The Lucid Gravity’s Grand Ambition: A 2025 Deep Dive into its Brilliance and Lingering Bitterness
As we navigate the electrifying currents of 2025, the automotive landscape is awash with innovative propositions, each vying for supremacy in the burgeoning luxury EV segment. Among these, few command as much attention and spark as much debate as the Lucid Gravity. Touted as the most versatile offering from the Silicon Valley automaker, this three-row electric SUV arrived with a heavy mantle of expectation, promising to extend the groundbreaking performance and design ethos of its Air sedan sibling into a more family-friendly, utility-focused package. Having spent countless hours behind the wheel and dissecting its every facet, my decade-long immersion in cutting-edge automotive technology leaves me with a complex, often contradictory, assessment of Lucid’s latest marvel.
The Gravity, at its core, is a vehicle built for contemplation. It pushes the boundaries of what a premium electric SUV can be, forcing industry veterans and consumers alike to reassess the status quo. On one hand, it delivers a masterclass in automotive engineering and dynamic prowess; on the other, it frequently stumbles on fundamental user experience elements that, frankly, should have been ironed out years ago. This dichotomy forms the very essence of the Gravity experience – a vehicle that simultaneously inspires awe and exasperation.
The Unwelcoming Gateway: Initial User Experience Hiccups
In the competitive arena of luxury electric SUV 2025, first impressions are paramount. Unfortunately, initiating a relationship with the Lucid Gravity can often feel like an exercise in digital patience. Whether attempting to unlock the doors with the sleek key fob, the modern key card, or the seemingly indispensable mobile application, consistency remains an elusive concept. I’ve encountered instances where the vehicle stubbornly refused entry, only to inexplicably grant access moments later without any change in procedure. This isn’t a minor inconvenience; it’s a jarring first hurdle for a premium product positioning itself against rivals like the Mercedes EQS SUV or the Rivian R1S, which largely offer seamless interaction.
Once inside, the challenge merely evolves. Convincing the Gravity to “start” is another frustrating enigma. Unlike the intuitive push-button ignition or simple seat sensor activations in most modern vehicles, Lucid’s approach feels like a digital lottery. My team and I found ourselves performing a perplexing dance of pressing buttons, tapping screens, and even re-locking/unlocking the doors, all in an effort to initiate the drive. This echoes persistent complaints leveled against early iterations of the Lucid Air, our 2022 Car of the Year, where similar basic operational glitches plagued an otherwise stellar vehicle. For a brand that has had years to refine its software and user interface since the Air’s debut, these persistent foundational issues are not merely “quirks”; they represent a significant barrier to entry for consumers expecting unflappable reliability and effortless operation from their premium EV performance machine. In an era where software defines much of the automotive experience, Lucid’s initial UX falls notably short of its hardware ambitions.
A Masterclass in Packaging: Space, Design, and Practicality
Stepping beyond the initial digital hurdles, the Gravity immediately redeems itself by showcasing some of the most intelligent and versatile interior packaging in the three-row electric vehicle market. Lucid has masterfully translated the Air’s innovative “Space Concept” into a more voluminous SUV body, delivering remarkable interior volume within a surprisingly modest exterior footprint. Whether configured with two or three rows, the cabin feels airy, expansive, and genuinely comfortable for occupants of varying sizes. During our extensive testing, individuals ranging from just over five feet to nearly seven feet tall reported ample headroom, legroom, and shoulder room across all seating positions. This is a crucial distinction in the luxury electric SUV segment, where third-row usability can often be an afterthought. The Gravity makes its third row genuinely adult-friendly for shorter trips and comfortable for children on longer journeys.
Beyond passenger comfort, the Gravity’s cargo solutions are equally impressive. The generously sized frunk (front trunk) offers convenient storage for charging cables or smaller items, while a clever sub-trunk beneath the main cargo floor further expands versatility. The overall cargo volume, combined with the flexible seating arrangements, makes the Gravity a highly practical choice for families seeking a long-range electric SUV without compromising on space or utility. The materials throughout the cabin are, for the most part, exquisite – a tactile blend of sustainable fabrics, premium leathers, and artfully finished metals, reflecting the commitment to sustainable luxury cars.
However, even within this realm of brilliance, some peculiar design choices emerge. The second-row seats, while comfortable and contributing to a vast, flat load floor when folded, operate on a motorized track that feels overly complex and potentially susceptible to debris ingestion over time. The exposed componentry beneath the folded seats, while functional, detracts from the otherwise pristine aesthetic. A small, frosted glass center console lid, perfectly shaped to cradle the key fob, created an unexpected trap: if a key ring or tag was attached to the fob, closing the lid could jam it shut, requiring considerable effort to pry open. These instances highlight a recurring theme with Lucid: brilliant ideas, sometimes executed with an almost naïve disregard for real-world application, showcasing a brand still refining its holistic design philosophy.
The Interface Conundrum: A Steep Learning Curve
The modern automobile is increasingly defined by its digital interface, and the Lucid Gravity’s approach to human-machine interaction (HMI) presents a significant challenge. While the cabin boasts expansive, high-resolution screens that are visually stunning, the actual user experience is often frustratingly convoluted. The upper touchscreen, in particular, exhibits a subtle but noticeable jagged edge of pixels along its top curve – a minor aesthetic flaw perhaps, but one that jars against the vehicle’s otherwise meticulous fit and finish.
The steering wheel, with its unconventional shape, is surprisingly pleasant to hold, offering a direct and engaging connection to the vehicle. However, the dual control pads situated on the wheel introduce another usability hurdle. Their insubstantial, almost flimsy feel contrasts sharply with the sumptuous, high-quality touchpoints elsewhere in the cabin. More critically, their functionality is often ambiguous, requiring multiple taps and swipes to navigate simple menus. Lucid’s user interface, even with a few welcome physical buttons for essential functions, demands a steep learning curve. During our extensive evaluations, it wasn’t uncommon for team members to be genuinely unsure if a particular cutting-edge EV technology feature was malfunctioning or if they were simply operating it incorrectly. This lack of intuitive design is a critical weakness, especially when compared to the highly refined and user-friendly systems found in competitors like BMW’s iDrive 8.5 or Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX. For a premium product, a seamless and predictable interface isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental expectation. The potential impact on using advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) EV features, if the interface itself is confusing, also raises concerns.
Performance That Redefines the SUV Paradigm
Then, you press the accelerator, and much of the frustration momentarily evaporates. The Lucid Gravity’s sheer performance capabilities are nothing short of breathtaking, almost defying the laws of physics for a vehicle of its size and stature. Whether equipped with the “entry-level” 600-plus horsepower powertrain paired with the dual-chamber air suspension or the more potent 828-horsepower, triple-chamber setup, the Gravity drives like a high-riding, all-electric supercar. This isn’t hyperbole; it’s a testament to Lucid’s profound understanding of chassis dynamics and electric propulsion.
The vehicle’s balance, control, and immediate power delivery are exceptional. The acceleration is brutal yet refined, pinning occupants back with an exhilarating force that rivals dedicated sports cars, not high-performance electric SUV competitors. More impressively, the Gravity maintains this composure not just in a straight line, but through corners as well. The adaptive air suspension adeptly manages body roll, keeping the large SUV remarkably flat and poised even during aggressive maneuvers. It genuinely feels as though it was set up by, and for, skilled drivers who appreciate the nuanced interplay between steering input, throttle response, and chassis feedback. The ride quality is equally phenomenal, absorbing road imperfections with a supple grace that belies its sporting aspirations. Even in mundane city driving, this dynamic refinement is palpable, elevating every journey into a genuinely enjoyable experience. For those seeking exhilarating premium EV performance in a family-friendly package, the Gravity largely delivers a masterclass.
Charging Ahead: Range and Infrastructure in 2025
In 2025, the conversation around electric vehicle range anxiety solutions has matured significantly, largely thanks to advancements in battery technology and the widespread adoption of the North American Charging Standard (NACS). The Lucid Gravity, equipped with NACS, benefits from access to a rapidly expanding, reliable charging network. Like the Air, the Gravity is among the quickest-charging EVs we’ve tested, boasting impressive charging rates that significantly reduce downtime on long journeys. This capability is critical for a long-range electric SUV, enabling competitive trip times.
However, as with many electric vehicles, the Gravity’s real-world range, while excellent, tends to fall slightly short of its official EPA ratings under typical driving conditions, particularly with enthusiastic driving or in extreme temperatures. This isn’t unique to Lucid, but it’s an important consideration for consumers accustomed to ICE vehicle fuel economy figures. The good news is that with the rapidly expanding EV charging infrastructure North America now offers, courtesy of NACS and strategic investments, finding a high-speed charger for a quick top-up is becoming increasingly seamless. Lucid’s proprietary battery technology and efficient powertrain design still place the Gravity firmly at the top tier for efficiency and charging speed within the luxury SUV segment, making long-distance travel a viable and convenient proposition for its owners.
Lucid’s Trajectory: Ambition Versus Execution
As we finalized our assessment, the Lucid Gravity sparked as much passionate debate among our expert panel as any vehicle this year. On one side, there was unequivocal praise for its phenomenal hardware – the stunning design, the ingenious packaging, and the mind-bending performance. On the other, equally strong criticism was levied against its software shortcomings and usability quirks. The core of the argument centered on a fundamental principle: for a vehicle this ambitious, this expensive, and this forward-thinking, it must excel not just in one area, but in all.
The Gravity represents a bold theoretical vision of the future of luxury mobility, where electric power meets supercar dynamics and unparalleled interior space. Yet, these heady theoretical aspirations are frequently undermined by practical applications that betray a lack of polish and attention to fundamental user interaction. We previously offered a degree of leniency to the Lucid Air for its early market entry and what felt like a “prototype” status. But after four years of development since the Air’s launch, and with months on the market by 2025, the Gravity simply cannot be afforded the same grace. It faces a much more mature and competitive landscape, with established players and agile startups raising the bar for seamless integration and reliability.
Lucid has undeniably crafted a masterpiece in aluminum, steel, and lithium – a testament to brilliant engineering and design. Had they invested the same meticulous attention and resources into their software and user interface development, the Gravity might very well have achieved the breakout victory its predecessor secured. It is a shining example of what happens when hardware innovation races ahead of software maturity, creating a product that is both astonishing and aggravating in equal measure.
The Lucid Gravity is a complex, often frustrating, yet undeniably brilliant machine. It demands your attention, not just for what it achieves, but for the stark lessons it offers the wider automotive industry about the critical interplay between engineering prowess and user-centric design. It’s a vision of the future, but one that occasionally trips over its own shoelaces.
Embark on Your Own Electric Journey:
Curious to experience the polarizing brilliance of the Lucid Gravity for yourself? We invite you to explore the latest models, delve into comprehensive specifications, and connect with a Lucid Motors representative to schedule a personalized test drive. Discover if its supercar performance and luxurious comfort outweigh its digital growing pains, and decide if the Gravity aligns with your vision for the ultimate luxury electric SUV 2025.
