing for a larger interior cabin.

The DreamDrive advanced driver assistance system has 32 strategically placed safety sensors. One of the fastest production cars on the market, the Lucid Air Dream edition will support hands-free highway driving. Radar, multiple cameras, laser light technology, and ultrasonic sensors are part of the state-of-the-art tech features found in the all-new luxury electric vehicle.

In comparison, the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, considered Tesla’s first formidable competitor, has a starting price of $185,000. It delivers branded opulence along with putting out 750 hp and 560 kW with its Overboost Power with Launch Control.

The Tesla Model S boasts the most powerful powertrain with the Raven upgrade. After reviewing the electric vehicle, MotorTrend commented, “the Model S can go from model citizen to rocket ship at the touch of a few buttons.” The magnetic synchronous reluctance motor puts out an impressive 690 hp with 824 lb-ft of torque. The starting price on this luxury ride is comparable to the Lucid Air Dream, coming in at around $150,000.

Availability of the all-new Lucid Air product line

Lucid Motors expects to start delivering the 2021 Lucid Air Dream in the spring of 2021. For consumers not wanting to spend upwards of $160,000, there will be a scaled-down version available for almost half the cost.

Other Lucid variants debuting in the spring of 2021 include the 620-hp Touring trim that will have a range of 406 miles with a starting price of $95,000. The 800-hp Grand Touring model will have the highest range of 517 miles, with a starting price of $139,000.

A performance Air, with each motor independently producing 650 hp, is expected to debut towards the end of 2021. The Lucid Air sedan, with a starting price of $80,000, will not be available until sometime in 2022. 

The startup automaker also teased a new all-electric SUV that will share a platform with the Air sedan. Production of the Gravity will begin in early 2021.