Lucid Motors has introduced a 1200HP, sub-2 second 0-60 mph ultra-high-performance variant of their already lightning quick Lucid Air model. Dubbed the Lucid Air Sapphire, the manufacturer promises that this is only the start for their new in-house performance division.
The exact numbers are anyone's guess. For now, Lucid's performance bullet points include; sub-two second 0-60, sub-four second 0-100, a sub-nine second quarter mile time, and a top speed in excess of 200mph. Apart from these bits, there are a plethora of other features that make the Lucid Air Sapphire the ultimate luxury electric super sedan.
Lucid Air Sapphire Is The Fastest Electric Sedan
With such staggering performance numbers, it's safe to assume that this might be one of the quickest electric-powered sedans when it arrives in the first half of 2023. Currently, the quickest production sedan title is held by none other than the Tesla Model S Plaid. Could the Lucid knock it from its pedestal? There's certainly no doubt that Lucid would benefit from taking that crown from Tesla.
Similar to the Tesla Plaid cars, the new Air Sapphire will have a three-motor powertrain design. Lucid is very proud of its in-house development and the new twin motor rear drive unit shown here is no exception. Their design is super compact, efficient, and designed with both performance and reliability in mind. The current Lucid Air models have up to 1050hp in dual motor configuration.
With this new technology and three-motor powertrain, they're looking at power figures over 1200hp. Not only does that put the Air Sapphire in the running for the most powerful electric sedan in the world, but it also means that they could have the most powerful sedan (regardless of fuel type) in the world.
Lucid Air Sapphire Vs Ultra-High-Performance Luxury Sedans
The obvious comparison that everyone is going to jump to here is this. Is it better than the Tesla Model S Plaid? That's going to be a tough comparison. For one, Lucid is already struggling with delivering the cars that it's currently making. Although they're picking up the pace, global supply chain issues seem to be plaguing them as they grow.
Of course, Tesla is no stranger to these issues either. The poster child for US EV manufacturing is having some of the same problems. Then there's the price. The 2022 Model S Plaid starts at $135,990, with some options checked off you can get it up to the $150k mark. Lucid says the new Air Sapphire will come in at $249,000, a number that they're not shy about.
In the press release, they're very much trying to set this new model above everything else. There are plenty of hints at the exclusive, upscale, ultra-luxury experience that you'll get with this car. The Air Sapphire will have limited production numbers, with exclusive paint options, and interior trim that is different from the standard Air, and don't forget about all that horsepower.
Those types of changes from the base model may just be the thing that entices potential buyers to opt for the Lucid over a relatively plain Tesla Model S Plaid.
Lucid Air Sapphire Is Fast And Ultra-Luxurious
Well, for starters, it's a gorgeous piece of design. It's all subjective of course. But, when considering the historic styling and design of EVs, this is one of the best looking there is to date. They've put extra effort into making the car even more aerodynamic than before. Instead of it coming out looking more like a car designed only with efficiency in mind, they somehow took their elegant design and made it more attractive.
The addition of blacked-out trim and other exterior pieces with the standard (on Sapphire) "Stealth Look" package really helps blend everything together. Part of the package; those crazy center locking, carbon fiber capped, black wheels look more destined for a LeMans prototype racecar than an electric sedan. No complaints here.
The forward-thinking, beautiful design work carries on inside the Lucid Air Sapphire. While the standard Air is well-equipped and luxurious inside, the Sapphire takes it to a new level. Instead of choosing colors alone, Lucid offers "themes" on the interior of their cars. The automaker puts different materials and textures in each one to compliment the color palate.
The Sapphire will receive a special interior theme that is exclusive to the model, called Sapphire Mojave. Black leather and Alcantara suede seats are trimmed with an exterior matching Sapphire Blue stitching, while the same Alcantara material covers the headliner trimming as well as the steering wheel. The sportier bolstered seats are said to be equally luxurious feeling, with heating, cooling, and massage features standard.
Take the sum of all of those pieces, wrap them up in the special Sapphire Blue launch color, and you've got one of the most exciting EV releases in a year of great EV releases. It's gorgeous, it's technologically advanced, and it's got over 1200hp. What's not to love?
Source: Lucid Motors