The 2026 Lucid Gravity Touring: A Strong Act 2
The Lucid Gravity Touring is a compelling electric SUV that builds upon the success of its predecessor, the Lucid Air. With a starting price of around $82,000, it offers a range of features that make it stand out in the market. In this review, I'll delve into the key aspects of the Gravity Touring, exploring its performance, design, and overall driving experience.
Performance and Handling
One of the most striking features of the Gravity Touring is its powerful performance. With a combined output of 560 hp and 811 lb-ft of torque, it easily outpaces most SUVs in its class. The two-motor setup, with one motor under the frunk and a main rear motor, delivers impressive acceleration and handling. While the Grand Touring model boasts even more power, the Touring remains quicker than many of its competitors. The optional three-chamber air suspension strikes a balance between ride comfort and body roll control, making the Gravity Touring a pleasure to drive.
Charging and Range
The Gravity Touring's charging performance is one of its defining strengths. It can reach a 95% state of charge in just 31 minutes, and Lucid claims it can add up to 200 miles on an 11-minute charge. During my testing, I averaged 3.3 miles/kWh in suburban and city driving, and 3.8 miles/kWh on steady-speed highways. This is comparable to the EPA estimate, and most owners are unlikely to feel shortchanged. The Gravity's NACS port and compatibility with Tesla Superchargers make charging convenient and efficient.
Design and Interior
The Gravity Touring's design is one of its strongest assets. The proportions are coherent, and the surfaces are aerodynamic without looking experimental. The illuminated front fascia, full-width lighting elements, and expansive glass roof create a modern aesthetic that feels premium. The interior design is clean and almost Scandinavian, with the driver's environment dominated by Lucid's Clearview Cockpit. The 34-inch curved 6K OLED display and 12.6-inch central touchscreen provide a sophisticated and information-rich experience without feeling overwhelming.
Cargo and Third-Row Seating
The Gravity Touring offers ample cargo space, with 56 cubic feet behind the second row and 112 cubic feet with the seats folded and slid forward. This is comparable to the Ford Expedition, and the third-row seating can accommodate an adult with ease. However, there are some execution issues, such as the cheap-feeling cargo area's removable carpeted panels and the awkward folding and erecting of the third-row seats.
Software and Audio
The Gravity Touring's software execution is excellent. Smartphone integration is quick and simple, and the test vehicle showed minimal latency when playing music from my phone. The 800 W Surreal Sound Pro system, with 22 speakers, delivers superb audio quality. While I'm not a fan of elaborate signal processing, the Gravity's system didn't feel alien, and I could disable it when I wanted.
Overall Impression
The Lucid Gravity Touring is a strong act 2 for the company, offering a compelling electric SUV that undercuts the top-shelf Grand Touring by about $20,000 while preserving nearly everything that makes the Gravity compelling. It gives up some battery capacity and a measure of outright performance, but retains the exceptional packaging, charging capability, and the balance of ride quality, comfort, refinement, and design. As a great second act for a new company, it builds anticipation for Lucid's mid-size act 3.
In my opinion, the Gravity Touring is a strong contender in the electric SUV market, offering a blend of performance, design, and technology that is hard to beat. It's a vehicle that I would recommend to anyone looking for a powerful, efficient, and stylish electric SUV.
