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2024 Lucid Air vs Tesla Model S: What To Choose?
The Lucid Air stands out in the electric car market with its exceptional engineering, offering a 60 mph acceleration in 3.0 seconds and a 400-mile range. Even luxury competitors like the Porsche Taycan, Mercedes-AMG EQS53, and Tesla Model S excel in only one of these aspects. The entry-level Pure trim is noteworthy for its innovative technology, unique battery design, and power-dense electric motors derived from Formula E racing. On the other hand, the Tesla Model S, still serving as the brand’s flagship, boasts a 405-mile range, impressive performance, and agility. While the Lucid Air challenges with more range, similar performance, and a more upscale cabin, Tesla maintains its edge with brand notoriety and a vast Supercharger network. The Model S remains competitive with its high-tech features and impressive driving range.
| Lucid Air | Tesla Model S | |
| Dimensions | 195.9 in x 76.2 x 55.4 in | 197.7 in x 78.2 in x 56.3 in |
| Motor | permanent magnet sync AC motors | 3 permanent magnet sync AC motors |
| Horsepower | 620 hp | 1020 hp |
| Torque | 885 lb-ft | 1050 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.0 sec | 2.1 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 6.7 sec | 4.3 sec |
| Top-Speed | 140 mph | 162 mph |
Lucid Air
Motor & Performance
The basic Lucid Air Pure has one electric motor in the back that gives it a solid 430 hp. Other models kick it up a notch with two electric motors, making it AWD with different horsepower options. The Touring has 620 hp, and the Grand Touring is a powerhouse with a whopping 1050. The big shot now is the Lucid Air Sapphire, flexing a huge 1234 hp with three electric motors. The fancier Grand Touring Air models come with a big 112.0-kWh battery and quick DC fast charging. The simpler Pure and Touring versions use a slightly smaller 92-kWh battery. The basic Pure can go about 410 miles on one charge, and the mid-range Touring gets 425 miles. The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Performance models go even further with 516 and 446 miles of range.
Price & Mileage
The Lucid Motors Air begins at $78,900 for the Pure RWD and goes all the way up to $250,500 for the Sapphire AWD. We’d recommend going for the Pure model. The most fuel-efficient Air gets a rating of 131 MPGe combined, while the Performance version is a bit lower at 111 MPGe combined.
Acceleration & Features
The Grand Touring and Grand Touring Performance versions showed off their speed with a quick 3.0-second time to reach 60 mph, and you can easily do it again using the car’s launch mode. The Touring model, a bit more budget-friendly and less powerful, matched that same 3.0-second mark. Meanwhile, the Pure, which has RWD, took a bit longer at 4.3 seconds. The difference in power becomes more noticeable when reaching 130 mph. The Touring did it in 12.0 seconds, while the Grand Touring zipped by in a speedy 10.3 seconds.
Tesla Model S
Motor & Performance
Experience seamless AWD with the Model S, boasting an electric motor for both front and rear axles. The acceleration across models spans from remarkable to downright jaw-dropping. Opt for heavy or light steering with two distinct settings, though neither amplifies road feedback. Beneath the Tesla’s chassis rests a battery pack, ensuring a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution from front to rear. Driving range and acceleration differ among models; the base version delivers up to 320 miles, while the long-range model extends it to an impressive 405 miles. This diversity in performance caters to varied driving preferences and needs, making the Model S a versatile choice for electric car enthusiasts.
Price & Mileage
Boasting incredible speed, the Plaid model may catch your eye, but its hefty starting price of six figures might make you think twice. Unless you’re absolutely fixated on the lightning-quick pace of a Top Fuel dragster. Commencing at $110,130, the Model S Plaid raises questions about its overall value. On the other hand, the Long Range model showcases impressive MPGe ratings, hitting 102 in the city and 99 on the highway. If you’re seeking a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness, exploring the long-range option might be a more prudent move.
Acceleration & Features
The Tesla Model S Plaid is crazy fast, hitting 60 mph in just 2.1 seconds. Inside, it’s all about simple and cool design, with a big screen that controls almost everything. It’s like a tech paradise, but there’s a little catch – the screen being up on the dashboard might make you lean forward to reach some buttons, which could be a bit tricky. But, if you love super-fast speeds and a modern look, the Model S Plaid is a winner.