The Lucid Air had an impressive inaugural year. The all-electric sedan garnered its fair share of positive reviews and accolades, proving that its relatively new carmaker has been paying attention to the details in a way that few other upstarts do. The Lucid Air boasts some truly impressive engineering and throws around some big numbers, especially its current maximum output of 1,050 horsepower and a zero-to-60 time under 3 seconds. Add a bladder-busting estimated range of 516 miles, and this big luxury sedan is nearly unassailable among more established EVs. A Distinctive Class Apart!
There is, of course, another big number to consider, and that’s price. Models range from just below $90,000 to over $140,000.
So what’s next for Lucid?
In a word, more. More power, more performance, and not surprisingly, more money. The Air Sapphire is the new pinnacle of the lineup, adding a second electric motor to the rear axle, increasing output to 1,234 horsepower and 1,430 pound-feet of torque, and chopping its zero-to-60 time to 1.9 seconds. Meanwhile, the price climbs steeply to a quarter of a million dollars.
Thankfully, the engineers saw fit to upgrade the Sapphire with carbon ceramic brakes to get this 5,000-plus pound vehicle slowed down, along with wider high-performance tires and a sport-tuned suspension to keep it on the pavement. The Sapphire name will serve as Lucid’s performance division, similar to how BMW has its M Division and Mercedes-Benz has AMG.
Driving Experience
I had every intention of starting out the drive cautious, then ramping up the aggression as I found the courage and confidence. Lucid’s Director of Vehicle Dynamics, David Lickford, had other ideas. “Foot to the floor,” he said as we were only a block or two into the drive.
As I hit the accelerator, launching the Sapphire from 50 km/h to I-don’t-know-what quicker than I could gasp and giggle. “That was in Smooth mode,” Lickford continued, “so you’re only getting 700 hp or so.”
A short while later, he told me he’s engaging the Sapphire mode, which unleashes more of its performance potential. Track mode is available, but we never delved into that on this street drive. As we approached a freeway onramp, he directed me to floor it again once we straighten out. I complied, but traffic allowed for only a second or so of absurd acceleration.
Corning Conviction
Before I knew it, it was time to start making our way back to the staging location, but a winding hillside road lay between us and our destination. In keeping with the previous few km’s, Lickford encouraged me to wring out the Sapphire in the curves. Once again selecting the sportier drive modes, he directed me to “really give it some power through the turns to get a feel for the torque vectoring.”
As we approached an uphill left sweeper, I kept my foot on the accelerator with just enough pressure to maintain the Sapphire’s speed and balance. A smooth tip of the steering wheel revealed how much more agility is in reserve. The nose of the big sedan eagerly pointed into the bend and for a brief moment of steady-state cornering, it settled into the asphalt while smoothly shrugging off the ruts and bumps. Back into the throttle and I could feel the weight shift toward the rear, giving me even more confidence to push harder. The bespoke Michelin Pilot 4S rubber never made so much as a limited squeal. They just tracked beautifully from bend to bend.
Defing physics
It’s a testament to the smart programming and tuning of the traction and stability control systems in conjunction with those two rear motors. These systems monitor countless data points 1,000 times a second, expertly reacting with more power here and less power there. It’s reminiscent of the C7 Corvette’s performance traction modes that were intended to make track driving easier for less experienced pilots. That system would cut the power until the wheel straightened, then release the throttle restrictions. It was clunky and felt more like a crutch than a driver’s aid. The Sapphire’s does something similar, but the difference is, it’s actually good. I can certainly say this car is a distinctive class apart from the rest.
Just as things got really interesting, the drive was over, leaving me curious as to how the Sapphire will react to a racetrack. With any luck, we’ll find out soon.
All of this performance does have a price, and I’m not just referring to the dollar signs. The Sapphire’s ride quality is firmer than the standard Air, but not the least bit harsh. The difference is subtle and could be equated to the supporting model’s Sport mode.
How far will it go?
The meatier tires, rear spoiler, and bigger brakes and wheels also affect range. EPA estimates put it at 427 miles, which is obviously quite a few less than the 516 possible with the Air Grand Touring, but still better than most gasoline-powered cars let alone electric ones. Lucid smartly supplies more aerodynamic wheel covers to make up for some of those losses on longer road trips.
Configuration and Specifications
For the initial run of Sapphires, configurations are notably limited. It only comes in a striking metallic midnight blue paint scheme, and the panoramic glass roof is not available. There are also no options, as this model is essentially fully loaded. We’re told other paint choices are in the works for the future, though. Unlike some other exorbitantly priced luxury vehicles from Bentley or Maybach, Lucid does not offer a customization program. Then again, if you can drop a quarter million on a car, you should also be able to afford to hire a craftsperson to modify your Sapphire to your particular preference.
As impressive and inspiring as the Lucid Sapphire is, it presents some thought-provoking questions. Who is this vehicle for? Who would legitimately want to put a big luxury vehicle on a racetrack, and if they don’t, why would they bother considering one? Is it a case of, “If you build it they will come,” or is this simply another way to assert financial dominance over your annoying hedge fund neighbor and their lowly Lucid Air Grand Touring? Those questions are best answered by the few that can afford one, but I’m glad the Sapphire exists.
If you want to see more of this beautiful car, head over to Lucid Air configurator page and create you’re own.