2022 Lucid Air Touring Review: Is It Worth It?

Hey guys! Today, we’re diving deep into the 2022 Lucid Air Touring. This isn't just another electric vehicle review; we're talking about a car that's making serious waves in the EV world. So, buckle up as we explore everything that makes the Lucid Air Touring stand out, from its stunning design and mind-blowing performance to its luxurious interior and cutting-edge technology. We'll also be taking a hard look at whether it lives up to the hype and, most importantly, if it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Let's get started!

Overview of the Lucid Air Touring

The Lucid Air Touring is positioned as the mid-tier offering in the Lucid Air lineup, bridging the gap between the entry-level Pure and the high-performance Grand Touring and Sapphire models. What sets the Touring apart is its balance of range, power, and luxury, all while maintaining a relatively (and I use that word loosely considering the price tag) accessible price point compared to its higher-end siblings. It’s designed to appeal to those who want a taste of Lucid's groundbreaking technology and opulent features without breaking the bank entirely. The Air Touring boasts impressive specs, including a dual-motor all-wheel-drive system that delivers substantial horsepower and acceleration. It also offers a long-range battery pack, ensuring fewer stops on those long road trips. Inside, the cabin is a testament to modern luxury, featuring high-quality materials, a minimalist design, and an array of advanced tech features. The central focus is the 34-inch curved display that sweeps across the dashboard, providing a seamless interface for navigation, entertainment, and vehicle settings. The spacious interior offers plenty of room for passengers and cargo, making it a practical choice for families or anyone who values comfort and versatility. Safety is also a priority, with a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems designed to enhance safety and convenience on the road. All in all, the Lucid Air Touring aims to deliver a compelling blend of performance, luxury, and sustainability, making it a standout contender in the competitive electric vehicle market. But does it succeed? Keep reading to find out!

Performance and Handling

When it comes to performance and handling, the Lucid Air Touring truly shines. The dual-motor all-wheel-drive system provides instant torque and blistering acceleration. We’re talking about a car that can go from 0 to 60 mph in just a little over 3 seconds, which is seriously impressive. The electric motors deliver smooth, linear power, making the driving experience both exhilarating and refined. Whether you're merging onto the highway or overtaking slower traffic, the Air Touring responds with effortless ease. The all-wheel-drive system also enhances traction and stability, giving you confidence in various driving conditions. On winding roads, the Air Touring handles surprisingly well for its size. The low center of gravity, thanks to the battery pack mounted beneath the floor, contributes to excellent stability and minimal body roll. The steering is precise and well-weighted, providing good feedback and a sense of connection to the road. The adaptive suspension system further enhances the driving experience, adjusting to road conditions and driving style to deliver a comfortable and controlled ride. In Sport mode, the suspension firms up, the steering becomes more responsive, and the powertrain unleashes its full potential, transforming the Air Touring into a true performance machine. Even in Comfort mode, the ride remains smooth and composed, making it a great daily driver. The regenerative braking system is also noteworthy, allowing for one-pedal driving in many situations. This not only simplifies the driving experience but also helps to maximize energy efficiency. Overall, the Lucid Air Touring offers a dynamic and engaging driving experience that rivals many high-performance sports cars, all while delivering the benefits of electric propulsion. It's a car that's equally at home on the open road as it is navigating city streets, making it a versatile and compelling choice for driving enthusiasts.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Stepping inside the Lucid Air Touring, you're immediately greeted by a cabin that exudes modern luxury and technological sophistication. The design is minimalist yet elegant, with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail evident throughout. The centerpiece of the interior is the 34-inch curved Glass Cockpit display that spans the dashboard. This stunning display integrates three separate screens into a single, seamless interface, providing access to navigation, entertainment, vehicle settings, and more. The graphics are crisp and clear, and the touch response is quick and intuitive. Below the main display, there's a retractable Pilot Panel that controls frequently used functions such as climate control and audio settings. This panel can be stowed away to reveal a hidden storage compartment, adding to the clean and uncluttered aesthetic of the cabin. The seats are incredibly comfortable, offering ample support and cushioning for long journeys. Both front and rear seats are heated and ventilated, ensuring optimal comfort in any weather. The rear seats also offer plenty of legroom and headroom, making the Air Touring a comfortable choice for passengers of all sizes. The panoramic glass roof further enhances the sense of spaciousness and openness, flooding the cabin with natural light. In terms of technology, the Lucid Air Touring is packed with features. It includes a premium audio system with crystal-clear sound quality, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and a suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. These systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, and more, all designed to enhance safety and convenience on the road. The Air Touring also features over-the-air software updates, allowing Lucid to continuously improve and add new features to the vehicle over time. This ensures that the car stays up-to-date with the latest technology and remains competitive in the ever-evolving electric vehicle market. Overall, the interior of the Lucid Air Touring is a testament to modern luxury and technological innovation, providing a comfortable, connected, and engaging driving experience.

Range and Charging

One of the most critical aspects of any electric vehicle is its range and charging capabilities, and the Lucid Air Touring doesn't disappoint. This EV boasts an impressive EPA-estimated range, making it one of the leaders in its class. The long-range battery pack is designed to alleviate range anxiety, allowing you to embark on long journeys with confidence. In real-world testing, the Air Touring has proven to deliver close to its claimed range, even in varying driving conditions. This is a significant advantage over some other EVs that tend to fall short of their EPA estimates. When it comes to charging, the Lucid Air Touring supports ultra-fast DC fast charging, allowing you to add significant range in a short amount of time. At a compatible DC fast-charging station, you can replenish hundreds of miles of range in under an hour, making it convenient for road trips. The Air Touring also comes with a standard onboard charger for Level 2 charging at home or at public charging stations. Level 2 charging is slower than DC fast charging but is a convenient option for overnight charging. Lucid also offers a connected car app that allows you to monitor your vehicle's charge status, find nearby charging stations, and schedule charging sessions. The app also provides useful information such as estimated range, charging time, and energy consumption. Furthermore, Lucid has partnered with Electrify America to provide owners with access to a nationwide network of fast-charging stations. This partnership ensures that Air Touring owners have access to reliable and convenient charging options wherever they go. Overall, the Lucid Air Touring offers a compelling combination of long-range capability and fast-charging technology, making it a practical and convenient choice for EV buyers. Whether you're commuting to work or embarking on a cross-country road trip, the Air Touring has the range and charging infrastructure to meet your needs.

Pricing and Value

Let's talk about the elephant in the room: pricing and value. The Lucid Air Touring occupies a premium spot in the electric vehicle market, and its price reflects that. While it's positioned as the mid-tier model in the Air lineup, it still commands a significant investment. The starting price is definitely something to consider, and it's important to weigh it against the features, performance, and range that the Air Touring offers. When evaluating the value proposition, it's essential to consider the Air Touring's competitive set. It goes head-to-head with other high-end electric vehicles, such as the Tesla Model S, the Mercedes-Benz EQS, and the Porsche Taycan. Compared to these rivals, the Air Touring offers a unique blend of luxury, performance, and range that sets it apart. It also boasts a more spacious and comfortable interior than some of its competitors. However, the Air Touring's higher price point may be a barrier for some buyers. It's crucial to assess your individual needs and priorities to determine whether the Air Touring's premium features and performance justify the cost. Factors to consider include your daily driving habits, your charging infrastructure, and your desire for luxury and advanced technology. It's also worth noting that electric vehicles, in general, offer long-term cost savings compared to gasoline-powered cars. These savings come from lower fuel costs, reduced maintenance requirements, and potential tax incentives. When factoring in these long-term savings, the Air Touring's overall value proposition becomes more compelling. Ultimately, the decision of whether the Lucid Air Touring is worth the investment depends on your individual circumstances and preferences. If you prioritize luxury, performance, and long-range capability, and you're willing to pay a premium for it, then the Air Touring is definitely worth considering. However, if you're on a tighter budget, there are other electric vehicles that offer a more affordable entry point into the EV market.

Final Verdict

So, what’s the final word on the 2022 Lucid Air Touring? In conclusion, the Lucid Air Touring is a remarkable electric vehicle that delivers on its promise of luxury, performance, and range. It offers a compelling blend of cutting-edge technology, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a dynamic driving experience. The Air Touring's long-range capability and fast-charging technology make it a practical choice for both daily commutes and long road trips. However, its high price point may be a barrier for some buyers. If you're willing to invest in a premium electric vehicle that offers a truly exceptional driving experience, the Lucid Air Touring is definitely worth considering. It's a car that's sure to turn heads and impress even the most discerning drivers. But is it worth it? If you have the budget and are looking for a top-of-the-line EV, then yes, it very well might be. Thanks for joining me on this review, and I'll catch you in the next one!