The Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance, produced from 2021 to 2023, represents the initial high-performance offering from the American electric vehicle manufacturer, Lucid Motors. Positioned as the flagship variant within the first generation of the Air model line, it aimed to establish Lucid as a serious competitor in the burgeoning luxury EV market. The Dream Edition Performance focused on delivering exceptional acceleration and range, showcasing the potential of Lucid’s in-house developed electric powertrain and battery technology. It served as a technological demonstrator, highlighting the company’s ambitions to surpass established EV manufacturers like Tesla in terms of both performance and luxury.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lucid |
| Model | Air |
| Generation | Air |
| Type | Dream Edition Performance 118 kWh (1111 Hp) AWD Electric |
| Start of production | 2021 |
| End of production | 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | BEV (Electric Vehicle) |
| Body type | Sedan |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 4 |
| Fuel Type | Electricity |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 2.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 2.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 2.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 270 km/h (167.77 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 2.1 kg/Hp, 467.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 1.7 kg/Nm, 585.3 Nm/tonne |
| Gross battery capacity | 118 kWh |
| Net (usable) battery capacity | 118 kWh |
| Battery voltage | 924 V |
| Battery technology | Lithium-ion (Li-Ion) |
| Battery location | Below the floor |
| All-electric range (EPA) | 726 km (451.12 mi) |
| Average Energy consumption (EPA) | 18.9 kWh/100 km (30.42 kWh/100 mi) |
| MPGe | 111 |
| km/kWh | 5.3 |
| mi/kWh | 3.3 |
| Electric motor power (Front) | 496 Hp |
| Electric motor location (Front) | Front axle, Transverse |
| Electric motor power (Rear) | 615 Hp |
| Electric motor location (Rear) | Rear axle, Transverse |
| System power | 1111 Hp |
| System torque | 1390 Nm (1025.21 lb.-ft.) |
| Kerb Weight | 2375 kg (5235.98 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2850 kg (6283.17 lbs.) |
| Max load | 475 kg (1047.2 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 627 l (22.14 cu. ft.) |
| Length | 4975 mm (195.87 in.) |
| Width | 1939 mm (76.34 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2196 mm (86.46 in.) |
| Height | 1414 mm (55.67 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2960 mm (116.54 in.) |
| Front track | 1669 mm (65.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1666 mm (65.59 in.) |
| Front overhang | 941 mm (37.05 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1075 mm (42.32 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 136 mm (5.35 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.21 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.9 m (39.04 ft.) |
| Approach angle | 11° |
| Departure angle | 14° |
| Drivetrain Architecture | One electric motor drives the front wheels, one electric motor drives the rear wheels. |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 1 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Spring Strut, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 380×38 mm |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs, 375×30 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Front wheel tires | 245/35 R21 |
| Rear wheel tires | 265/35 R21 |
| Front wheel rims | 8.5J x 21 |
| Rear wheel rims | 9.5J x 21 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Dream Edition Performance utilizes a dual-motor, all-wheel-drive (AWD) powertrain. Each motor independently powers an axle, providing on-demand torque vectoring for enhanced handling. The front motor produces 496 horsepower, while the rear motor delivers a substantial 615 horsepower, combining for a system output of 1111 horsepower and 1390 Nm (1025.21 lb.-ft.) of torque. The powertrain operates on a 924-volt architecture, a relatively high voltage for EVs at the time of its release, enabling faster charging speeds and improved energy efficiency. The 118 kWh lithium-ion battery pack is mounted low in the vehicle’s chassis, contributing to a low center of gravity and improved stability. Lucid’s battery management system (BMS) is crucial for optimizing battery life, performance, and safety. The single-speed gearbox provides seamless acceleration, characteristic of electric vehicles.
Driving Characteristics
The Dream Edition Performance delivers breathtaking acceleration. Its 0-60 mph time of 2.5 seconds places it among the quickest production sedans available. The dual-motor AWD system provides exceptional traction, allowing for rapid launches and confident handling in various conditions. The instant torque delivery of the electric motors provides a unique driving experience, eliminating any turbo lag or gear changes. While focused on performance, the Dream Edition Performance also prioritizes ride comfort. The sophisticated suspension system effectively absorbs road imperfections, providing a smooth and refined driving experience. Compared to potential future, lower-powered Air variants, the Dream Edition Performance offers a significantly more engaging and exhilarating driving experience, justifying its premium price point.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The Dream Edition Performance came standard with a comprehensive suite of luxury features. The interior boasts premium materials, including sustainably sourced wood trim, leather upholstery, and aluminum accents. Standard equipment included a large, high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system, a digital instrument cluster, and advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) such as adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and automatic emergency braking. Optional extras included a premium audio system, rear-seat entertainment, and a wider range of interior color and material choices. The focus was on creating a luxurious and technologically advanced cabin experience.
Chassis & Braking
The Lucid Air utilizes a lightweight chassis construction, incorporating aluminum and other advanced materials to minimize weight and maximize efficiency. The suspension system features a multi-link design at the rear and a double wishbone setup at the front, providing precise handling and a comfortable ride. Ventilated disc brakes are used on all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The ABS (Anti-lock braking system) ensures stable braking performance in emergency situations. The steering system is an electric power-assisted rack and pinion, offering precise and responsive steering feel.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance received generally positive reviews from automotive critics. Praise was directed towards its exceptional performance, long range, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. Comparisons were frequently drawn to Tesla’s Model S Plaid, with the Lucid Air often being lauded for its superior build quality and more refined driving experience. However, the higher price point of the Dream Edition Performance was a point of contention for some reviewers. Fuel economy, expressed as MPGe, was impressive, exceeding many competitors in the EV segment. Reliability data is still emerging, but early reports suggest a relatively low incidence of major issues.
Legacy
The Lucid Air Dream Edition Performance established Lucid Motors as a credible player in the luxury EV market. It demonstrated the company’s ability to deliver a high-performance, long-range electric vehicle with a focus on luxury and refinement. While production of the Dream Edition was limited, it paved the way for subsequent Air models and helped to build brand awareness. On the used car market, the Dream Edition Performance commands a premium price due to its limited availability and desirable specifications. The powertrain, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable in early ownership reports, solidifying Lucid’s reputation for engineering excellence.
