20,000 Miles In, and Issues Seem to Pass by the 2024 Lucid Air

20,000-Mile Update

When we last saw the Lucid, it had just come back from a long visit to the car spa, where it had its computer replaced because we spilled some Pepsi. Since then, life has gone on with a few more challenges and issues from our side.2024 Air Pure.

The Air's duty cycle isn't restricted to local runabouts, unlike many other EVs in our long-term fleet. The Air has traveled as far as Virginia International Raceway (VIR) for our annual Lightning Lap event, as well as to Chicago several times, Toronto, and throughout the mitten state. Several employees remain cautious about using an EV for long trips, but when skeptics do, they're consistently impressed by how minimal the inconvenience is. That isn't to say we don't encounter occasional issues with a charging infrastructure that hasn't fully matured yet. Slow charging or non-functional stations are still the most common complaints. However, conditions are improving, especially near our Midwest base, and since last year, we've had access to Tesla's broader network, provided we have the CCS-to-NACS adapter.

We've discovered that the most effective strategy for road trips is to take a break every three hours or so. This provides a cushion in case we need to look into an alternative charging plan. Even though the rear-wheel-drive Air Pure can travel 300 miles between charges on the highway, it's important to note that using the last 10 or 15 percent of its range increases the charging time (this applies to all electric vehicles).

Road warrior Jacob Kurowicki intended to return to Ann Arbor from Virginia with a single stop—not because this approach would have been faster than several shorter breaks, but rather for the thrill of the challenge. However, on the day he planned to make the trip, after a hectic week at VIR, he wasn't as careful about preparing the car or the cabin. The near-freezing morning air made the first 50 miles less efficient due to the energy used to heat the cabin. Still, a two-stop journey covering 600 miles isn't too bad.

Lucid provided a home visit for the Air's second service ($611), which covered all elements of the 12,000-mile maintenance along with a brake-fluid flush and evaluations of the air-conditioning and battery systems. The service technician also handled a few open recalls. However, one issue the technician couldn't resolve on-site was a suspension clunk that exhibited all the audible and situational signs of a faulty anti-roll-bar end-link bushing. He suggested the noise originated from the damper, so the Air was picked up and transported to a Lucid service center a few days later. After being returned exactly a week later, the suspension clunk had improved—becoming softer and less frequent—but it wasn't entirely resolved. This is something we intend to fix in the future.

When winter arrived, it highlighted the Air's most significant flaws. In auto mode, the HVAC system doesn't warm up the cabin quickly. However, switching to manual mode allows you to go from well below freezing to a comfortable 77 degrees within minutes. When the Air is left outside, its active shutters frequently get stuck due to the cold. The motors responsible for moving the aerodynamic-enhancing vents keep spinning, causing them to skip gears and produce a clicking sound similar to a metronome. This noise stops only if you park the vehicle in a heated garage long enough to thaw it out.

The cold appeared to worsen a latch that sometimes sticks. We had the hood adjusted once, but the passenger-side latch still occasionally gets caught. The cold seems to make this issue worse. If a power frunk were available on a Pure, we would consider it essential, but to get that feature, you need to upgrade to the Touring model and then choose a $3000 package.

We have also observed that the chrome-like plastic trim on the car's exterior has started to chip. This issue is present only on the front part of the vehicle, which makes us think it might be related to our driving habits—perhaps we tend to get too close to slower vehicles blocking the way. It doesn't help that this winter has been one of the worst in Michigan in recent years, with crews using what seems like an enormous amount of salt. However, none of the other long-term vehicles experience a similar level of wear. Although it's too late to apply protective film to our car, we have advised others purchasing an Air to consider it.

We typically wouldn't overlook these critiques so easily, but the Lucid is such a pleasant vehicle to drive and live with that we accept its peculiarities and make minor adjustments to fit it into our everyday routines. The reality is reflected in our car board. The Air is frequently desired for weekend use and often reserved early in the weekly hierarchy because it drives well and offers luxury, speed, and sufficient space for a family. Additionally, it features an exceptional Dolby Atmos sound system, which is a technological highlight worth exploring if you're a music enthusiast. If you aren't, Rush's "Tom Sawyer" will likely convert you.

Months in Fleet: 14 months Current Mileage: 24,303 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 97 MPGe

Battery Capacity: 88 kWh Observed Driving Range: 300 miles

Service: $982 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0

Damage and Destruction: $693

10,000-Mile Update

If there existed a television program titledWhen Things Go Awry on Costco Visits, our Lucid Air Purecould serve as the subject of an episode. It's not necessarily its own fault—well, that depends on who you ask.

The conflict began back in October. An editor took the Air for a midday trip to Costco. This is a typical situation. To start with, Costco is nearby, and there's no better value for money (except perhaps the Little Caesars Hot-n-Ready meal) than the $1.50 Costco hot dog. Additionally, the Air has a large trunk and a generous front storage compartment to accommodate all the big items one might purchase at the retail store.

The trunk isn't only long and wide; it's also deep. There is a shelf that separates the vertical area, but two deep and mostly hidden compartments are still present. (The travel charging cable is located in the middle section under the shelf.) Putting something there, like an 18-pack of free-range quail eggs, is quite common. So it's easy to see how the 20-ounce Pepsi that came with the hot dog was temporarily placed there. However, by the time the editor remembered to take the soda out of the trunk's side pocket, the cup was empty, and the area was wet. They used some recently bought microfiber towels ($20 for 36, another amazing deal) to clean up as much as possible. It wasn't the first time a liquid was spilled in a long-termer and likely won't be the last.

However, just below that side of the trunk area, it turns out there is a junction box that manages various functions. Soon after, the stereo began to cut out. Then the trunk failed to open, and the car could no longer unlock itself. Naturally, when a service technician arrived, the trunk opened and the car started functioning again (typical, isn't it?). But once the spill was discovered, we found out there was a type of fuse panel in that location. Lucid took the car to their service center and replaced the now-sticky low-voltage junction box, which cost $693, leading the person responsible to ask, "Why isn't that waterproof?"

That's been the only negative aspect so far during the Air's time with us. Well, there's a grayish haze affecting its connectivity. During the extremely cold January, the key fob stopped functioning. Luckily, we had the mobile app installed which lets you use your smartphone as a key. At first, it seems convenient to carry one less item in your daily routine, but then you realize that there's a company tracking your every movement (Lucid isn't the only one). Anyway, the keys stop working, then start working again, and then might work once more. And when we parked, the grille shutters would try to close repeatedly, making a clicking sound like a countdown timer about to explode. They were probably stuck because of a subfreezing car wash.

Likewise, the Bluetooth connection occasionally experiences interruptions. It can be annoying, but it's difficult to entirely blame the Air. After all, we have several drivers who rotate through, and the connection's stability tends to improve when unused phones are removed.

The issues with the key not functioning properly have ceased following the initial scheduled maintenance (which is required annually or every 12,000 miles), as part of the service involves replacing the batteries in the key fobs. Additional services included: new wiper blades, a tire rotation, a new cabin air filter, and a standard multipoint inspection. Another unusual item listed on the service ticket was new batteries for the lights in the sun-visor mirrors. Why aren't they connected directly? As you may remember, the vehicle was introduced with a large glass roof, so hardwiring the vanity light would have resulted in an unattractive line. Including taxes, the service totaled $371.

After Dolby released their Atmos demonstration, we quickly created a Tidal account (one of the few native apps that streams Atmos content). We pay $14 each month. If you own a vehicle with Atmos support, once you experience the sound quality, you'll consider it essential. Testing director Dave VanderWerp is particularly enthusiastic about it. "Dolby Atmos is incredibly captivating; I often spend half an hour in my driveway listening to music after arriving home," he mentions. "It brings a lot of depth and vitality to otherwise dull streaming files. Every car should have this right away."

Of course, we continue to appreciate the Air, which has won 10Best. It offers excellent handling and performance. Priced at $81,350 for the rear-wheel-drive Pure, this is one of the top value options in the luxury car segment. Its range was slightly affected (our average fuel economy decreased from 110 MPGe to 92) when using winter tires in cold conditions, but not enough to cause concern. Despite some minor issues, the Air has never left anyone stranded.

Months in Fleet: 10 months Current Mileage: 15,870 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 92 MPGe

Battery Capacity: 88 kWh Observed Driving Range: 280 miles

Service: $371 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0

Damage and Destruction: $693

Introduction

It isn't often that Car and Drivergets this excited about a base model, but the 430-hpLucid AirPure is one that warrants as much acclaim as the 1234-hp Air Sapphire. It's not necessarily about its 4.3-second sprint to 60 mph or its 419-mile EPA range—both impressive feats—but rather about the outstanding value and genuinely luxurious driving experience. Winning a10Best award for 2024almost certainly, we would ask for a long-term loaner to live with and test for 40,000 miles.

The nicely furnished cabin is peaceful and cozy in this $81,350 model, a cost we could reduce by removing the Stealth Appearance package (black exterior details, basically, for $1,750) and the Zenith Red Metallic paint ($800), although everyone agrees that the visual appeal is hard to surpass. In addition to the $71,400 starting price, we also included the DreamDrive Premium package ($2,000), mainly for the surround-view camera system rather than the ADAS features, and the Comfort & Convenience package ($2,500 for soft-close doors, power sunshades, four-zone climate control, heated rear seats, and a heated steering wheel). Since we placed our order, Lucid has made the DreamDrive Premium setup standard on the Pure, leaving the more costly DreamDrive Pro system as the only ADAS choice. However, since we really enjoy driving the Air, we don't feel like we've missed out on the Pro's more advanced hands-free highway assistance.

However, we did splurge on the $2900 audio system upgrade. The Surreal Sound Pro choice includes 21 speakers (compared to the standard nine) and introduces the first use of Dolby Atmos in a vehicle. This technology is commonly found in movie theaters and home soundbars. For those who are older, it's not the newest form of noise reduction. Atmos is a digital audio format, which requires the proper source and equipment to enjoy the immersive sound. After years of listening to compressed audio, older songs feel fresh in Atmos. Not every favorite artist offers Atmos versions, but more are being added regularly. Tidal is currently the only Atmos-compatible app available on our Lucid's entertainment system, and it costs $14 per month.

Our editors' first reaction has been very favorable, and it appears that editor-in-chief Tony Quiroga has discovered his preferred daily driver. Although the 430-hp engine isn't particularly attention-grabbing, it provides sufficient acceleration to capture passengers' focus. Some drivers took the time to point out minor issues, such as the seatbelt alarm that sounds immediately upon entering the vehicle (a result of the absence of a real start button). However, there hasn't been any criticism regarding the faux leather, indicating that it is quite realistic.

We haven't experienced too many issues with the car. It's mostly been about us adjusting to the 21st-century features, like using a smartphone as a key. This can sometimes cause some stress if, for example, your daughter decides she wants to watch every episode ofSesame Street. Smartphones require electricity to function, so it's another factor to keep in mind. The closest Lucid service center is located in south-central Michigan, approximately 90 minutes west of our Ann Arbor location. When we finally decide to take the Air in for service—or more likely a repair because we did something reckless—we will ask them to fix the frunk release. It tends to be a bit stiff and usually takes a few attempts to fully open the hood. Upgrading to the roughly $10,000 more expensive Air Touring (now the most affordable option for dual motors and all-wheel drive) includes an optional power frunk.

We've owned the Air for several months, and a recurring topic in conversations about it is how it consistently surprises editors upon subsequent experiences. Usually, there's a sense of familiarity that leads to indifference, but we remain impressed by how effectively it fulfills the luxury vehicle role: quiet, smooth, and comfortable.

Our Air hasn't gone anywhere significant so far, but its upcoming access to the Tesla Supercharger network should offer a hassle-free way to go on road trips. We have already used one Tesla DC cable with it, but it was only able to draw 48 kilowatts because its 900-volt system isn't compatible with Tesla's 400 volts. It's always an issue with electric vehicle infrastructure, isn't it?

Months in Fleet: 4 months Current Mileage: 4885 miles

Average Fuel Economy: 110 MPGe

Battery Capacity: 88.0 kWh Observed Driving Range (C/D est): 290 miles

Service: $0 Normal Wear: $0 Repair: $0

Damage and Destruction: $0

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