Lucid Motors Gravity SUV Excites All Senses

Last year at the 2023 Los Angeles Auto Show, I spent the most time admiring the different Lucid sedans and the new Lucid Gravity SUV, making its grand debut to the public.

When I was recently invited to Lucid Motors Headquarters in Northern California, I met Andrea Soriani, Marketing, Sales, and Strategy Executive and his team. They organized a Lucid road trip for a group of automotive journalists to drive a Lucid Air or Lucid Pure for one day. Driving through majestic redwood forests down to golden Pacific Coast beaches was one of the many highlights of this multi-sensory experience.

I met with Peter Rawlinson, the CEO and CTO, and Derek Jenkins, Senior Vice President of Design and Brand, along with some of the design team. Starting in 2015, Rawlinson and his inspirational team designed their vehicles for drivers with an entrepreneurial spirit. The inspiration of their design was gathered from iconic areas in Southern and Northern California. The colors of the beauty in the Mojave Desert, Santa Cruz and Santa Monica are reflective in the colors of the exteriors and interiors of Lucid cars.

Before the drive, we were led into their upscale showroom displaying Lucid Air, Lucid Pure, Lucid Touring, Grand Touring, Grand Touring Performance and the newer super fast Sapphire model. Sophisticated elegance is how one would describe these Lucid electric vehicles. The design team’s holistic approach was mindful and focused on comfort for the driver and passengers. This is why Lucid Air is the recipient of the 2023 World Luxury Car Award. 

Standing by a Mojave theme model I learned from Jenkins, “Mojave’s inspiration in colors was taken from that magical moment that appears one minute before midnight.” 

Next we entered the UI/UX lab, an open interior box design studio. “This work environment encourages everyone to collaborate and see what looks and works well,” said Jenkins. There are 140 people on the design staff, who work with 45 engineers.

“First we sketch, then make CAB files, feature VR (Virtual Reality) for interior design and then put this design on a clay model,” said Jenkins. It’s scanned and put into the computer. “Then we lock the data down with the engineering team to prep for production,” said Jenkins. 

The Evolution of Luxury

The design team took advantage of how compact electric battery motors and the drivetrain are in an EV, offering more space for the driver and passengers inside. Jenkins said that sitting inside a Lucid feels more like sitting in the cockpit of a private jet. “Similar in size to a Tesla S-class, it’s low to the ground, sleek and coupe-like.” The front interior is designed in one color, while the rear seats are in a lighter color, offering a more lounge-like experience.

The striking blade light from the front and back design provides a minimalistic design. Digital detox lets the user eliminate all of the information on the screen, yet when needed, information can obtained with just a swipe.

The New Lucid Gravity

Also inside the design studio was the new Lucid Gravity. There is a natural elegance in the design of this SUV. It’s more sporty, slightly utilitarian and extremely innovative.

The themes for this SUV include Winter in Yosemite with fresh white snow and a stronger contrast from light and dark colors. Ojai offers natural textures and sophisticated materials inside. It’s a new era for electric Sport Utility Vehicles projecting a range of 440 miles.

What make this Lucid Gravity SUV extra special in the frunk, a blend of ‘front and trunk’. Not only is there sizable cargo space in the frunk, it’s an ideal spot to sit and enjoy a picnic while overlooking the ocean or frunk-gate party at a college football game. 

The Lucid Gravity can be ordered with soft and supple leather and non-leather for a clean and warm interior. Small hole perforated seats are decorative and provide several benefits that include better breathable, and heating or cooling options that work fast with a swipe on the screen.

This new luxury SUV offers more experiential value and wellness mindfulness for the driver and passengers to enjoy. With a single tap, the interior cabin is transformed into a personal multi-sensory wellness space. Besides an elegant combination of ambient visuals and lighting, the advanced audio, ideal temperature control, and seat massage in the front and rear seats, add to an enriched driving experiences. The natural grain of the wood in the center console is reflective of a mid-century modern coffee table. The second row seats have a fold out table for passengers devices, similar to airplane seating. One can flip the second and third rows down flush to fit a surfboard, mountain bikes, camping equipment or shopping trip to Home Depot.

DreamDrive in Lucid vehicles provides advanced drivers assistance. There are more sensors and better radar to cover all angles. The car can see what is ahead and alert the driver, before the driver can see it.

The design team also programed each car to provide wellness intentions and special occasion moments on the screen. As the driver enters the car ‘Happy birthday or Happy New Year’ appear with balloons or fireworks in the background. This thoughtfulness connects with people on a cognitive and emotional level.

Lucid Gravity is scheduled to roll out in late 2024 and will start under $80,000.

Production starts in late 2024 for Lucid Gravity, delivering an expansive, three-row, luxurious interior for up to seven adults. Lucid’s brand-new SUV platform and award-winning, proprietary electric powertrain provides an exhilarating driving experience. Pricing will start under $80,000. The Lucid Air is available now starting at $69,900.