Hot Lap Video: The Lucid Air Sapphire EV Super Sedan Made Its Case at the Track
Key takeaways
- The Lucid Air Sapphire weighs more than some trucks, but the EV showed that it has real performance chops.
- Regardless of whether you like electric cars, there’s no disputing they’re quick in a straight line.
- While it would be easy if not trendy to dismiss the 5,354-pound Lucid Air Sapphire from consideration, it would also be a big mistake.
Why this matters: an automotive development that could shape industry direction or buying decisions.
The Lucid Air Sapphire weighs more than some trucks, but the EV showed that it has real performance chops.
Regardless of whether you like electric cars, there’s no disputing they’re quick in a straight line. Opinions vary after that. The Lucid Air Sapphire we tested at Chuckwalla Valley Raceway makes more torque than a heavy-duty diesel pickup truck, has a Mercedes S-Class-beating interior, and can travel more than 400 miles on a single charge. Does it have any business being on a racetrack? It doesn’t seem so, at least not on paper.
While it would be easy if not trendy to dismiss the 5,354-pound Lucid Air Sapphire from consideration, it would also be a big mistake. First of all, do you like torque? The three-motor, four-door family mauler offers more of it than, well, just about anything. Case in point, a Bugatti Chiron Super Sport makes 1,180 lb-ft. The Rivian R1S Quad makes 1,198 lb-ft, which is just beaten by a full-fat Ford Super Duty’s 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel that in its high-output configuration is good for an even 1,200. The Lucid seen here? How about 1,430 lb-ft of twisting force? It’s fully insane.