Lucid Motors has recently unveiled its newest addition, the Gravity SUV. The automaker is positioning the vehicle as a direct competitor to the Tesla Model X in the luxury EV space.
According to Lucid, the Gravity (pictured above) will offer generous space, a range of up to 440 miles (708 km), and a competitive price tag of around $80,000.
Although specific power and torque specifications are yet to be disclosed, Lucid states that the Gravity showcases its next-generation electric motors. These motors will enable the SUV to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.5 seconds. Additionally, it will have a towing capacity of 6,000 lbs (2,722 kg).
These specifications are superior to the Tesla Model X. The Model X takes 4.4 seconds to go from 0 to 60 mph (96 km/h). In addition, the Model X has a smaller towing capacity of 5,000 lbs (2,268 kg).
BREAKING: Lucid has fully unveiled its first ever SUV called the Gravity. Production starts late 2024.
• Starting price: $80,000
• Up to 440 mile range
• 0-60mph in 3.5s
• 350kW fast charging
• 6,000lb towingHow do you think it looks? More images in thread below. pic.twitter.com/L3SNJatCuf
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) November 16, 2023
While details regarding the size of the Gravity’s battery pack remain undisclosed, Lucid promises that it will be significantly smaller than its competitors’ packs. The company is targeting an impressive range of up to 440 miles (708 km), surpassing the Tesla Model X’s range of 348 miles (560 km).
The Lucid Gravity’s drag coefficient of 0.24 (similar to its Tesla counterpart) contributes to its impressive range. In addition, Lucid’s 900V electrical architecture allows the vehicle to recover up to 200 miles (322 km) of range in just 15 minutes.
Internally, the Gravity promises a cargo space of up to 112 cubic feet, thanks to its folding second and third-row seats. According to Carscoops, this exceeds the Model X’s 81.7 cubic feet (2,314 liters) of cargo space.
Lucid is also confident in the Gravity’s design. The Gravity will have exceptional legroom, ensuring a comfortable experience even for third-row passengers. The second-row passengers will enjoy a luxurious ambiance with adjustable seats and convenient, elongated tables that provide an airline-like experience.
With a starting price of approximately $80,000, the Lucid Gravity will offer customers more benefits than the Tesla Model X for approximately the same price.
Will Lucid’s financial woes hold back the Gravity?
However, the Model X may still triumph over the Lucid Gravity in the end. This is due to Lucid’s financial troubles.
Lucid Motors had net operating losses of $630.9 million in Q3. This shortfall was over $100 million greater than a year earlier. The company is selling each of its vehicles at a loss of roughly $433,000.
Industry watchers agree that EV makers must invest in affordable EVs to increase their profits. Unlike Tesla, Lucid doesn’t currently have any affordable EVs planned.
In addition, it will be much easier for Tesla to make future improvements to the Model X than it will be for Lucid to make improvements to the Gravity. With cash reserves of $26.07 billion, Tesla has far more money to spend on research and development than Lucid does. Lucid’s cash reserves are only $5.45 billion.
So as great as the Lucid Gravity appears, it remains an open question whether Lucid will have the funds necessary to sell the vehicle on a large scale.
Image Source: ri97