In the world of high-performance electric vehicles, the Tesla Model S and the Lucid Air emerge as titans, each competing to redefine luxury, speed, and innovation. With a shared commitment to delivering cutting-edge driving experiences, these vehicles boast remarkable acceleration, large batteries, and unparalleled comfort.
Yet, beneath these similarities, several differences help them stand out in this race. This comparison will thoroughly evaluate several key aspects of both vehicles, including their performance, range, interior and exterior designs, battery and charging capabilities, and pricing.
Performance
When comparingthe performance of the Lucid Airand Tesla Model S, it’s best to evaluate the performance of these models' most powerful iterations, the Air Sapphire and the Model S Plaid.
The Lucid Air Sapphire boasts a three-motor setup with a staggering maximum output of 1,234 horsepower, which edges out the Plaid’s 1020 horsepower. Both vehicles claim a top speed in excess of 200mph, promising an exhilarating experience for those daring enough to explore their full potential. Additionally, Lucid claims the Air will hit 60 mph in 1.89 seconds, slightly ahead of the Tesla’s 1.99-second time.
However, the real distinction emerges in a quarter-mile race. As the Sapphire gains momentum, it starts building a lead over the Tesla Plaid. Lucid Air’s official claims state that its quarter-mile time is around 8.95 seconds, while Tesla holds a record of 9.23 seconds for the same distance with a 155-mph trap speed.
It’s important to note that while Air Sapphire’s performance claims are undeniably impressive, they remain untested in real-world conditions. Should these claims prove accurate, Lucid’s Air Sapphire could potentially dethrone Tesla’s Model S Plaid as the quarter-mile king.
The Model S Plaid, never one to back down from a challenge, matches the Air with its 200 mph top speed.
One of the crucial factors that potential EV buyers look out for is range, as it directly influences the vehicle’s usability and convenience. More range provides increased flexibility for longer journeys and reduces the need for frequent charging stops.
In this case, the Lucid Air Sapphire’s EPA-estimated range of up to 427 miles on a single charge significantly outshines the Tesla Model S Plaid’s estimated range of up to 396 miles, and both are listed amongthe longest-range EVs. The trend continues with the Lucid Air Grand Touring variant, which offers an even more impressive range of 516 miles compared to Tesla’s Model S, which provides a range of 405 miles.
The Air can travel so far on a full battery thanks to several factors, such as its larger battery back, compact and lightweight powertrain, and aerodynamic design. With such a long range, the Air is one of the best EVs toalleviate range anxiety—a common concern among EV owners regarding the distance they can travel on a single charge.
The Lucid Air wins the exterior battle with its unique aerodynamic design, showcasing a meaner front. Base Air Pure models feature a basic Stellar White paint; however, for a few thousand dollars extra, you’re able to choose black, silver, gray, and red colors.
You can have an Air with a platinum exterior and a glass roof, which makes the interior feel more airy and gives panoramic views of the sky. It also incorporates a protective layer that efficiently blocks heat and excessive sunlight.
Lucid has also upped its game with the introduction of the Stealth Look upgrade. Priced at $6,000, this package lets you choose a darker color for 35 exterior components, giving your vehicle a more aggressive look.
The Tesla Model S doesn’t feel as fresh as the Lucid Air, but it still packs a visual punch with its low stance and muscular body. It may be on the market for more than a decade, but after it was given a facelift in 2021, the Model S still looks like a desirable modern luxury sedan.
The Lucid Air’s luxurious and well-crafted interior looks and feels great, and it can accommodate up to five people. It strikes a balance between modernity and tradition, featuring a sizable portrait screen in the center (which retracts into the dashboard to reveal a large storage compartment) alongside physical buttons for essential functions.
The cabin’s ambiance is light and less formal than that of the Tesla (you may even get a two-tone interior with a back seat that’s a different color from the front), but it still looks conventional. Additionally, the choice of materials inside the Air’s cabin is diverse, including animal-free alternatives like PurLuxe and sustainable alpaca wool trim.
In contrast, the Tesla Model S maintains Tesla’s signature minimalist interior design. The Model S interior is dominated by a 17-inch touchscreen, with no physical controls protruding from behind the steering wheel. There’s also a smaller screen at the back for rear-seat passengers and otherinterior tech features specific to Tesla.
AmongTesla Plaid’s many amazing features, the most talked-about and unique one is the U-shaped yoke you can specify instead of a traditional steering wheel. Functions like the horn, turn signals, windshield wipers, and high beams are accessed through small touch-sensitive buttons embedded in the yoke’s two horizontal prongs.
Other notable features of Tesla’s interior include a durable glass roof, expansive rear cargo space, excellent levels of legroom in the front and rear seats, and heated leather seats.
The Lucid Air makes charging easier with its ultra-fast 900V Wunderbox system, capable of adding around 200 miles in just 12 to 15 minutes. It comes with aCCS charging portthat works with almost all public charging stations, automatically recognizing your Lucid Air and optimizing the charging process for maximum efficiency.
Adding to the convenience is Lucid’s partnership with Electrify America, which gives access to over 700 stations and 3,200 chargers nationwide. This collaboration makes charging the Lucid Air easier. Additionally, you’re able to also charge your Lucid Air at home via the Lucid Home Charging Station, which will cost you $1,200 plus installation fees.
The Lucid Air’s charging port is thoughtfully positioned at the front of the car for added convenience, and a lighting system indicates the charging status. There’s also a dedicated Lucid Air app that helps schedule and monitor your charge using your mobile phone.
In contrast to Lucid Air, Tesla boasts a significantly broader network of 45,000+ Supercharger stations across the US, along with multiple other charging alternatives. Tesla owners can conveniently charge their vehicles at home and work using convenient mobile and wall connectors.
The charging time from 0 to 100% varies based on the chosen method. The fastest option is a Tesla Supercharger, which you may find on major routes in the US and globally. Tesla Superchargers can also replenish a Model S' range at a rate of around 200 miles in 15 minutes or about the same as the Lucid.
Moreover, Tesla has established partnerships with well-known hotels, restaurants, resorts, and other destinations that offer wall connectors for charging. These are known asDestination Chargers, they exceed 40,000 in number. They are scattered across mostly urban but also some rural areas. This widespread availability of charging infrastructure makes Tesla a more dependable option for long-distance travel. Plus,Tesla’s battery longevityis certainly one of the best on the market as well.
The basic versions of the Tesla Model S and Model S Plaid in white paint cost $88,490 and $108,490, respectively. The black, blue, and silver colors each cost $1,500 extra, while the red paint will cost you double that amount. Both models come with 19" Tempest wheels, but you may opt for the 21" Arachnid Wheels for an extra $4,500.
Inside the Tesla Model S, the standard interior is all black. For $2,000 more, you’re able to personalize the interior in white and black or cream and black themes. While the base price includes a regular round steering wheel, you can get the yoke for only $250 more.
The Lucid Air lineup offers three models with varying price points. The Grand Touring starts at $125,600, the Touring at $95,000, and the Pure at $82,400. Depending on your preferences, you may personalize parts like the exterior color, interior color, appearance features, and wheels. The finalcost of your Lucid Air sedanwill reflect these customizations and exceed $200,000.
Keeping the base prices and the final costs after add-ons of both sedans in mind, it’s fair to say that the Lucid Air models are far more expensive than variants of the Tesla Model S. In fact, the Air Sapphire costs around $249,000, or more than double the price of the Tesla Model S Plaid.
Lucid Air vs. Tesla Model S: Which Luxury EV Is Worth the Price?
In the showdown between the Lucid Air and the Tesla Model S, both vehicles shine as remarkable contenders, each with its own unique strengths and offerings. The Lucid Air impresses with its record-breaking performance, superior range, and luxurious exterior. Conversely, the Tesla Model S stands out for its established Supercharger network, rich interior design, and competitive pricing.
Ultimately, the choice between these two luxury EVs rests on your preferences and priorities. Whether it’s features, speed, range, or driving comfort you require, you won’t go wrong with either the Lucid Air or the Tesla Model S.
