Lucid Air Sapphire: The Model S Plaid in the Crosshairs

With the new Air Sapphire, Lucid offers an electric sedan capable of rivaling the Tesla Model S Plaid. But at what price…

Despite still marginal sales volumes, Lucid Motors aims to become one day the equal of Tesla. Based in America but largely financed by Saudi capital, this manufacturer has made a mark with its sedan Air, now available in a high-performance Sapphire version.

Over 300 km/h top speed

Presented during the Monterey Car Week in the United States, the Air Sapphire introduces a new line of sports vehicles for Lucid, which will expand as the manufacturer adds new models to its catalog. Equipped with 3 electric motors (two at the back and one at the front), it boasts over 1200 hp. The Model S Plaid, which has 1020 hp, is thus significantly outperformed in this area. But apparently, this doesn’t translate into an enormous performance gap between the two rivals. Both Lucid and Tesla can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in less than two seconds, and they are neck and neck in quarter-mile runs, both completing the exercise in about 9 seconds. Their top speeds are also very close (322 km/h for the Model S Plaid, “more than 200 mph (that is 322 km/h)” for the Air Sapphire).

Focusing on the performance of its new offering, Lucid Motors “forgets” to mention the crucial point of range. The manufacturer also doesn’t disclose the battery capacity, which reaches 118 kWh in the launch series Dream Edition.

Visually slightly more aggressive than other versions, the Sapphire sports a blue body color unavailable elsewhere in the range. The upholstery combining black leather and the same-colored alcantara is also unique to this model. Additionally, the Sapphire benefits from special wheels, ceramic carbon brakes, and new suspension settings.

Reserved for a wealthy clientele

The Lucid Air Sapphire will be sold at $249,000. An extremely high price, which seems even more so when compared to the Model S Plaid (about $130,000). Production will be limited, but the number of units planned has not been disclosed. The first customers will be served later next year.

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