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Arrival and Pricing
When the Lucid Air finally rolled onto Canadian roads in 2026, it did so with a quiet confidence that drew attention from city Uber drivers and curious motorists alike. The touring trim, priced at roughly 112,000 Canadian dollars, sits comfortably above the base model but still shy of the nearly 400,000‑dollar Sapphire. That price point places it squarely between the Tesla Model S and the Porsche Taycan, offering a sweet spot for buyers looking to escape a Tesla without breaking the bank.
Performance and Powertrain
The Air’s powertrain lineup is built around a simple yet effective architecture. The base model delivers 430 horsepower from a single rear‑mounted motor, while the touring trim ups the output to 620 horsepower. The Grand Touring adds a third motor for a total of 819 horsepower, and the Sapphire pushes the envelope to 1,234 horsepower—though that figure is largely theoretical given the current tire and drivetrain limits. Lucid’s use of different battery voltages—650, 700, or 900 volts—across trims allows each configuration to tap into the appropriate power band.
Battery sizes also vary: the base trim houses an 84‑kWh pack, the touring trim a 92‑kWh pack, and the top‑tier models a 117‑ or 118‑kWh pack. Real‑world tests show a consumption of about 23.6 kWh per 100 km at moderate temperatures, a respectable figure for a full‑size electric sedan. Fast charging can replenish the battery to 80 % in roughly 20 minutes, putting the Air in line with competitors like the Porsche Taycan.
Interior and Comfort
Inside, the Air feels more like a quiet luxury sedan than a flashy tech showcase. The cabin is lined with high‑quality materials—caramel‑tinted lower panels, textured wool‑like textiles, and a glass roof that floods the space with natural light. Seating options range from a standard two‑row layout to a four‑seat configuration, and a retractable rear‑seat panel offers a modest cargo pass‑through for skis or other gear.
The suspension is a conventional coil‑spring setup with independently controlled dampers that adjust compression and rebound. While not air‑suspension, the system delivers a smooth ride even on uneven roads, and the 20‑inch wheels used in the review provide a comfortable balance between handling and comfort.
Technology and Usability
Lucid’s infotainment system is a two‑screen setup that claims a 34‑inch display, but in practice it is a split screen with a 12.5‑inch lower panel for climate controls and a larger upper panel for navigation and media. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, though the projection of the mobile device’s screen can feel distant and cramped. Native navigation is functional but can be slow to update, often defaulting to the driver’s home address.
Driver‑assist features include adaptive cruise control and a basic lane‑keeping system. Upgrades to the Dream Drive or Pro suite add LAR (lane‑assist radar) and hands‑free driving capabilities, but the reviewer found the system unreliable on clear roads, failing to recognize lane markings and highway signage. Physical controls for climate and seat adjustments remain necessary due to the limited reach of the touchscreens.
Value and Market Position
For buyers eyeing the Tesla Model S, the touring trim offers a compelling alternative: it delivers comparable performance at a lower price and benefits from Lucid’s higher efficiency. However, the Air’s understated exterior and interior may disappoint those who value brand prestige or a more aggressive design language. The vehicle’s quiet, almost appliance‑like feel can be a double‑edged sword—comforting for daily use but lacking the excitement that some luxury buyers seek.
In the Canadian market, where Lucid’s rollout lagged behind the U.S., the Air’s arrival has sparked interest among journalists and consumers alike. While the car’s strengths lie in its spacious cabin, efficient battery usage, and competitive pricing, its usability quirks—particularly in the infotainment and driver‑assist systems—may temper enthusiasm for those who prioritize seamless technology integration.
Final Thoughts
The Lucid Air represents a solid entry into the premium electric sedan segment, offering a blend of performance, range, and comfort that rivals more established rivals. Its pricing strategy positions it as an attractive alternative to the Tesla Model S, especially for buyers who want a quieter, more efficient ride without the high price tag. Yet, the vehicle’s modest exterior presence and some functional shortcomings suggest that it may appeal more to practical buyers than to those seeking a bold statement on the road.